11The Perfect Summer Day Trip from Buffalo & Erie Starts at Johnson Estate Winery

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The Perfect Summer Day Trip from Buffalo NY & Erie PA | Johnson Estate Winery in Western New York

Ladies at FLIGHT

Looking for the perfect summer escape without the long drive or high travel costs? Nestled in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, Johnson Estate Winery offers an unforgettable vineyard experience just one hour from Buffalo, NY and only 35 minutes from Erie, PA. 

With rising gas prices and busy schedules, more people are discovering the beauty of staying local. Johnson Estate is the perfect Western New York destination for a relaxing day trip filled with wine, scenic views, live music, and authentic vineyard experiences. 

FLIGHT | Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience in Lake Erie Wine Country

Summer at Johnson Estate mean the return of FLIGHT, our seasonal outdoor wine and charcuterie tasting experience overlooking more than 100 acres of vineyards.  

Whether you’re catching up with friends, planning a date day, or simply unwinding after a long week, FLIGHT offers the perfect atmosphere to sip local estate wines while enjoying breathtaking vineyard views. Pair your favorite wines with handcrafter charcuterie boards and settle into one of the most scenic spots in Western New York Wine Country. 

If you’ve been searching for outdoor wineries near Buffalo or unique experiences near Erie, PA, FLIGHT belongs on your summer bucket list. 

FLIGHT Summer Hours

Memorial Day Weekend – June: 

Friday – Sunday 11-5pm 

July & August:

Wednesday 11-5pm
Thursday 11-8pm (Live Music 6-8)
Friday 11-8pm 
Saturday 11-8pm 
Sunday 11-5pm

FLIGHT MENU

Historic Western New York Tasting Room

Johnson Estate Winery is New York State’s oldest estate winery, and our historic tasting room invites guests to experience generations of winemaking tradition. 

Enjoy guided wine tastings featuring award winning wines crafter from estate grown grapes right here along the Lake Erie shoreline. From crisp whites to bold reds and seasonal favorites, there’s something for every palate. 

Our knowledgeable staff loves sharing the story behind every bottle, making each visit both educational and approachable for wine lovers of all experience levels. 

Tasting Room Summer Hours

Open every day 10:00am – 6:00pm

TASTING MENU

Weekend Guided Vineyard Walks with Wine and Charcuterie in Western New York

Looking for a slower paced way to experience wine country this summer? Join third generation owner Fred Johnson Saturday and Sunday mornings for a guided vineyard walk through the estate. 

These relaxing tours give guests the opportunity to explore our vineyards with Fred while learning about grape growing, estate history, and our unique climate that shapes our wines. Each tour is concluded at FLIGHT with a glass of wine and charcuterie, making it the perfect way to ease into a summer weekend in Western New York. 

Whether you’re visiting from Buffalo, Erie, or right here in Chautauqua County, our guided vineyard walks offer a refreshing way to connect with the land, wines, and beauty of the season. 

For guests looking for a deeper dive into the vineyard experience, our special “What’s Terroir?” immersive walking tour is hosted by Fred and Winemaker Jeff and includes multiple courses of food and wine pairings in the vineyards. 

What's Terroir? Lake Erie Wine Country is Unique

You may hear winemakers use the word “Terroir,” but what does it actually mean? 

Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, elevation, and geography that influences how grapes grow and how wine tastes. Here in the Lake Erie Wine Country, the lake itself plays a major role in creating ideal growing conditions for grapes. 

The moderating effect of Lake Erie helps extend the growing season, allowing grapes to develop balanced acidity and rich flavors that make this region truly special. 

At Johnson Estate, terroir is more than a wine term. It’s part of every sip. Our wines reflect the character of Western New York and the unique landscape that has supported grape growing here for generations. 

This summer, guests will have the opportunity to experience that connection firsthand during our “What’s Terroir?” Immersive Estate Walking Tour & Vineyard Tasting. Offered three times throughout the summer, beginning June 23rd with additional dates in July and August, this guided event invites guests to walk the vineyards, explore the estate, and discover how our soil, climate, and proximity to Lake Erie shape every bottle we produce as you sample 8-9 wines paired with curated small bites. 

What's Terroir Dates

Live Music at Johnson Estate Winery

Nothing says summer quite like live music surrounded by vineyards. 

Join us Thursday evenings throughout the summer for live music, wine, and relaxing sunset views. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend early with friends, or out of town visitors exploring the region. 

Grab a glass of wine, enjoy the fresh air, and experience why so many guests make Johnson Estate part of their summer tradition year after year. 

Live Music Schedule

Plan Your Summer Day Trip in Johnson Estate Winery from Buffalo NY and Erie PA

You don’t need to travel far to experience something extraordinary. 

Conveniently located in Westfield, NY, Johnson Estate Winery is an easy and scenic drive from Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, and surrounding Western New York communities. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous afternoon getaway, a relaxing weekend outing, or entertaining visiting friends and family, Johnson Estate offers a true taste of Lake Erie Wine Country close to home. 

While you’re here, be sure to explore some of our award winning estate grown wines, including our celebrated sparkling collection and internationally recognized ice wines. Guests can enjoy favorites like our handcrafted Sparkling Traminette, known for its bright tropical aromas and award winning traditional Methode champenoise craftmanship. 

For wine lovers seeking something truly rare, Johnson Estate is also home to the Sparkling Rose Ice Wine, recognized as North America’s only Methode Champenoise Ice Wine. Crafted from estate grown Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin grapes, this extraordinary wine delivers elegant mousse like bubbles with notes of strawberry, raisin, honey, and cherry. 

From vineyard views and live music to historic winemaking traditions and one of the most unique sparkling wines in America, summer at Johnson Estate Winery is an experience worth discovering. 

Come sip, relax, and experience the flavors of Western New York this summer. 

Connect

8419 West Main Rd. (Route 20)
Westfield, NY 14787
Map & Directions

Hours

March – October
10am-6pm Daily

November – February
10am-5pm Sunday-Thursday
10am-6pm Friday & Saturday

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter

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