Pairing
Difficulty
Easy
Cook Time
1.5 Hours
Rich and aromatic, this sauce is excellent with crispy baguettes. Pair with Founders’ Red, Pinot Noir, or other dry red wine.
Disjoint, wash and dry the chicken.
Sauté salt pork or bacon, onions, carrot, shallots, and garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Remove the vegetables or push aside to brown the chicken in the fat.
Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan. Add flour, parsley, and herbs to the pan and stir in the red wine. Add the chicken back in and let it simmer covered over low heat (or covered and in the oven at 325ºF) until done; about one hour. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional five minutes.
Serve on a hot platter with the sauce. Liberally sprinkle with additional chopped parsley.
Looking for fall activities in Western New York? There is something special about fall at Johnson Estate Winery. Located in Westfield, NY, in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, our vineyard offers a chance to experience the changing season with wine, harvest activities, vineyard walks, outdoor relaxation, and beautiful fall scenery.
Fall is an especially beautiful time to visit a winery in Western New York, when harvest, changing leaves, and cooler temperatures create a completely different experience than summer.
As the seasons begin to change, the vineyard takes on a different character. Grapes ripen across the estate, harvest gets underway, the air begins to cool, and the landscape slowly transforms from the greens of summer into the colors of autumn.
Whether you want to explore the vineyard, pick grapes right from the vine, enjoy a glass of wine outdoors, or simply take in the fall scenery, there are plenty of ways to experience autumn at Johnson Estate.
Fall brings a different energy to Johnson Estate Winery. The vineyard is active with harvest, the winery is preparing for another vintage, and the landscape begins its transition from summer into autumn.
As an estate winery, harvest is an important part of what we do. The grapes grown here will become the wines we enjoy in the seasons ahead, making a visit during harvest a chance to see a working winery at one of its busiest and most exciting times of year.
Throughout the fall, you can watch the vineyard change as harvest progresses and enjoy the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of wine country during this special time of year.
And if you want to get a little closer to the harvest, our Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk lets you step into the vineyard and experience it for yourself.
Our Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk offers another way to experience the vineyard during harvest season.
With 13 grape varieties growing across the estate, the vineyard is constantly changing as different grapes reach ripeness. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter varieties such as Chambourcin, Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir, Chancellor, or Vidal Blanc, giving you a chance to see and experience some of the grapes that are part of Johnson Estate’s estate wine program.
The experience changes from week to week as harvest moves through the vineyard, making an early fall visit different from one later in the season.
After your vineyard walk, relax with a glass of Red Ipocras blended with local apple cider, included with your experience.
If you’d rather enjoy the vineyard at a slower pace, our Mulled Wine & Vineyard Walk offers a relaxing way to experience the changing season.
Take a self-guided walk through the vineyard with a warm glass of Red Ipocras blended with local apple cider. In September, experience the sights and smells of harvest as grapes ripen and the vineyard comes alive with activity. As the season progresses, the landscape begins to change, bringing the colors and crispness of fall to the vineyard.
It’s a chance to slow down, take a walk, and enjoy the vineyard at your own pace.
Fall is one of the best times to explore Western New York. From changing leaves and outdoor walks to local wineries, farms, and seasonal experiences, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
At Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, you can make a fall afternoon of it. Explore the vineyard, pick grapes during harvest, take a self-guided vineyard walk, enjoy a glass of wine outside at FLIGHT, or settle into the Tasting Room and discover a new favorite wine.
Located in Chautauqua County, Johnson Estate Winery is an easy fall destination for visitors from Buffalo, Erie, and throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. A visit offers a chance to combine wine country with the beauty of the changing season
Looking for family-friendly fall activities or things to do with kids in Western New York? A day at Johnson Estate is a great way to get outside and enjoy the changing season together.
Children are welcome to explore the vineyard, discover the different grapes growing throughout the estate, and experience the sights and sounds of harvest season. Children are free with the purchase of an adult ticket for our vineyard experiences, making it an easy addition to a family fall day trip.
There is plenty of room to walk, explore, and enjoy the outdoors, whether your family chooses to pick grapes, take a vineyard walk, or simply spend time enjoying the scenery.
Fall adventures are better when the whole family can come along, including the four-legged members.
