By Abbey Flaherty
21 Brix Winery is a sought-after destination, centrally located along the Lake Erie wine trail. Providing a relaxing and scenic environment for locals and visitors, it is the perfect place to sit back and relax, sip on wine and enjoy some fabulous paired foods crafted by head chef, Dave Winchell. The farm (Olde Chautauqua Farm) and winery has been family owned and operated for three generations and they are the largest grape growers in the region with over 29 varieties of grapes. Earning over 400 medals including 50 Double Golds and Best of Class distinctions for their award-winning wines, 21 Brix Winery is recognized locally and nationally for their impressive achievements.
The owner, Kris Kane, however did not always plan to operate a winery. Originally a Biology/Pre-Med major at Canisius College, he studied to be a chiropractor. Having had previous experience working on the farm with his family, during his college years he would come back from school during the winter to help on the family farm. It was during this time that he realized that his true passion was to use his background in Biology to grow grapes and produce delicious wines. He approached his parents, Mike and Marion Jordan, about his visions who greatly supported this change of path in his career. He followed his dream and gained extensive experience as a winemaker at both the Presque Isle Wine Cellars in North East, Pennsylvania and at the Stuart Wine Company outside of Melbourne, Australia.
Being recognized for his craft, he decided it was time to open the winery using this gained experience. In 2009 plans were underway to create the 21 Brix Winery and In September of 2011, the winery was officially able to open. Since then, the winery has been making award winning wines and Kris himself has been named as one of the Top 100 influential Winemakers in the United States. Since its opening, the winery has expanded to host special occasions such as wedding, baby and bridal showers. In addition, they have created highly attended monthly events. The Beats for Brix is one of these monthly events that they are most proud of which is a concert series that takes place the last Saturday of each month featuring local musicians and during the beautiful summer months takes place amongst the scenic outdoors. This June they are excited to unveil their newly created space for events which will combine the charm on the winery with a modernized and cutting-edge ambience. For a full listing of their events you can go to: www.21brix.com.
Come and enjoy the beauty and fun experience at 21 Brix Winery located at: 6654 West Main Road, Portland, New York 14769. For more information call (716) 792-2749.