Guide to the Best Wineries to Visit in Lake Erie During 2024

By | Food, Wine, and Travel Writers
Last Updated: July 9, 2024
Aerial view of Lake Erie wine country in Pennsylvania

Lake Erie Wine Country, a gem located on the shore of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania and New York, is a sight to behold. Spanning 50 miles along the scenic shoreline, the wine trail is home to 23 wineries, many of which offer stunning lake views. The region also boasts small, charming towns that invite visitors to slow down and savor the moment. From Harbor Creek, Pennsylvania, to Silver Creek, New York, each winery along the trail has its own unique, undeniable charm, making it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Erie, Pennsylvania, a city built alongside Lake Erie, serves as the perfect starting point for your journey into the coastal wineries. Our guide will lead you to 12 wineries that are a must-visit to truly experience the essence of the Lake Erie Wine Country.

Wines of Lake Erie

Couple enjoying a bottle of wine in Lake Erie wine country
Image courtesy Visit Erie.

The Lake Erie AVA is one of the largest, cool-climate regions east of the Rocky Mountains. Although Concord, a native varietal, is the most planted grape, it is mostly used for jams, jellies, and juice. However, several vinifera plantings include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. In addition, prominent French American hybrid plantings, including Bacco Noir, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc, grow here.

While the lake effect and terroir lend a distinct character to the wines, each vintage carries its own unique flavor due to weather variations. One common characteristic of Lake Erie wines is their marked acidity, a result of the region’s short growing season. However, the winemakers in this region are not just skilled; they are masters of their craft. They expertly balance the acidity, particularly in the early maturing grape varietals, ensuring a delightful and well-rounded wine experience.

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The History

The Lake Erie wine region, a product of the Ice Age, was shaped by receding glaciers that carved out deep passageways and left behind bodies of water and well-drained soil. Indigenous vines thrived in this area, and early immigrants introduced crossbred and hybrid varieties in the 1880s. However, the region soon became a political stronghold for America’s temperance movement, culminating in the Prohibition Era in the 1920s and early 1930s.

In the meantime, the vinifera revolution of the 1950s and 1960s in the nearby Finger Lakes began to pique the interest of grape farmers in the Lake Erie region. Jelly and Juice (not wine) production continued until the Pennsylvania Limited Winery Act allowed farmers to produce and sell up to 50,000 gallons of wine to the public annually. This breathed new life into the Lake Erie wine industry, creating one of the largest AVAs in the United States. Subsequently, additional legislation increased the production limit, encouraging more wineries and wine production.

RELATED: Here’s How to Go Wine Tasting in Pennsylvania This Year

Travel Logistics

Lake Erie Wine County is easily accessible from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Toronto, Canada, is just 3.5 hours away, and Washington D.C. is 5.5 hours away.

Follow the Great Lakes Seaway Trail from nearby states, a 518-mile scenic byway. This drive starts at the border of Pennsylvania and Ohio and winds along Lake Erie through upstate New York.

The city of Erie, Pennsylvania, is the gateway to Lake Erie Wine Country. It is located at the intersection of Interstates 79 and 90.

Dan Kern, an Erie native, owns restaurants Bar Ronin and Lucero in his hometown. He says, “Erie is a great starting spot for visiting Lake Erie Wine Country. We have lots of hotels and lakefront lodging. We are especially popular in the summer months and fall months during harvest.”

If you’re traveling by train, Erie is serviced by the Amtrak railroad station inside downtown Erie’s historic Union Station. Erie is also serviced by Greyhound Bus Lines.

If you’re traveling by air, Erie International Airport lies just five miles southeast of Erie. Nearby airports of Pittsburg, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Toronto offer convenient alternatives. You can get updates on flight deals as they arise with Kayak.

You can even bring your boat to Lake Erie. Wolverine Park Marina offers space for short stays.

There are several bus lines in Erie and a weekend trolley; however, renting a car offers the ideal mode of transportation.

Visit Erie and Mazza Wines

Wine Tours in Lake Erie and Unique Tasting Experiences

Although it’s easy to drive around this wine region, if you’re looking for a guided experience within it, Rupp Limo offers exclusive wine, ale, and distillery tours.

Courtyard Winery in North East offers guided tours for a more intimate winery experience such as Meet the Winemaker and Picnic in the Vineyard (seasonal and weather-permitting).

