By Darlene Brace
Chautauqua County is part of the Lake Erie Wine Trail, also known as Lake Erie Wine Country. This region stretches approximately 50 miles from Silver Creek, NY, west to the Pennsylvania border and beyond. It features over 20 wineries nestled in America’s largest grape-growing region outside California. The area is part of the broader Lake Erie American Viticultural Area (AVA), which is renowned for its unique climate and rich viticulture. Visitors can enjoy historic wine-tasting experiences while exploring quaint towns and scenic vineyards.
Cheese Sandwich Event” as part of their Gourmet Foodie Series. This event will
take place from 11am-6pm, January 16th-19th. Throughout the long weekend
event, guests are invited to enjoy a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwich
options, ranging from the classic grilled cheese, buffalo chicken, bruschetta,
and more. Sandwiches will be accompanied by a choice of creamy tomato or
wedding soup. Orders can be placed for dine-in or to-go.
Wine tasting along this trail has become a very popular activity, often selected for bachelorette parties and other private gatherings. While many of these events take place from late spring through summer and into fall, wine tasting events happen throughout the year in this region. Next weekend beginning, Friday, January 16, 2026, two exciting winter wine tasting events will be held in Forestville and Fredonia.
Merritt Estate “Gourmet Foodie Series”
One of these winter wine tasting events is taking place at Merritt Winery, located at 2264 King Road in Forestville. Merritt Winery will be hosting a “Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich Event” as part of their Gourmet Foodie Series. This event will take place from 11am-6pm, January 16th-19th. Throughout the long weekend event, guests are invited to enjoy a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwich options, ranging from the classic grilled cheese, buffalo chicken, bruschetta, and more. Sandwiches will be accompanied by a choice of creamy tomato or wedding soup. Orders can be placed for dine-in or to-go.
While you are there, the staff can recommend wine pairings to complement your gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Wine tasting is always available, and their store is stocked with wine available for purchase by the glass or the bottle. In addition, a selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Festivals Fredonia “An Evening of Ice Wine”
of Ice Wine”. This event will take place on
January 16th from 5-9pm at two locations
in Fredonia, The White Inn and Coughlan’s
Pub, featuring locally made ice wines from
Mazza Vineyards, Johnson Estate Winery
(pictured), and 21 Brix Winery.
About seven miles southwest, there will be an exciting new wine pairing event hosted by Festivals Fredonia called “An Evening of Ice Wine.” This event will take place on January 16th from 5-9pm at two locations in Fredonia, featuring delicious locally made ice wines from Mazza Vineyards, Johnson Estate Winery, and 21 Brix Winery. The White Inn, located at 52 East Main Street, will offer a full three-course dinner prepared by Chef Devin Jones. Along with your meal, you will enjoy an in-house made dessert paired with ice wines.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, consider visiting Coughlan’s Pub at 37 West Main Street. Local chefs Matt Pantano, Andrew Smith, and Phil McMullen will be preparing small bites for the occasion. In addition to your selections of ice wines, you can enjoy artisan desserts crafted by Chai’s Chocolates & Gifts, Butterlow Café & Patisserie, and Om Nohm Gluten-Free Bakery.
Larry Fiorella, the president of Festivals Fredonia remarked, “An Evening of Ice Wine” is a celebration of regional excellence. From our wineries and chefs to our dessert artisans, this event showcases the incredible talent and flavors found right here in Western New York.” For pricing and more information about this event, visit festivalsfredoniany.org.