By Kate Bartlett
The Lake Erie Wine Country again invites guests to enjoy autumn, paired with wine and hors d’oeuvres, at one of the many participating wineries in Chautauqua County on two weekends, November 7-9 and November 14-16. Enjoy authentic, handcrafted wines paired with food samplings at each of the 21 member wineries, each with its own unique ambiance, character and wine-making style.
Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Erie, lies 53 miles of unique wineries and gorgeous vineyards waiting to be experienced. The Lake Erie Wine Region is unique in that it covers 2 states with a unique growing season environment for wine. The location near Lake Erie grants a longer fall and a later spring, making the grapes harvested here exclusive to the region. The region is the largest concord grape producer in New York State, producing about 2/3 of the state’s grapes overall.
Lake Erie Wine Country is located in the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies. It extends roughly 50 miles along the shore of Lake Erie, from Silver Creek, NY (Chautauqua County) to Harborcreek, PA (Erie County) and is home to over 20 wineries. These wineries produce an abundant and diverse list of wines from very dry to sweet, from classic Riesling and Pinot Noir to fruity American, from port and sherry to world-class ice wine.
Lake Erie Wine Country Harvest Weekends started 16 years ago to encourage visitors to visit the region in celebration of the harvest season. “Our wineries are very proud of their harvest and happy to spend time with guests,” says Lauri Lewis, Marketing assistant for Lake Erie Wine Country. “We hear from people that travel from Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, and Buffalo, NY as an event they come to year after year.”
Tickets include a food and wine sample pairing at each winery, additional wine tasting, online access to all recipes at the tastings, and a $10 voucher to use at participating wineries. Two-day and three-day options are available, and designated drivers may participate free of charge (includes food samples and non-alcoholic drinks). The event runs Friday 12-5, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-4.
The first harvest weekend will be held November 7-9, with the second weekend November 14-16. “Harvest Celebration Weekends is our annual event to celebrate our bountiful grape growing season,” says Lauri. “It is our most attended event of the year. Last year, we sold over 1,130 presale tickets, and we’re expecting another great turnout this year.”
Upon purchase, guests select a host winery (there are 7 Host wineries to choose), to pick up tickets and begin their tour. From there, guests provide their own transportation and create their own itinerary, visiting any participating winery in any order. This year, Lake Erie Wine County has created a Mocktail Ticket, for designated drivers or other guests not consuming alcohol. This ticket costs $20 and provides a unique, specialty crafted mocktail at every winery, as well as the food pairing.
roughly 50 miles along the shore of Lake Erie,
from Silver Creek, NY (Chautauqua County) to Harborcreek,
PA (Erie County) and is home to over 20
wineries.
Participating wineries for both weekends include: 6 Mile Cellars, 21 Brix Winery, Arrowhead, Arundel, Cellar 54, Courtyard, Driftwood, Heritage Wine Cellars, Johnson Estate Winery, KingView Meadhouse & Winery, Lakeview Wine Cellars, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Mazza Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, Mazza Vineyards, Noble Winery, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, South Shore Wine Company, Sparkling Ponds Winery, Willow Creek Winery, and Yori Wine Cellars & Brewing.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/ and follow on social media for upcoming events throughout the year.