The Best Wineries to Visit in Lake Erie This Year

Mazza Family Wineries

The Mazza Family has been making wine in the Lake Erie AVA since 1972, when brothers Bob and Frank Mazza incorporated Mazza Vineyards. Blaine Ballard, Brand Ambassador for Mazza Wines, says, “Mazza Wineries was one of the first of three wineries to take advantage of the law change in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Limited Winery Act of 1968 allowed farmers to produce and sell wine and even open tasting rooms on their property.” Ballard says, “They started making Germanic wines and some vinifera fruit in the early 70s, which was almost unheard of in the Lake Erie region.” Pioneers in the Lake Erie wine industry, the Mazza family continued to be influential in promoting it by supporting additional legislative changes to the 1968 Act.

The family started with a single vineyard and now owns three wineries, a brewery, a distillery, and a handful of wine shops. Here are three wineries and a brewery/distillery where visitors can taste Mazza wine, beer, and spirits and enjoy the Mazza brand of hospitality.

South Shore Wine Company

1120 Freeport Road, North East, PA

(814) 725-1585

What Guests Like About It: Historic stone cellar and sparkling wine

South Shore Wine Company aerial
rustic tasting room at South Shore Wine Company
Featured above: Aerial view of the South Shore Wine Company location, along with their 1860s-style stone cavern tasting room. Images courtesy Mazza Vineyards.

South Shore Wine Company is best known for its 1860s-style stone cavern tasting room. This is one of Chef Dan’s favorite wineries. He says, “They have this beautiful historic cellar. We’ve hosted a dinner series there a couple of times. We call it Kitchen in the Cavern, and it’s quite popular.”

The winery specializes in sparkling wine, including sparkling Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. The Inner Circle Collection, a series of still wines, features lesser-known varieties, including Traminette, Zweigelt, Lemberger, and Carmine. South Shores’ Dolce Collection offers eight choices for sweet wine lovers, including cranberry wine, blueberry wine, and honey mead.

tasting wine in the vineyard in Lake Erie from South Shore Wine Company.
Tasting a crisp white wine in the vineyard in Lake Erie from South Shore Wine Company. Image courtesy Greig Santos-Buch.

It is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:30 p.m. Hours change seasonally. The tasting fee is $7.00 per person.

Mazza Vineyards

11815 E. Lake Road (Rt. 5), North East, PA

(814) 725-8695

What Guests Like About It: The location on Lake Erie, and choice of wine styles

Mazza Vineyards, the Mazza Family’s flagship winery, was founded in 1972 by brothers Bob and Frank Mazza. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, the estate reflects a Mediterranean style. It serves as a nod to the family’s Italian roots.

The winery produces four distinct collections. The Tribute Collection features classic varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and more. The La Famiglia Collection reflects a limited series of European-style wines. The Bare Bones Wine Collection is just that – four no-frills, easy-drinking, affordable, popular wines. And finally, the Vineyard Country Collection features six sweeter wines from some of the region’s signature grape varieties.

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Open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours change seasonally. The tasting fee is $7.00 per person.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars

8398 W. Main St. (Rt. 20) Westfield, NY

(716) 793-9463

What Guests Like Best About It: The combination winery, distillery, and brewery

A glimpse of what you can expect when visiting Chautauqua Cellars. An expansive outdoor patio, great small bites, beers, spirits, lawn games and impromptu live music. Images courtesy Mazza Vineyards.

Chautauqua Cellars is the Mazza Family’s third winery in Lake Erie Wine Country. It shares a home with the operations’ distillery and brewery, making it New York State’s first combination winery, distillery, and brewery. During warmer months, its spacious patio offers shaded seating surrounded by an expansive green lawn. There is a firepit outside in cooler months and plenty of indoor seating.

The wines at this location feature refined European and native varietals that thrive in the region. The featured wines include Chardonnay, Riesling from the winery’s Nutt Road Vineyard, and Merlot. The Traveler Collection includes Vignoles, Lemberger, and even a Shiraz imported from South Australia. The Patio Collection is a fun-seeking trio that showcases the Lake Erie region’s sweeter, fruitier varietals.

It is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours change seasonally. The tasting fee is $7.00 per person. Guests also have the option of tasting spirits.

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing

8398 W. Main St. (Rt. 20) Westfield, NY

(716) 793-9463

What Guests Like Best About It: Award winning spirits

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing is New York’s first combination winery, distillery, and brewery. It features a large selection of beers on tap, barrel aged spirits, and cocktails. The Five and 20 Spirits Straight Bourbon received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast and is listed as one of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Spirits of 2022. Whether you prefer rye whiskey, bourbon, or limoncello, their extensive list of spirits offers something for everyone’s taste.

Its beers range in flavor from light and refreshing to rich and complex, using a small-batch approach. For something unique, try one of the several beers that are aged in rum, rye whiskey, or bourbon barrels.