Johnson Estate is dog-friendly, and well-mannered dogs are welcome to join you as you enjoy the vineyard. Dogs must remain on a leash and under their owner’s control while on the property.
Take a walk through the vineyard, enjoy the crisp fall air, and make a day of exploring Lake Erie Wine Country together.
Fall doesn’t mean the end of outdoor wine country.
FLIGHT, our outdoor tasting experience at Johnson Estate, is a great place to settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the vineyard surroundings.
On a crisp fall afternoon, grab a seat, enjoy a glass or flight of wine, and take some time to simply relax outside. Pair your wine with a charcuterie board and enjoy the scenery as the season begins to change around you.
FLIGHT is open Friday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM until Columbus Day, giving you another reason to make a fall weekend trip to the winery.
If the weather is a little too cool for sitting outside, the Johnson Estate Tasting Room is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
With a selection of 33 estate-grown wines and other favorites to explore, fall is a great time to stop in, sample something new, and find a wine to take home.
Whether you’ve been visiting Johnson Estate for years or are discovering us for the first time, the Tasting Room is a comfortable place to spend part of a fall afternoon.
One of the best parts of visiting the vineyard in fall is watching the landscape change.
Early in the season, the vineyard is still full of summer’s green, with grapes ripening throughout the property and harvest beginning. As the weeks go by, the landscape gradually takes on warmer autumn colors.
The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, ripening grapes, and activity of harvest all become part of the experience.
You might visit in September and see grapes being harvested, then return in October to find the vineyard transformed by fall foliage.
That’s part of what makes autumn in wine country so enjoyable. The season is always changing.
Looking for fall activities near Buffalo or Erie, PA? Johnson Estate Winery makes a great destination for a fall day trip from Buffalo, Erie, and communities throughout Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.
Spend the afternoon exploring the vineyard, picking grapes, enjoying a glass of wine, or simply taking in the scenery. You can make your visit as active or as relaxed as you like.
For families, couples, friends, wine lovers, and anyone looking for a reason to get outside and enjoy the season, fall offers a unique way to experience Johnson Estate.
From the first grapes of harvest to the last colorful leaves of autumn, fall brings a special energy to Johnson Estate Winery.
Come explore the vineyard. Pick some grapes. Take a walk. Enjoy a glass of wine outside at FLIGHT. Settle into the Tasting Room. Watch the landscape change around you.
However you choose to spend your afternoon, come experience fall in the vineyard at Johnson Estate Winery.
There’s something special about experiencing grape harvest season firsthand. This fall, you can go beyond simply watching the harvest and pick grapes right from the vine at Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York. Our Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk gives visitors a hands-on way to experience harvest season in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country.
Instead of simply watching grapes being harvested, imagine walking through the vineyard, finding ripe clusters, cutting them right from the vine, and taking them home with you.
Every fall, our vineyard becomes a busy and exciting place as we harvest grapes that will eventually become wine. As an estate winery, we grow the grapes right here on our farm that are used in our estate wines. With over 100 acres of grapes growing across the property, harvest season brings something new to discover throughout the vineyard.
Our Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk gives you the opportunity to explore the vineyard at your own pace, pick ripe grapes directly from the vines, and take them home to enjoy.
You’ll receive a grape-picking basket, vineyard trail map, and pruners to borrow so you have everything you need to explore the vineyard and carefully cut grape bunches from the vines.
One of the fun parts of visiting during harvest season is that the vineyard changes from week to week.
With 13 different grape varieties growing at Johnson Estate, there is always something new to discover. You may find American classics like Concord and Niagara, along with other varieties grown on our estate such as Seyval Blanc and Ives. Different grapes ripen at different times, so the varieties available for picking will depend on the date of your visit and what is ripe and ready that day.
You may discover a familiar favorite or find yourself tasting a grape you’ve never experienced before. Ever wonder which grape is behind your favorite Johnson Estate wine? This is your chance to taste some of the grapes that go into the wines you enjoy and experience them in a whole new way, right from the vine. Each variety has its own color, flavor, and character, making your walk through the vineyard a chance to explore the diversity of grapes we grow right here on our farm.
If you’ve never picked grapes before, it’s a surprisingly simple and enjoyable experience.
