November is arguably the most meaningful time of year here at Johnson Estate Winery.
When you walk through our historic estate, you’re not just walking through New York’s oldest continuous estate winery; you’re walking through a deeply rooted family history that includes military service. Our annual Veterans Appreciation Month is more than just a thank you—it’s a direct reflection of the courage and commitment of our founder, my father-in-law, Frederick Spencer Johnson.
Our tradition of honoring veterans is rooted in the incredible story of Fred Sr. During World War II, he served as a Naval Aviator, flying a torpedo bomber aboard the USS Yorktown. He brought that same pioneering spirit to the farm after returning home, founding Johnson Estate Winery in 1961.
The military tie is particularly strong around Veterans Day. As a Lt. (junior grade) Torpedo Bomber Pilot, my father-in-law earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for a heroic act: sinking a Japanese destroyer on Armistice Day (November 11th) in 1944. My husband, Fred Johnson Jr., and I carry that legacy forward, and we feel a deep responsibility to honor that service.
That’s why we dedicate November to giving back.
Throughout November, we are extending a special thanks to all veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit us at the historic estate in Westfield, NY:
In addition to our in-store appreciation, we continue our annual commitment to provide critical support to the EOD Warrior Foundation. This organization does life-changing work, providing financial assistance, scholarships, and crucial emotional support to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and their families.
We are proud to donate $2 from every bottle sold of three select red wines throughout the month of November to this vital cause:
The Torpedo Red is perhaps the most personal wine in this group. The label itself was designed by our own son—a current Naval Officer—and features the insignia of his great-grandfather’s WWII Torpedo Three Squadron. It’s a direct tribute that connects four generations of our family’s commitment to service.
If you are looking for a delicious way to support our veterans, we look forward to having you join our family in raising a glass to those who have served.
Jennifer Johnson
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Skip the malls and give a gift of local craftsmanship, warmth, and flavor from Johnson Estate Winery. Whether you’re shopping for the family foodie, the wine connoisseur, or that hard-to-buy-for coworker, we have a curated multiple options below to bring Christmas cheer to every palate.
Our team has already curated a selection of beautiful, ready-to-ship gift boxes featuring our most popular wines and gourmet pairings. These are perfect for a one-click shopping experience!
The HOLIDAY SPICE Box: Warm up the chilly nights with our traditional mulled wines. This box often features the famous Red Ipocras and White Ipocras (sweet wines generously flavored with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and clove) paired with two delightful treats Triple Ginger Cookies and Cinnamon Walnuts. This is a must-have for those who love seasonal warmth.
The CHRISTMAS DRY Box: Perfect for the sophisticated palate! This selection highlights our European-style dry wines, such as the Black Locust Riesling, Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, and a fine Cabernet Sauvignon, all paired with gourmet dark chocolate truffle bars.
The HOLIDAY SWEET Box: For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, this box includes our award-winning Sweet Riesling, Ives, and the festive Red Ipocras, complemented by a Milk Chocolate Himalayan Salted Caramel bar.
Pro-Tip: Remember to add a personalized Christmas message at checkout! We will print it on a beautiful Christmas card and include it in the gift box.
Click To Select A Box
Nothing says “I thought of you” like a custom gift. You can create a truly unique present by selecting the bottles and gourmet items your recipient will love most.
For the Toast: Add our traditional Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Traminette or the newly released Brut Rosé to celebrate the season.
For the Cellar: Select a bold red like our Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir that can age beautifully.
For Dessert: Our specialty wines make a decadent gift! Consider the award-winning Vidal Blanc Ice Wine or the unique Maple Liqueur (made with estate-grown grape spirits and local maple syrup).
Add Gourmet Pairings: Complete your box with delicious treats, including chocolates, nuts, quince paste, and baked goods.
Click To Build Your Box
For the person who values experiences and discovery, a wine-related gift certificate or membership is the perfect solution.
Johnson Estate Gift Certificates: The ultimate flexibility! Our gift certificates can be used online or at the winery for wine purchases, gourmet food items, or unforgettable experiences like vineyard walks and winemaker’s dinners throughout the year.
Winemaker’s Select Collections: A one-time gift of discovery! Choose from curated Six-Bottle Collections like the “Dry Red Collection” or the “Dry White Collection” for a complete tasting journey.
Wine Club Membership: Give a year-round gift! A membership ensures your recipient receives customizable shipments of their favorite wines each quarter, keeping the Johnson Estate experience alive long after the holidays are over.