Indoor seating and an expansive patio and grassy area offer plenty of space for guests and lawn games. A limited number of picnic tables are available.

Cheese, deli meats, and a small selection of snacks are available for purchase. During the warmer months, food trucks and vendor pop ups provide food on site. Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open year-round with extended hours during July and August.

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6 Mile Wine Cellars

5727 Firman Road, Erie PA

(814) 580-8375

What Guests Like Best About It: Wine education

Conveniently located at the “West Gate” of the Lake Erie Wine Trail, 6 Mile Cellars is another favorite of Chef Dan. He says, “I really like this winery because they’re focused on educating their customers about wine. They even employ two wine servers who are certified WSET Level 2.”

6 Mile Cellars produces small batches of high-quality wines from local vineyards in the Lake Erie AVA. Their wide offering of wines ranges from Gewurztraminer to semi-sweet Moscato to their best-seller Derby Red, a sweet, jammy Concord/Fredonia blend. 6 Mile Cellars also produces crisp, complex, “not too sweet” ciders from local Pennsylvania orchards.

The tasting room is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Wine/cider flights include four choices and cost $10 per person.

Arrowhead Wine Cellars

12073 E. Main Road, North East PA

(814) 725-5509

What Guests Like Best About It: The wines and the gift shop

With three generations of experience, this family-owned winery has become a local favorite and an international success. Now, its wines are available in several satellite locations and restaurants around the region. Its gift shop is one of the region’s largest winery gift shops and features unique gifts from around the world.

Arrowhead offers 32 varieties and uses the finest European, Native, and hybrid grapes, most of which are grown on its property. Customer favorites include the Franc ‘n Berry, Midnight Proposal, Port Wine, and Fredonia.

The tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The fee for five wines is $5.00.

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Arundel Cellars and Brewing Company

11727 E. Main Street, North East PA

(814) 725-1079

What Guests Like Best About It: Live music indoors on Friday and Sunday, a wide variety of wines and craft beers on tap

This place has it all! It serves beer and wine and has an on-site restaurant with a picnic area. This pet-friendly winery offers live music twice a week. The award-winning wines keep guests returning to Arundel’s large red barn for special events or relaxing on the spacious patio with a beer or wine.

The winery produces classics, including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, some blends, and sweet wines. The Rosé is a customer favorite. All the wines sport playful names like Wild Child, Sweet Kiss, and Gandy Dancer.

Arundel is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. A tasting flight includes four wines for $6.00 or a full flight of four wines for $12.00.

Lakeview Wine Cellars

8440 Singer Road, North East PA

(814) 725-4440

What Guests Like About It: Stunning views of the lake and the unique tasting room

This boutique winery, a retirement dream for Sam and Becky Best, opened in May 2008. Lakeview Wine Cellars features an eco-friendly environment, including a wine bottle-shaped pond that acts as a geothermal heat source. It also offers stunning views of Lake Erie. The gorgeous tasting bar, built by a friend of the couple, features a large display of sand from all over the world. Sam says, “We take pride in educating our customers about wine and grapes grown in the area. We also have stunning views of Lake Erie and invite customers to bring a picnic lunch.”

This winery, another favorite for Chef Dan, specializes in oak-aged wines fermented in Pennsylvania barrels. All wines are made from local vineyards. Lakeview produces blends and classics, including Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay and Riesling. Its popular wines change often and sell out quickly.

The tasting room is open Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check Facebook for announcements. The tasting fee is $1.00 per sample (1 oz) and $2.00 per sample for port-style wine.

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Johnson Estate Winery

8419 W. Main Street, Westfield NY

(716) 326-2191

What Guests Like About It: Wine and cheese pairings, the historic agricultural building

Johnson Estate Winery is New York state’s oldest estate or farm winery. Established in 1961, this family-owned winery, with 110 acres of vineyards, produces wines from thirteen varieties of grapes. The tasting room is housed in the farm’s one-hundred-year-old agricultural building.

The winery produces a comprehensive menu of 44 wines ranging from dry classics to sweet wines. During warmer months, the winery offers wine tasting paired with cheese and charcuterie in its outdoor tasting venue. Weekend Morning Vineyard Walks are a relaxing opportunity to explore rows of grapevines planted with 13 varieties of grapes.

Open March through October daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; November through February, Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The tasting fee is $5.00 per person for a five-sample flight.

Liberty Vineyards and Winery

2861 US Route 20, Sheridan NY

(716) 672-4520

What Guests Like About It: Themed tastings are fun and informative

This family-owned and operated winery has been growing grapes for nearly 150 years and making wine for about as long. 14 varieties of grapes are grown on the 93-acre farm. The winery offers various wine-tasting options at different price levels, from $5.00 to $75.00 for a 2-hour gazebo package featuring chips and salsa and a charcuterie board.