You’ll receive your picking basket, vineyard map, and a pair of pruners to borrow for cutting the grape bunches from the vine. Follow the map through the vineyard, look for the grapes that are ready, and pick them directly from the vines. On the back of the map is a chart that recommends which varieties are likely to be ready based on the date of your visit.
Not sure if a grape is ready? Look for grapes that have developed their characteristic color, taste one, and see if it has the sweetness and flavor you enjoy. Since our 13 varieties ripen at different times, you may find some grapes ready to pick while others are still developing.
There’s no need to rush. This is a self-guided vineyard experience, so you can take your time, enjoy the scenery, and experience the vineyard at your own pace.
And unlike a traditional vineyard tour, you get to leave with a little piece of the harvest.
Grape picking is a fun way to get outside and experience something a little different this fall.
Kids are welcome to join the experience and explore the vineyard with you. They can see the grapes growing on the vines, learn about the different varieties, and experience what harvest season is like on a working farm and estate winery.
Kids are free to participate, and we’ll provide a cup of cider for them to enjoy. It’s a simple way to spend part of a fall afternoon together while enjoying the vineyard and the changing season.
Fall vineyard walks are better with your four-legged companion.
Well-mannered dogs are welcome to join you as you explore the vineyard. Dogs must remain on a leash and under their owner’s control throughout the experience.
After exploring the vineyard and picking your grapes, come back and warm up with a glass of warmed Red Ipocras blended with local apple cider, included with your Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk experience.
It’s the perfect way to finish a fall afternoon at the winery.
Looking for a unique fall activity near Buffalo? Johnson Estate Winery is located in Westfield, New York, in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country.
If you’re looking for fall things to do in Western New York, a visit to Johnson Estate during harvest season is a chance to combine a vineyard experience, outdoor walk, grape picking, and a taste of Lake Erie Wine Country.
Our location makes the winery an easy destination for a fall day trip from Buffalo, Erie, and communities throughout Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.
A visit during harvest season gives you the opportunity to experience the vineyard when it is at its busiest, with grapes ripening throughout the property and the landscape beginning to take on the colors of fall.
Our Grape Picking & Vineyard Walk is available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM during the fall season.
$25 per person | Wine Club Members $20
Your experience includes:
Simply arrive anytime between 11 AM and 4 PM on the date of your ticket, check in, receive your basket, pruners, and vineyard map, and head out to explore.
Because grape ripeness changes throughout the harvest season, the varieties available for picking will vary by date.
Come pick, stroll, sip, and experience harvest season at Johnson Estate Winery.
Difficulty
Easy
Cook Time
3 Hours
Beat sugar, butter, and extract until creamy and then add flour and almonds – I actually throw everything in the Cuisinart and pulse until the dough clumps. Chill dough approx. 2 hours. Shape dough into balls (or roll dough into a 1 ¼” diameter log and slice) and flatten slightly. Make indentations in the center of each cookie (easily done with the champagne cork attached) and fill with jam. Bake 12-18 minutes on a cookie tray until cookies are slightly brown.
Frosting: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 ½ tsp. almond extract, and 2 tsp water. Mix thoroughly and put into quart-sized plastic bag, cutting a tiny hole in tip. Use this bag to drizzle frosting on room temperature cookies.
Mini-Tarts: If you make these cookies on the large side, the filling will be slightly sticky and is the perfect vehicle for a tart – just add a few fresh berries on top.
When guests visit Johnson Estate Winery, they often see rows of mature grapevines stretching across the landscape, producing the wines they enjoy today. What many people don’t see is the years of preparation that happen before a new vineyard ever produces its first cluster of grapes.
Replacing an old vineyard is not as simple as removing vines and planting new ones. A successful vineyard begins with healthy soil, careful planning, and patience. Every decision we make today impacts the vines that will grow for decades to come.
At Johnson Estate Winery, preparing a new vineyard is a long-term investment in the future of our estate, our wines, and the generations of the Johnson family who have cared for this land for more than 60 years.
Like any agricultural crop, grapevines have a productive lifespan. Over time, vines may become less vigorous, production can decline, or changing conditions may lead us to consider planting a different variety that is better suited for the site.
When we remove an old vineyard, we are not simply replacing plants. We are preparing the land for the next generation of vines.
