Every bottle of wine tells a story. At Johnson Estate Winery, some stories go far beyond the vineyard.
Torpedo Red is more than a red wine. It is a tribute to courage, sacrifice, family, and service. The story behind this special wine begins with Johnson Estate Winery founder Frederick Spencer Johnson, a World War II Navy torpedo bomber pilot whose experiences in service helped shape the legacy of one of New York’s oldest estate wineries.
Today, Torpedo Red honors that legacy while celebrating the generations of family, veterans, and community members who have helped shape Johnson Estate Winery since its founding in 1961.
Before he became a pioneer of estate winemaking in Western New York, Frederick Spencer Johnson answered the call to serve his country during World War II.
A native of Westfield, New York, Fred served as a Navy torpedo bomber pilot during the war, flying missions in the Pacific Theater. His aircraft carried the insignia of his squadron, a dragon carrying a torpedo, an image that would later become the inspiration behind the Torpedo Red label.
After returning home from military service, Fred brought that same determination, discipline, and dedication to his family farm. In 1961, he founded Johnson Estate Winery, planting the roots for what would become New York’s oldest estate winery.
The same land that supported his family for generations became the foundation for a new chapter in New York agriculture, growing grapes, producing wine, and creating a legacy that continues today.
The inspiration for Torpedo Red comes directly from Fred Johnson’s military history and the legacy of service that continues through the Johnson family today.
The label was designed by Fred’s son, Spencer Johnson, a United States Navy active duty Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer, in honor of his grandfather, Frederick Spencer Johnson, the founder of Johnson Estate Winery.
The dragon carrying a torpedo featured on the label was the insignia of WWII Navy Squadron Torpedo Three, the squadron that flew from the USS Yorktown between 1943 and 1945. The silhouette of the aircraft featured on the label represents the TBM Avenger, a torpedo bomber designed by Grumman Aircraft and built by General Motors. The aircraft was built to carry a 2,000-pound aerial torpedo during combat missions.
On November 11, 1944, then Lieutenant (junior grade) Frederick S. Johnson, age 23, flew one of those missions during World War II. His actions during the Pacific Theater earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded by Admiral John S. McCain, the grandfather of former U.S. Senator John McCain.
For Spencer Johnson, creating the Torpedo Red label was a way to honor his grandfather’s courage and preserve a story of service that has been passed down through generations.
That connection to service continues today. As a U.S. Navy EOD officer, Spencer has carried forward the Johnson family tradition of dedication and sacrifice. In honor of that legacy, Johnson Estate Winery proudly supports the EOD Warrior Foundation, helping provide assistance and resources to EOD warriors, veterans, and their families.
What started as a symbol of one man’s service has become a lasting tribute shared through every bottle of Torpedo Red, honoring veterans of the past while supporting those who continue to serve today.
The story of Torpedo Red does not end with Fred Johnson.
Generations of the Johnson family have continued to honor his legacy through winemaking, farming, and their own dedication to service. The connection between family, agriculture, and military history remains an important part of what makes Johnson Estate Winery unique.
For the Johnson family, wine has always been about more than what is in the bottle. It is about preserving memories, honoring traditions, and sharing stories that connect generations.
Torpedo Red represents that connection, from a WWII pilot returning home to build a family winery, to future generations continuing that mission today.
Torpedo Red is a smooth, almost-dry red wine crafted at Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York, along the shores of Lake Erie Wine Country.
This unique blend combines estate-grown Chancellor and Pinot Noir grapes, creating a balanced red wine with rich fruit character and a smooth finish.
Torpedo Red is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, making it a favorite among guests looking for a distinctive New York red wine with a meaningful story behind it.
The unique connection between Johnson Estate Winery, Frederick Spencer Johnson’s military service, and Torpedo Red has attracted attention beyond the winery.
The story of how a WWII veteran returned home and built a family winery that continues to operate today has been featured by regional media, highlighting the lasting impact of Fred Johnson’s service and the family legacy behind Johnson Estate Winery.
Every bottle of Torpedo Red represents a piece of Johnson Estate Winery history.
It is a story of service, family, agriculture, and perseverance. It is a reminder that some of the greatest legacies begin with a single decision to serve something greater than yourself.
Visit Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York, and experience Torpedo Red for yourself. Raise a glass to the generations who came before, those who serve today, and the stories that continue to bring people together.
Torpedo Red is a veteran tribute red wine produced by Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York. It honors winery founder Frederick Spencer Johnson and his WWII military service. Frederick Spencer Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for single-handedly torpedoing and sinking a Japanese destroyer on November 11th, 1944.
The name and label design are inspired by Frederick Spencer Johnson’s service as a Navy torpedo bomber pilot during World War II. During the war, our winery founder flew a TBM Avenger, designed by Grumman Aircraft and built by General Motors. The plane was armed with a 2,000 pound aeriel torpedo.
Torpedo Red is crafted from estate-grown Chancellor and Pinot Noir grapes. Chancellor was Frederick S. Johnson’s favorite wine, notably one of the vintages that were the most challenging for him to grow, but his favorite to enjoy.
Torpedo Red is typically released as a special tribute wine around Veteran’s day. Availability varies by vintage, click here to order.
8419 West Main Rd. (Route 20)
Westfield, NY 14787
Map & Directions
March – October
10am-6pm Daily
November – February
10am-5pm Sunday-Thursday
10am-6pm Friday & Saturday
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter
