About Us

A Family Place, Rooted Along Lake Erie

Johnson Estate began as a fruit farm more than a century ago, on the banks of Freelings Creek in Westfield, New York. What started with one family’s determination has grown into New York’s oldest continuously operating estate winery — a place where vineyards, history, and hospitality have always belonged together.

Here, wine is more than what we make. It’s how we carry forward a way of life shaped by land, service, community, and care.

Winery Timeline

Long before there was a winery, there was a farm — and a belief that this land could become something lasting.

1900
1881 Farmhouse
Chapter One: The Farm Begins

The Johnson story starts with Frederick Johnson — an English orphan who immigrated to North America as a teenager and eventually found his way to Cornell University. In 1908, he purchased a farmhouse and land in Westfield and began planting orchards and Concord vineyards, naming it Sunnyslope Fruit Farm.

The Tasting Room’s First Life

In 1920, Frederick built an apple cold storage facility using timber from an old dairy barn. Today, that same building is home to our historic tasting room — a reminder that Johnson Estate has always been shaped by both tradition and ingenuity.

Chapter Two: A Pioneer Returns

The second generation, Frederick Spencer Johnson, grew up on the farm and served as a naval aviator during World War II. After graduating from Cornell, he spent years working overseas in agricultural development before returning home in 1960.

What he did next would change the region.

In a landscape dominated by Concord and juice grapes, Frederick Spencer became one of the first growers in Western New York to plant French-hybrid wine grapes — a bold move that helped pave the way for fine winemaking along Lake Erie.

In 1961, he officially founded Johnson Estate Winery, receiving New York Farm Winery License No. 2.

Chapter Three: Stewardship Today

In 1998, the third generation — Frederick Jr., Elizabeth, and Anthony — inherited the estate and began guiding it into its next chapter. New vineyards were planted, new wines were introduced, and the winery continued to grow while remaining firmly family-owned.

In 2010, Frederick Johnson Jr. and his wife Jennifer became owners of the farm and winery. Together, they restored the tasting room in time for the winery’s 50th anniversary and continue to build on the estate’s traditions with care and intention.

In 2018, Johnson Estate was recognized as a Century Farm by the New York State Agricultural Society — a designation that reflects both longevity and stewardship.

A Story You Can Taste

Johnson Estate grows more than a dozen grape varieties across 115 acres of vineyards, including Concord and Niagara from the earliest days, French hybrids planted by the founder, and vinifera classics like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.

One of our favorite ways to experience the estate’s history is through a “Three Generation Flight” — wines that reflect the past, present, and future of this place.

Plan Your Visit

Welcome to the Estate

Today, Johnson Estate remains what it has always been: a family place shaped by purpose, hospitality, and the quiet belief that wine is meant to bring people together. We’d love to share it with you.

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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

© Copyright 2026 Johnson Estate Winery
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