The goal is always the same: create the healthiest possible environment so young vines can establish strong roots and produce exceptional grapes for many years.
After the final harvest from an old vineyard, the first step is carefully removing the existing vineyard infrastructure.
This includes:
While an empty vineyard may look like the end of something, it is actually the beginning of a new chapter.
Healthy vineyards begin below the surface.
Before planting new vines, we spend several years improving soil structure, increasing organic matter, and preparing the field for the demands of a new vineyard. The foundation of a great vineyard starts long before the first vine is planted, and cover crops play an important role in this process.
Last year, we planted sorghum-sudangrass, a vigorous grass crop that can grow several feet tall and develop an extensive root system. These roots help break up compacted soil, improve soil structure, and add valuable organic material back into the ground when incorporated.
This year, we planted buckwheat in one of our future vineyard sites located next to our historic Ice Wine Vidal Blanc vineyard. While visitors may see a field of delicate white flowers, this cover crop is actively helping us prepare the land for the next generation of grapevines.
Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that provides several benefits:
And while the benefits to the vineyard are what make buckwheat a valuable part of our soil preparation process, there is another reason it has quickly become a favorite around the estate. Jennifer especially enjoys seeing the delicate white flowers blooming throughout the vineyard. Beyond their beauty, those flowers provide an important food source for pollinators and beneficial insects that contribute to a healthier vineyard environment.
By using different cover crops depending on the needs of each field, we are actively improving the land and creating better growing conditions for future grapevines.
As an estate winery, we have the unique opportunity to recycle materials created right here on the property.
After harvest and grape processing, we return pomace, the grape skins, seeds, and remaining plant material from pressing directly back to the vineyard.
Instead of considering this material waste, we view it as a valuable resource. Pomace adds organic matter to the soil and helps rebuild the biological activity needed for healthy plant growth.
The same grapes that become wine eventually help prepare the ground for future vineyards.
After several seasons of improving the soil, the field is finally ready for planting preparation.
Before a single vine goes into the ground, we:
Growing grapes along Lake Erie comes with unique challenges. Our climate provides many advantages, but wet spring conditions mean proper water management is critical.
Installing drainage before planting helps protect the future vineyard by allowing excess water to move away from the vines’ root systems.
Once the soil and field are ready, thousands of young grapevines are planted.
The process continues with:
At this point, the vineyard begins to take shape, but the hardest part is still ahead.
One of the biggest surprises for many vineyard visitors is learning that newly planted vines do not immediately produce a harvest.
During the first years of growth, we focus on building strong vines rather than harvesting fruit.
Young vines need time to develop:
In many cases, fruit clusters are removed during the early years so the plant can focus its energy on growth.
This patience is essential. A strong foundation today creates a healthier and more productive vineyard for decades.
One example of this long-term approach can be seen in our Chardonnay vineyards. Establishing a new vineyard is a commitment that requires patience, planning, and a vision for the future. From preparing the soil and planting cover crops to nurturing young vines through their first years of growth, every step is designed to create the foundation for exceptional fruit.
Today, those efforts are reflected in the Chardonnay wines we produce from our estate vineyards. Our Chardonnay vines have benefited from careful site selection, thoughtful vineyard management, and years of dedication to developing healthy, balanced vines.
The result is two distinct expressions of our estate Chardonnay. Bright Steel Chardonnay showcases the fresh, vibrant side of the variety with crisp acidity and a focus on the natural character of the fruit. Toasted Oak Chardonnay highlights the richness and complexity that come from thoughtful winemaking and oak aging.
Both wines begin in the vineyard, where years of preparation and care shape the grapes long before they ever reach the winery.
From removing an old vineyard to harvesting grapes from new vines, the process can take many years.
The timeline often looks like this:
Year 1: Remove old vines and vineyard infrastructure
Year 2: Plant cover crops and begin rebuilding soil health
Year 3: Continue improving the field and preparing for planting
Year 4: Install vineyard infrastructure and plant new vines
Years 5–6: Train vines and establish healthy growth
Year 6 and beyond: Begin harvesting grapes from the new vineyard
At Johnson Estate Winery, every vineyard we plant is an investment in the future, not just for our business, but for the land that has sustained our family for generations.