Make your shopping even easier with our seasonal shipping promotions. We offer FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders, multiples of 12 750 & 375ml bottles ship free across the continental US.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, we usually think of light lagers. But if you ask our winemaker, Jeff Murphy, he’ll tell you that wine isn’t just a guest at the party—it’s the MVP.
Many people ask… “What wine do I pair with chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, pizza, and beef sliders?” We sat down with Jeff to get his technical take on how to pair our current lineup with the heaviest hitters on your snack table. From “bubbles for salt” to “sweet for heat,” here is your official game day guide.
The Picks: Sparkling Traminette, Sweet Riesling, or Liebestropfchen.
Jeff’s Insight: Don’t reach for the dry reds here! Dry wines tend to amplify the “burn” of buffalo sauce. Instead, go for the slight sweetness of our Sweet Riesling or Liebestropfchen. The sugar acts as a coolant for the spice, if you prefer drier wines we would recommend our semi-sweet Sparkling Traminette which provides a refreshing, aromatic counterpoint.
The Picks: Sparkling Traminette, Sweet Riesling, or Liebestropfchen.
Jeff’s Insight: Don’t reach for the dry reds here! Dry wines tend to amplify the “burn” of buffalo sauce. Instead, go for the slight sweetness of our Sweet Riesling or Liebestropfchen. The sugar acts as a coolant for the spice, if you prefer drier wines we would recommend our semi-sweet Sparkling Traminette which provides a refreshing, aromatic counterpoint.
The Picks: Any of our Sparkling Wines, Traminette, or Ruby Rosé.
Jeff’s Insight: Nachos are a salt-and-fat powerhouse. Effervescence is your best friend here. The bubbles in our Sparkling wines act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the cheese and sour cream so every bite tastes like the first one.
The Picks: Marechal Foch or Founders Red.
The Logic: These are our “Classic Reds” for a reason. Founders Red and Marechal Foch have the earthy depth and structure to pair perfectly with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory toppings like sausage or pepperoni.
The Pick: Pinot Noir.
The Logic: For a juicy beef slider, Jeff recommends our Pinot Noir. It’s elegant and light-bodied enough not to overwhelm a small slider, but it has the cherry and spice notes needed to complement grilled beef perfectly.
Ready to secure your game day lineup? Whether you’re local to Western New York or cheering from across the country, we make it easy to stock your cellar. All of Jeff’s top picks are available for purchase on our online shop with convenient shipping directly to your door. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and see us! Our tasting room is open seven days a week (10am–5pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am–6pm Friday and Saturday), where you can pick up your favorites and perhaps discover a new favorite before kickoff. Don’t wait until the fourth quarter—stop in or order today to ensure your Super Bowl spread is a total touchdown.
As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a delicious, comforting drink. While a simple glass of your favorite Johnson Estate wine is always a perfect choice, using our wines as a foundation for a creative cocktail can bring new life to your gatherings or quiet evening at home.
We’ve put together three of our favorite easy-to-make recipes that showcase some of our most beloved wines. From a sophisticated Port cocktail to a classic mulled wine, these drinks are perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season.
This cocktail is for those who appreciate depth and complexity in their glass. “Port in a Storm” is a stunningly rich and layered drink that perfectly showcases two of our most robust wines: our luscious Port and bright, fruit-forward Chambourcin. It’s a sophisticated and memorable way to enjoy our wine, perfect for a cold evening or a special occasion.
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Embrace the cozy side of fall with this wonderfully comforting and easy-to-make toddy. The classic combination of apple and whiskey gets a sweet, local twish from our very own Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur, creating a drink that is perfect for a crisp afternoon or a chilly evening by the fire. It’s delicious served over ice, or you can warm it up for a truly soothing experience.
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Instructions (Cold):
Instructions (Warm):
No fall or winter drink menu is complete without the warming embrace of Gluhwein. A beloved European tradition, this recipe uses a full-bodied dry red wine, gently spiced to create an aromatic and soothing hot beverage. This simple recipe is a perfect way to turn our Cabernet Sauvignon into a comforting treat for a chilly day.
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For those who prefer a sweeter mulled wine, our Red and White Ipocras are a perfect pour after simply warming to your desired temperature. All these wines are available by clicking the highlighted links above, we hope that you, your family, and friends enjoy!
This label was designed by the Johnson’s son, Spencer, a US Navy active duty EOD officer, in honor of his grandfather, the winery’s founder, Frederick Spencer Johnson.
The dragon carrying a torpedo was the insignia of the WWII Navy Squadron Torpedo Three which flew off the Yorktown from 1943-1945.
