Exploring Lake Erie Wineries: 7 Reasons You Need To Visit This Underrated Wine Trail

These Lake Erie wineries feature phenomenal Concord grapes plus tons of amazing travel experiences.

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Visiting Lake Erie wineries means you'll see a lot of these grapes: Concords! Photo by Krista Bennett on Unsplash

It’s the largest wine region in North America east of the Rocky Mountains, but only the most devoted wine lovers have heard of Lake Erie Wine Country. On all but the busiest weekend afternoons in the summertime, it may feel like you’ve got the roads entirely to yourself as you explore the Lake Erie wineries. Too bad for everyone else because this is a spectacular area and the wines are just the tip of the iceberg for what the area has to offer. Between the natural attractions and great restaurants, there’s enough to keep road trippers busy for a long weekend - and maybe even a bit longer. If you aren’t familiar with the area, you can expect this from a visit to Lake Erie Wine Country. 

Where Is Lake Erie Wine Country?

Lake Erie Wine Country is located on the northeast shore of Lake Erie, in New York and Pennsylvania, between Erie and Buffalo. The Lake Erie Wine Trail is approximately 53 miles long, from the easternmost winery, Merritt Estate, to the westernmost winery, 6 Mile Cellars.

When Should You Visit Lake Erie Wine Country?

Late summer and early fall are the optimal time to visit, as two of the most significant area festivals occur then. The annual America’s Grape Country Wine Festival happens at the Chautauqua Fairgrounds in Dunkirk during the first week of August. However, the area is a year-round tourist destination; spring and autumn are particularly pretty times to visit.

Why Visit?

There Are About Two Dozen Lake Erie Wineries To Choose From

Photo from the 21 Brix Winery Facebook page.

Some of the notable names include 21 Brix Winery, which was named as one of the 100 most influential winemakers in the United States and is easily identified by the jaunty pink elephant outside. Heritage Wine Cellars is a great place to try Concord grape wine and pear, blackberry, and elderberry. Penn Shore Vineyards is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and most prominent vineyards and offers live music on Saturdays in July and August. The premises of the Quincy Cellars consist of a historic restored barn, a stone wine cellar, an open-air pavilion, a deck, and a dock on the pond. And Yori Wine Cellars grows 15 varieties of grapes on their home farms. ​

Concord Grapes Are Tops

Photo by Gavyn Alejandro on Unsplash

The Lake Erie region is home to the world’s oldest and largest Concord grape-growing region. The Concord grape variety was first developed in 1849, but the first grape seedlings were initially brought to the area in 1818. Concord grape juice production established the area’s reputation as an agricultural leader in 1897 when Dr. Thomas Welch founded the area’s first production facility. If you haven’t tried a wine from Concord grapes before, you’re in for a surprise. It’s sweet, bright, and bursting with flavour. ​

There’s A Lot Of Wine Variety

Don't like Concords? That's okay! The Lake Erie Wine Country wineries produce four categories of wine: fruity, native Labruscas wines (Concords are a Vitis labrusca species), French-American wines, European Vinifera, and specialty wines (including ice wine and dessert wine). There are 30,000 acres of grape vineyards spread out across the Lake Erie wineries so, chances are, you'll fin something you love.

There’s A Lot More To Drink Than Wine

Photo from Presque Isle Wine Cellars Facebook page.

Still not convinced you want to drink the wine? Along the trail are microbreweries, hard fruit ciders, spirit distilleries, and even wine drinks like slushies! For instance, Arundel Cellars and Brewing Company serves hard cider from their orchards. Sensory Winery and Art Gallery brew their beer in the 7 Sins Brewery. The Johnson Estate Winery makes 30 wines from the grapes growing on their 115 acres, but it also has port, sherry, and ice wines, plus a “Spirit of NY” bar with over 20 local bourbons, whiskeys, gins, and vodkas. At Presque Isle Wine Cellars, you can sample spirits, wine slushies, and local wine.

There’s 20,000 Years Of Perfection In The Soil

You know how I know there's something for everyone here? The quality of everything is second to none. Despite its northern location, Lake Erie’s shoreline is perfect for growing grapes and a wide range of agricultural products. Approximately 20,000 years ago, glaciers receded and left behind loamy soil and a protective ridge to create the ideal mild microclimate for growing grapes. Agriculture is booming here, with a tremendous farm-to-table food scene and excellent wines.

The Grape Discovery Center Is A Must-Visit Spot

Photo from the Grape Discovery Center's Facebook page.

No matter what route you take through Lake Erie’s Wine Country, the Grape Discovery Center is a must-see destination. It’s the official visitor’s centre for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt. The building includes a small museum showcasing the history of grape growing in the area, wine and juice tasting, and a long list of Concord grape products. There are jams, jellies, salad dressings, pie filling, candies, and even salsa for sale! The Grape Discovery Center is also an epicentre of special events - both wine-related and not - and frequently hosts different activities. (Pro tip: If you see a sheet cake commemorating a special occasion, there’s a good bet that it’s filled with Concord grape jelly or pie filling, not frosting!)

Lake Erie Wine Trail Road Trip Tips

Wineries and attractions along the Lake Erie Wine Country are well-mapped. Traffic is generally light, save for some busy weekend afternoons in July and August, and parking is ample. You can pick up a copy of the Lake Erie Wine Trail map and guide at any winery or tourist attraction. 

Look for the green Lake Erie Wine Country trail signs around the region to help guide your way. Note that the trail used to be called the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, and you might still see this name used on occasion. Sadly, there are no companies offering guided Lake Erie wine tours anymore so roadtripping is the only way to see everything.

Most wineries are open year-round, seven days a week. However, it’s a good idea to double-check opening hours during holidays and the middle of winter just to be safe. All wineries are free to visit, but most charge a modest fee for tastings, starting at $1 per person per sample. There is usually a package if you want to buy several samples at once, and most wineries return a portion of your tasting fee if you purchase a bottle of wine.

Places To Stay Along The Lake Erie Wine Trail

The Athenaeum Hotel and Heirloom Restaurant: Perfect for history lovers, this elegant hotel is located on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution and features waterfront dining. 

Sherman’s Inn on Main Bed and Breakfast: With just three rooms, this cosy, old-fashioned bed and breakfast in an 1840s farmhouse offers personal attention.

Candlelight Lodge Bed and Breakfast: This 1851 mansion is designed for romance and has antiques. It has seven rooms, which can be reserved like a traditional inn or as a vacation rental property.

Brick House Bed and Breakfast: This handsome building, dating to 1840, has a sauna, evening bonfires, and fantastic full breakfasts and offers guests lots of personalized attention.


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