As a third-generation family farm winery and New York State’s oldest estate winery, our vineyards tell the story of our family. Over the decades, each generation of Fred Johnson has planted vineyards that continue to produce exceptional grapes today. Walking through our estate means walking through the legacy of three generations, each leaving their mark on the land and preparing it for the next.
Preparing a new vineyard takes years of careful planning, patience, and stewardship. By rebuilding healthy soils, planting cover crops, improving drainage, and giving young vines time to establish strong roots, we’re creating vineyards that can thrive for 30 years or more.
This long-term approach reflects the values that have guided Johnson Estate Winery from one generation to the next. We believe in caring for the land, investing in its future, and leaving it even better than we found it for those who will farm it after us.
When you drink a bottle of Johnson Estate wine, you’re tasting more than a single vintage. You’re experiencing the result of decades of thoughtful farming, generations of family dedication, and vineyards planted by three generations of the Johnson family.
Want to learn more about where our wines begin?
Visit the Johnson Estate Winery Tasting Room, open year-round, and discover the story behind New York State’s oldest estate winery. Taste our award-winning wines, learn about our vineyards, and experience the history and traditions that have shaped our family farm for three generations.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to ask about our guided Estate Tours, where you can walk through the vineyards and see firsthand how Lake Erie’s unique climate, our soils, and generations of careful stewardship come together to produce exceptional wines.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we look forward to welcoming you to Johnson Estate Winery and sharing the passion that goes into every bottle.
Pairing
Difficulty
Easy
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Ingredients 1-6 are for the dressing. Ingredients 7-10 are for the salad.
Mix dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously.
Lightly dress the kale leaves with the dressing. Then sprinkle on top Clementine or orange slices, nuts, and cheese. Serve immediately.
Difficulty
Easy
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Ingredients 1-6 are for the dressing. Ingredients 7-12 are for the salad.
Pour vinegar, mustard, and garlic into a food processor. Blend to mince garlic, then slowly add the olive oil while processing. The mixture will be, when it has sufficient olive oil, the color of milk chocolate and slightly thickened, like cream.
Lightly dress the greens with the vinaigrette and add beets, apples, walnuts, and dollops of goat cheese. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Difficulty
Easy
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Mix dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously.
Lightly dress arugula and then sprinkle with nuts, fruit, and cheese.
When people think of rosé wine, many still picture sweet pink wines from years past. Today’s dry rosés tell a different story.
Crisp, refreshing, and remarkably food friendly, dry rosé has become one of the world’s most popular wine styles. At Johnson Estate Winery in New York’s Lake Erie Wine Country, our Ruby Dry Rosé showcases everything that makes this style so enjoyable: bright fruit flavors, refreshing acidity, and a winemaking tradition that dates back centuries.
Every bottle begins with estate grown grapes, careful vineyard management, and thoughtful decisions made throughout the growing season.
Great wine begins in the vineyard.
Throughout the growing season, Winemaker Jeff Murphy and Farm Manager Fred Johnson regularly walk our vineyards together, monitoring vine health, fruit development, and ripeness. Their close collaboration helps determine not only when each vineyard block is harvested, but also how every grape variety will best express the character of the vintage.
Because Johnson Estate is an estate winery, every decision from vineyard to bottle is made with one goal: producing wines that reflect both our land and the growing season.
Ruby Dry Rosé is a perfect example of that philosophy.
For many years, Ruby Dry Rosé was produced from our estate grown Maréchal Foch using the traditional French saignée method.
Then came the 2024 harvest.
Our Maréchal Foch grapes developed exceptional color and concentration. While those qualities produced an outstanding red wine, they created a rosé that was darker and richer than the bright, refreshing style Winemaker Jeff Murphy envisioned.
Rather than forcing the wine to fit a recipe, Jeff adapted to the vintage.
He selected estate grown Chambourcin, a variety that offered vibrant ruby color, lively acidity, and expressive strawberry and cherry flavors while preserving the fresh style our guests have come to expect.
The result exceeded expectations, and after the success of the 2024 vintage, Chambourcin remained the foundation of Ruby Dry Rosé for 2025.
It’s one more example of how thoughtful winemaking begins with listening to the fruit.
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How is rosé wine made?”