Liberty produces several reds, whites, rosés, and specialty wines. They include classic wines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, as well as blends and sweet wines. The wide selection is bound to please everyone’s palate.

During peak season (April through December), the tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. January through March, the tasting room is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The tasting fee is $5.00 per person for five wines.

Merritt Estate

2264 King Road, Forestville, NY

(716) 965-4800

What Guests Like About It: Winery has a large selection of wines at affordable prices, friendly and informative staff

Family-owned and operated for over 45 years, this Chautauqua County winery was one of the first wineries established in New York after the passage of the Farm Winery Act of 1976. The winery offers free tours of its facilities and vineyards and specializes in sponsoring large events and weddings. It also has a “slush bus” that travels across the state, serving its original Sangria wine slush and XTC wine slush.

The winery produces classic wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, but it’s probably best known for its “fun” wines, such as Sangria, Peach Fuzz, and Peach Splash.

Open April through December, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, 12:00–6:00 p.m. January through March, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 12:00–5:00 p.m. Taste any five wines for $5.00.

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Noble Winery

8630 Hardscrabble Road, Westfield, NY

(716) 326-9463

What Guests Like About It: Stunning views from the hilltop location

The winery’s hilltop location provides a spectacular view of vineyards and Lake Erie. The tasting room provides comfortable seating inside by the fireplace and outdoors on its covered patio. Noble Winery allows guests to bring food for a picnic and offers a cheese and meat selection. It’s also dog-friendly!

This 189-acre farm and winery offers tastings of award-winning wines seven days a week. “Sexy sangrias” and house-made slushies are customer favorites. Noble also produces classic wines, including Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Open Monday through Thursday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The tasting fee is $5.00 per person for four wines.

Willow Creek Winery

2627 Chapin Road, Silver Creek NY

(716) 934-9463

What Guests Like About It: Specialty chocolate wines, the stunning views

One of New York’s finest farm wineries, Willow Creek Winery is situated on a historic 1800s rustic farm with a picturesque setting of willow trees, an elegant gazebo, and a pond with stunning views of the beautiful grapevines. Guests love hanging out in the winery’s relaxing tasting room.

It produces nearly 20 wines ranging from dry reds and whites, blends, sweet wines, and Willow’ Creek’s famous specialty chocolate wines.

It is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The tasting fee is $4.00 for four wines.

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Where to Eat

Two45

55 East Bay Drive, Erie PA

(814) 454-2005

Two45 Waterfront Grille features dining overlooking the serene waters of Lake Erie. It offers upscale traditional American cuisine focused on seafood and coastal fare. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bar Ronin

948 W Erie Plaza Dr, Erie PA

(814) 920-4100

Bar Ronin is a contemporary Japanese Izakaya or informal Japanese bar that serves shareable plates and craft cocktails. Its sleek, Japanese-inspired interior is visually pleasing and adds to the restaurant’s cool vibe. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.

Lucero

940 W. Erie Plaza, Erie PA

(814) 969-7009

Lucero, Chef Dan’s newest restaurant next door to Bar Ronin, features Spanish tapas. This little 50-seat restaurant offers more casual service, with shareable plates arriving at the table as they’re ready. The casual comfort of Spanish food paired with Spanish wines sets the scene for a relaxed meal with friends and family. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Thursday through Saturday for lunch.

Skunk and Goat Tavern

17 W. Main Street, North East PA

(814) 347-9078

Skunk and Goat Tavern in North East earned the Open Table Diner’s Choice in 2023. This warm, cheery tavern features craft brews, prohibition-era cocktails, and eclectic dishes. Its location in the town square makes it a convenient dining spot for those staying over in North East, PA. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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Brazill’s on Main

7 E. Main Street, Westfield NY

(716) 326-2203

Brazill’s on Main offers fine and casual dining in a restaurant with old-world décor. The menu includes small plates, sandwiches, and salads, as well as main entrees such as grilled pork chop, scallops, butternut squash ravioli, steaks, and more. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Friday through Saturday for lunch.

The Parkview

3 E. Main Street, Westfield NY

(716) 326-3600

Parkview favorites include chicken pot pie, Reuben sandwich, Cuban sandwich, and grilled cheese. The menu also includes a wide variety of salads, flat bread pizza, and hot sandwiches. It is open daily for lunch and serves brunch on Sunday.

Where to Stay

Lakeview on the Lake

8696 E Lake Rd, Erie PA

Enjoying a glass of wine with a beautiful view of Lake Erie at Lakeview on the Lake hotel. On the right, you can see a staircase that leads down to the lakeshore itself. Images courtesy Greig Santos-Buch.

