Wineries

Tour the Lake Erie Grape Belt’s more than 30,000 vineyard acres along a 50-mile Lake Erie wine trail, including 23 wineries known collectively as Lake Erie Wine Country in Chautauqua County and neighboring Pennsylvania.

Growers in Chautauqua County produce approximately 65% of New York State’s total annual grape harvest, which is then used in products sold in more than 35 countries around the globe.

Concord grapes (best known for the production of jelly, jams, juices, and, yes - wines) have made their mark on the region for generations. In fact, Chautauqua County is the largest U.S. grape-cultivating region east of the Rockies and the largest global Concord growing region. Niagara grapes, another of the Labrusca variety, are also plentiful in the Lake Erie Grape Belt. Did you know that Welch's has deep roots in Chautauqua County? Welch's original plant in Westfield dates back to 1897, and there's still a juice storage and processing facility in the town today. Learn more at the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield, NY.

While Labrusca grapes like Concord and Niagara make up much of the harvest, French-American and European varietals perfect for fine wines thrive here and make the Lake Erie wine trail worth a visit for a wine connoisseur or traveler interested in great tastes, lasting memories, and unbelievable views. The local wine selection spans the taste palette from dry to sweet, including award-winning dessert and ice wine, pinot noir and grigio, Riesling, port, and more.

Year-round events like vineyard walks, farm-to-table pairing dinners, wine clubs, wine and cheese, wine and chocolate, and harvest celebration weekends offer multiple reasons to return. *Parties of 6 or more are asked to kindly make reservations with each winery they wish to visit in advance of their tour. Looking for information on craft breweries and distilleries? Start here.