Ruby Dry Rosé is crafted using the traditional French saignée (pronounced san yay) method. The word saignée means “to bleed.”
After our estate grown Chambourcin grapes are harvested and crushed, they spend a short period in contact with their skins. A portion of the lightly colored juice is then gently drawn, or “bled,” from the tank before extended skin contact occurs.
That juice is fermented separately to become Ruby Dry Rosé, while the remaining juice continues fermenting with the grape skins to create our estate grown Chambourcin red wine.
The result is a naturally vibrant dry rosé with fresh fruit aromas, crisp acidity, delicate structure, and beautiful ruby color.
Ruby Dry Rosé opens with inviting aromas of fresh strawberry and black cherry.
Bright strawberry and ripe cherry flavors carry across the palate, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, refreshing finish that makes every sip inviting.
With just 1% residual sugar, this is a true dry rosé that delivers expressive fruit without excessive sweetness.
One reason dry rosé continues to grow in popularity is its incredible versatility at the table.
Ruby Dry Rosé pairs beautifully with:
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, relaxing on the patio, or enjoying dinner with friends, Ruby Dry Rosé is a wine that fits almost any occasion.
No two growing seasons are exactly alike.
Weather, sunshine, rainfall, and harvest conditions all influence the character of the fruit. At Johnson Estate Winery, we believe every vintage deserves to be evaluated on its own merits rather than following a fixed formula.
Our decision to transition Ruby Dry Rosé from Maréchal Foch to Chambourcin reflects that philosophy. By adapting to the fruit instead of forcing consistency, we’re able to produce a dry rosé that showcases the best qualities of each vintage while remaining true to the style our guests love.
That’s the advantage of estate grown winemaking.
If you enjoy dry rosé, Ruby Dry Rosé is just the beginning.
Johnson Estate Winery offers a collection of rosé wines, each crafted to showcase a different grape variety and winemaking style. Whether you’re looking for a crisp everyday rosé, a classic Provence inspired expression, or something to celebrate with, there’s a rosé for every palate.
Our rosé collection includes:
Each bottle reflects the same philosophy that guides every wine we produce: exceptional estate grown fruit, thoughtful vineyard management, and careful winemaking that allows each vintage to express itself naturally.
Whether you’re discovering dry rosé for the first time or searching for your next favorite bottle, we invite you to explore our complete collection of rosé wines and experience the diversity of New York wines from Johnson Estate Winery.
Johnson Estate Winery once again ranked among the top award-winning wineries in New York at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition, earning two Best of Class awards, multiple Gold Medals, and additional honors. As New York’s oldest estate winery, Johnson Estate continues to demonstrate the quality of wines produced in Lake Erie Wine Country through one of North America’s most respected wine competitions.
The 26th Annual Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition was another incredible success, featuring 1,100 entries from producers representing 40 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and 7 countries.
Within that highly competitive field, Johnson Estate Winery submitted a selection of estate-grown wines and was once again honored with multiple top distinctions, including Best of Class recognitions and Gold medals across several categories.
This blind judging event, which benefits Camp Good Days, brings together a broad range of producers and evaluates each wine solely on its quality in the glass, without producer identity or reputation influencing results.
Once again, as has been the case in years past, Johnson Estate Winery is grateful to be recognized at the highest levels of the competition, with Sparkling Traminette and Ives both earning Best of Class honors in their respective categories.
For Sparkling Traminette, this year’s recognition marks a second Best of Class honor in 2026, following a 95-point Best of Class award at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition earlier this year.
This continues a strong performance history that also includes a Platinum Award at the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, underscoring consistency across multiple vintages and judging panels.
Traminette itself holds an important place in New York wine history.
Developed through grape breeding research at Cornell University, Traminette was created as a hybrid offspring of Gewürztraminer, designed to capture aromatic intensity and floral character while offering improved cold-climate resilience. Johnson Estate Winery was among the early adopters of the varietal during its introduction and research phase in New York State, planting it at a time when its potential in the region was still being defined.
That early commitment has carried forward into today, where Traminette has become a signature expression within the estate portfolio.
At Johnson Estate Winery, Traminette is produced in two distinct styles. A traditional still version that highlights its floral aromatics and soft fruit character, and a sparkling version that lifts those same qualities into a brighter, more expressive format.
