Wine enthusiasts and fans of scenic views will not want to miss out on a visit to Johnson Estate Winery, New York State’s oldest estate winery. The historic winery was established in 1961 and has created over 40 award-winning wines. Best of all, this must-visit destination for wine lovers is only 20 minutes drive from the door of Maple Springs Lake Side Inn!
New York state is home to six major wine growing regions and ours is, of course, the Lake Erie Region. The Lake Erie AVA is a historic and diverse wine-producing region. It’s also the largest AVA east of the Rocky Mountains. It extends along Lake Erie’s southern shore, stretching from New York, through Pennsylvania, and into Ohio.
Wine grapes were first cultivated here during the early nineteenth century but Prohibition sorely damaged the industry. While the recovery has been slow, the area is now home to more than 20 wineries with over 40,000 vineyard acres.
Johnson Estate Winery is the oldest, continually operated estate winery in the Lake Erie Region and New York State. It was established in 1961 and is now owned by a third generation of Johnsons.
The winery’s 115 acres of vineyards grow a variety of grapes, creating a diverse selection of wines that include Riesling, Concord, port, sherry, ice wines, and more. Further, visitors to the winery can enjoy tastes, tapas, scenic views, and fun special events.
Visiting Johnson Estate Winery
Johnson Estate Winery is located at 8419 US Route 20 West in Westfield, NY, an easy, 20 minute drive from our Chautauqua Lake bed and breakfast.
Head to the winery tasting room upon your arrival. Here, knowledgeable staff will guide you through a variety of wines. As you sip, you’ll learn about the winemaking process and the unique qualities of the Lake Erie wine region. The winery’s cozy atmosphere and historic charm add to the experience.
Samples include everything from dry whites and bold reds to dessert wines, such as Late Harvest Riesling or their signature Ice Wine. In fact, Johnson Estate’s Ice Wine is one of the highlights of visiting the winery. This unique wine is made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine. The process creates a rich, sweet wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and is perfect end to the tasting session.
After your tasting, step outside and take in breathtaking views of the vineyard. Rows of grapevines stretch across the landscape, framed by the distant waters of Lake Erie. If you’re lucky enough to visit in fall, brilliant autumn colors further enhance the scene. Fantastic!
A trip to Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, NY, is a delightful way to explore Lake Erie’s wine country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just a casual enthusiast, a visit to Johnson Estate is both refreshing and memorable.
Visit www.johnsonwinery.com to learn more. You can also find Johnson Estate on Facebook.
What things would you like to do or see during your Chautauqua Lake getaway? Let us know! We’d love yo help you make the most of your time at Maple Springs Lake Side Inn. See you soon!