For a serene escape with stunning lake views and easy access to Pennsylvania’s wine country, Lakeview on the Lake is the perfect destination. We just stayed here last year during harvest season and it was perfectly convenient and the views exceeded our expectations. Lakeview on the Lake is located just 10 miles east of Erie on the Lake Erie shoreline. This 4-star hotel offers a variety of accommodations, from mini-cottages to suites, all surrounded by the tranquility of vineyards and the comfort of an eight-acre property. Book your stay today.

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

55 West Bay Drive, Erie PA

Enjoy waterfront luxury at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. Scenic waterfront views, an onsite restaurant, an indoor pool, and nearby attractions make this an ideal hotel in Erie’s Marina District.

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront

2 Sassafras Pier, Erie PA

Situated on the Sassafras Pier, the Courtyard by Marriott overlooks Lake Erie’s Presque Isle Bay. The Bistro and Shoreline Bar and Grille are open every day. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor infinity pool and, of course, stunning waterfront views.

Grape Arbor B & B

51 E. Main Street, North East PA

Enjoy a four-course gourmet breakfast at this Victorian manor in downtown North East, PA. It consists of two buildings built in 1832 and 1835 and eight suites decorated in vintage furnishings. Browse prices and book for your travel dates here.

Hideaway Bay Resort

42 Lake Avenue, Silver Creek NY

Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, this luxury beach resort is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. The resort features 10 two-bedroom villas with luxury amenities. Book your stay today.

Other Things to Do in Lake Erie Wine Country

While the wineries are one of the area’s biggest draws, Lake Erie certainly offers other worthwhile stops and activities.

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park
Image courtesy Visit Erie.

When visiting Erie, PA, be sure to visit the gorgeous Presque Isle State Park. It features a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities.

Erie Maritime Museum

Erie Maritime Museum is the home port of the US Brig Niagara. The museum features exhibits on Erie’s maritime history and the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie.

Lady Kate Boat Tour

For visitors who want to get out on the lake and explore Presque Isle State Park, the 65-foot Lady Kate offers a 14-mile, 90-minute tour with guided narration.

Presque Isle Lighthouse

Lighthouse lovers will want to visit the Presque Isle Lighthouse to learn about its rich maritime history. Formerly a private residence for park staff, this public building is open for visitors.

Erie County’s Covered Bridges

Erie County is home to two historic bridges. Waterford Covered Bridge is located just outside of Waterford Township. Harrington Covered Bridge sits on the opposite end of the county, about 45 minutes away.

Lake Erie Ale Trail

Beer lovers will want to explore the Lake Erie Ale Trail. The trail features 17 breweries within 40 miles of downtown Erie, PA.

Grape Discovery Center

Learn more about the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Area at the Grape Discovery Center. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or grape juice at the Tasting Bar, explore interactive displays, and shop for crafts from local artisans. Admission to the center is free.

What to Pack

When visiting Lake Erie Wine Country, it is important to pack appropriately for the weather conditions. Visitors should pack light, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen for daytime visits during the summer and a hat to protect themselves from the sun. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are also essential. In the evenings, the temperature drops, and visitors should pack a light sweater or jacket to keep themselves warm.

During the winter months, visitors should pack layers of clothing to stay warm during the chilly mornings and evenings. Warm jackets, scarves, and gloves are also recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are still essential.

It is important to note that Lake Erie Wine Country is a casual destination, and there is no need to dress formally. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing during their visit, particularly when visiting the wineries and cellar doors.

Peruse the Winetraveler Shop for some of our trending casual vineyard-hopping apparel that is ideal for exploring the vineyards and indulging in the region’s famous wines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries

How can I visit Lake Erie Wine Country wineries?

Planning a trip to Lake Erie wineries promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country (See Travel Logistics in this guide). Just a stone’s throw away from Erie, Pennsylvania, the region beckons with its sprawling vineyards, friendly tasting rooms, and views of Lake Erie. Breathtaking vistas, sumptuous local gourmet delights, and the charm of winemaking traditions make Lake Erie Wine Country a paradise for wine lovers. Whether you choose a guided tour or explore at your own pace, the region’s welcoming ambiance guarantees a taste of Lake Erie’s unique viticultural heritage.

How many tasting rooms does Lake Erie have?

Lake Erie Wine Country is home to 23 wineries. This includes a mix of well-established names with international recognition and boutique wineries.


Featured image courtesy Visit Erie

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  1. This is an incredibly well written article. Greatly appreciate the detail and research that has gone into its publication. Well done

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