Both styles continue to perform strongly in competition and remain consistent favorites for their aromatic profile, balance, and approachability.
The continued success of Sparkling Traminette reflects both the varietal’s adaptability in New York’s climate and the long-term understanding of how it performs best within our estate vineyards.
The Ives also continues its strong performance, earning Best of Class recognition for the second year in a row at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
Previously recognized in 2025, this semi-sweet wine has developed a loyal following among our wine club members for its approachable style and fruit-forward character. It is often compared to a Lambrusco in its refreshing, lightly sweet profile.
In addition to the still expression, Ives is also offered in a sparkling version known as The King’s Ives, which highlights a different expression of the same varietal character.
In addition to these Best of Class honors, several estate wines were awarded Gold medals, including Pink Catawba (2024 vintage), Toasted Oak Chardonnay (2023 vintage), Niagara (2024 vintage), Seyval Blanc (2024 vintage), and Dry Riesling (2024 vintage).
These results reflect strength across both native and European-style varietals as well as across multiple growing seasons.
Of particular note, several wines continue to demonstrate strong performance across major competitions.
Niagara recently earned a 99-point Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, while Toasted Oak Chardonnay received a 90-point Gold Medal at the same competition, reinforcing their consistency across blind evaluations.
Much of this ongoing success can be traced back to a simple but important advantage: Johnson Estate Winery is fully estate grown.
Because we grow all of our own grapes, we are able to make harvest decisions on our own terms, picking each varietal at peak ripeness rather than based on logistics or external sourcing.
That timing is one of the most important factors in quality. Each block is harvested only when sugar, acidity, and flavor reach balance for that specific varietal and vintage. Those decisions are made in the vineyard, not the calendar, and are guided by continuous evaluation as the growing season progresses.
Under the care of third-generation owner Fred Johnson, the vineyard is managed with a long-term perspective that prioritizes balance, consistency, and varietal expression.
From there, Winemaker Jeff Murphy works with each lot in a way that emphasizes preservation of character rather than manipulation, allowing each vintage to reflect what the vineyard delivered in that specific year.
It is this continuity from vineyard to bottle that continues to show up in competition results year after year.
Recognition at major wine competitions reflects more than the quality of a single vintage. It highlights the strength of the region where the grapes are grown. Along the southern shore of Lake Erie, vineyards benefit from a growing environment shaped by the lake’s moderating influence, helping vines withstand winter temperatures while extending the growing season into the fall.
For generations, grape growers in this region have cultivated varieties uniquely suited to the area’s climate and soils. Today, that combination of agricultural heritage, vineyard experience, and careful winemaking continues to produce wines that stand out in blind tastings against entries from across North America and beyond.
These awards are a reflection of the work that takes place throughout the year. From pruning and vineyard management to harvest decisions and cellar practices. They also reinforce what visitors to our tasting room discover every day: exceptional wines can be found right here in Lake Erie Wine Country.
We are grateful to the judges, competition organizers, and, most importantly, the customers who continue to support New York wine and family-owned wineries. We invite you to visit us in Westfield, explore our award-winning portfolio, and experience firsthand the wines that earned recognition at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition.
All of these award-winning wines are available for purchase daily at the winery and online. Many are also available through our retail partners, which can be found using our store locator.
The Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition is one of the largest charitable wine and spirits competitions in North America. Wines are evaluated through blind tastings by industry professionals, providing an objective assessment of quality across a wide range of categories and regions.
Johnson Estate wines received recognition at both the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition and the 2026 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. At the Finger Lakes competition, Sparkling Traminette and Ives each earned Best of Class honors, while wines including Semi-Dry Riesling, Niagara, Seyval Blanc, and Black Locust Riesling received Gold Medals. Earlier in the year, Sparkling Traminette, Semi-Dry Riesling, Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine, and Niagara were among the wines earning top honors at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, highlighting the quality and diversity of Johnson Estate’s award-winning portfolio.
Visitors can enjoy Johnson Estate’s award-winning wines in the tasting room in Westfield, New York, located in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country. Many of the wines recognized at the 2026 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition are also available for purchase online and can be shipped to eligible states.
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