The silhouette of the airplane is that of a TBM Avenger, designed by Grumman Aircraft and built by General Motors. The plane was designed to carry a 2,000 pound aerial torpedo. On November 11, 1944*, the wineries founder, then Lt. (junior grade) Frederick S. Johnson, age 23, single-handedly torpedoed and sank a Japanese destroyer for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by Admiral John S. McCain (the recent Senator’s grandfather).
The wine is a blend of Chancellor and Pinot Noir both grown here on the farm. It is a smooth but almost-dry, full-bodied wine that is ready to drink now but should also continue improving with age for at least another five years.
This is a limited, special edition label we release every November in honor of all veterans and active-duty military. During the month of November, $2 for every bottle of Torpedo Red, Marechal Foch, and Founders Red sold is donated to the EOD Warrior Foundation.
* Coincidentally, November 11th is Armistice Day, now called Veterans’ Day.
Every summer in Lake Erie Wine Country, vineyards begin to transform as grape clusters shift from bright green to deep purple, blue, and golden hues. This important stage of the grape growing season is called veraison, and it marks the beginning of the ripening process that ultimately shapes the flavor, sweetness, and quality of the wine.
At Johnson Estate Winery, veraison is one of the most exciting moments of the growing season, signaling that harvest is getting closer in the vineyards of Western New York.
Taken from the French language, “veraison” refers to the moment when grapes begin changing color as they transition from growth to ripening. During this stage, the vine redirects its energy away from growing shoots and leaves and instead focuses on ripening the fruit.
Unripe grapes begin as a bright green color. As veraison begins, white wine grapes turn pale yellow or golden, while red wine grapes develop shades of red, blue, and deep purple. The berries also soften and increase in size as sugar levels rise and acidity gradually decreases.
At Johnson Estate, Pinot Noir grapes often display beautiful shades of purple during veraison, making this one of the most visually striking times in the vineyard.
Veraison plays a major role in the winemaking process because it marks the beginning of flavor development in the grapes. During this period, grapes accumulate sugars, develop aromas, and build the tannins and color compounds that influence the final wine.
Weather conditions during veraison can have a significant impact on grape quality. Warm sunny days and cool nights, which are common in the Lake Erie region, help grapes ripen gradually while maintaining balanced acidity.
For winemakers, this stage provides an early glimpse into the potential quality and style of the upcoming vintage.
The climate of Lake Erie Wine Country creates excellent conditions for grape growing in both Western New York and Pennsylvania. The moderating effect of Lake Erie helps protect vineyards from extreme temperature swings and allows grapes to ripen steadily throughout late summer and early fall.
By late September, the aroma of ripening grapes fills the region as harvest season approaches. Concord grapes, which make up a large portion of the area’s vineyards, typically ripen later in the season. However, early-ripening wine grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Maréchal Foch begin attracting attention much sooner.
These early-ripening varieties are especially important at Johnson Estate Winery, where estate-grown grapes are carefully monitored throughout the growing season.
As grapes become sweeter during veraison, birds begin searching for easy meals in local vineyards. Early-ripening grape varieties such as Maréchal Foch and Pinot Noir are often among the first targets because fewer ripe grapes are available elsewhere early in the season.
To protect the fruit, Johnson Estate uses several vineyard management techniques, including balloons, Kevlar streamers, periodic cannon shots, and recorded hawk calls designed to discourage birds from feeding in the vineyard.
These efforts help preserve grape quality as the fruit continues developing toward harvest.
Veraison is one of the most beautiful and important stages of the vineyard growing season. From the first hints of color change to the excitement of harvest, this transformation signals that another vintage is taking shape in the vineyards of Western New York.
Visitors to Johnson Estate Winery can experience the beauty of the vineyards throughout late summer and fall while exploring one of New York’s oldest estate wineries in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country. We also offer guided tours on Saturday & Sunday mornings throughout the summer and harvest season. Check out our upcoming events calendar for more information.
Veraison is the stage in the grape growing season when grapes begin changing color and entering the ripening phase before harvest.
In Lake Erie Wine Country, veraison typically begins in August towards the end of summer as vineyards prepare for the upcoming harvest season.
As grapes ripen, chlorophyll breaks down and natural pigments develop, causing grapes to turn purple, blue, red, or golden depending on the grape variety.
This month, we had the honor of participating in the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition. Not only is this competition an internationally recognized competition, 100% of the proceeds generated go directly to Camp Good Days & Special Times. Camp Good Days is a not-for-profit dedicated to assisting families affected by cancer and sickle cell anemia.
This year, the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition had over 1,000 entries from more than 30 states and 5 countries. Safe to say, excellence and craftmanship were on full display. Due to the hardwork of our vineyard and winemaking team and our “Bud to Bottle” process here at Johnson Estate Winery, our wines stood out in front of the competition.
We’re incredibly proud to announce the top honors bestowed upon our wines:
We are proud to announce that two of our selections were honored with “Best in Class” awards. Our semi-sweet Ives, which took top honors for Native Red, is celebrated for its brilliant garnet color and distinct fruit character that beautifully mimics a traditional Lambrusco. Joining it on the podium for Dessert Fortified is Old Oak Gold, a smooth and decadent experience crafted from estate-grown grapes and aged for over a year in Kentucky bourbon barrels.
Our Platinum Medal winners showcase both technical precision and regional character. Our Sparkling Traminette is produced using the traditional méthode champenoise technique, delivering a bright, fruity profile with an intense aroma of passion fruit, guava, and rose. Joining it in the Platinum circle is our Concord, a regionally recognized and unique selection that offers a pronounced, classic grape flavor.
Our Vidal Blanc Ice Wine has been honored with a Double Gold Medal, distinguishing itself as a standout in its category. This well-balanced and complex selection is defined by traditional honey and pear notes, offering a refined profile that captures the essence of a premium ice wine. Learn more about Ice Wine by visiting our Ice Wine Page.
Rounding out our Gold Medal recipients are three distinct expressions of our estate-grown grapes. Our Chambourcin Ice Wine offers a unique medium red-rosé profile featuring delicate apple and cherry notes alongside traditional berry characteristics. In the dry category, our Chambourcin stands as a classic, lush red crafted from our French-hybrid vines. Finally, our Marechal Foch continues to be a favorite; as our number one seller, this rich, dark red remains both fresh and mellow, perfectly balancing its semi-dry character.
We invite you to join us to taste these award-winning wines among others in our historic tasting room. Located in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, the winery is open for tastings seven days a week.
Johnson Estate’s Winemaker Jeff Murphy, travels to Europe every year or two and often comes back with some new insights or “discoveries” which are utilized in our products or events. These have included: the terracotta bottles used for our Ruby Port and Cream Sherry; the glass corks manufactured in Germany and now used on our Freelings Creek wines, and the idea of serving “Fedderweiser”, a partially fermented grape juice, for a fall Riesling celebration.
In Germany, spring festivities feature “Maiwein”, or white wine punches with strawberries and a handful of the shade-loving herb, sweet woodruff (shown here, behind the bottle, just emerging for spring). Jeff was inspired by the annual celebration of May Day in Germany to create Johnson Estate’s own May Wine, using estate-grown Vidal Blanc wine and an infusion of dried sweet woodruff. This sparkling May Wine was first released in 2016 and since the “experiment” was so well-liked, production was doubled the following year. Our current plan is to release, each spring, a limited vintage of this special wine.
In Germany, sweet woodruff is called “Waldmeister” or the “Master of the Woods”. It is a spring blooming perennial plant which thrives in moist woodland shade. In the Middle Ages, it was known as an herbal medicine since the dried leaves contain coumarin and infusions were used as a spring tonic and even as an aphrodisiac. When dried, the herb has the long-lasting scent of freshly mown grass and vanilla. The dried herb has been used for centuries as a strewing herb, for pot pourri or as a perfume ingredient, as a tonic in tea, and an ingredient in German May Wine or a punch made with white wine, this herb, and strawberries – to celebrate the coming of spring. Sweet Woodruff was added to the estate gardens along one of our shaded stone pathways in the spring of 2016. To this day, the “Master of the Woods” lines the path with beautiful white flowers every May.
Limited quantities of each years vintage of May Wine are released every spring usually around Easter.
At Johnson Estate Winery, crafting exceptional New York wines begins long before the grapes ever reach the bottle. As New York’s oldest estate winery and a proud part of Lake Erie Wine Country, every vintage reflects generations of farming experience, careful vineyard management, and the unique growing conditions of Western New York wine country.
In 2009, owners Fred and Tony Johnson expanded the Estate’s vineyards by planting classic European vinifera varieties including Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. These carefully selected grape varieties allowed the winery to deepen its portfolio of premium estate-grown New York wines while showcasing the incredible potential of the Lake Erie AVA for cool-climate viticulture.
Today, Johnson Estate continues to produce award winning wines that reflect both the terroir of Western New York and the winery’s longstanding commitment to quality from grape to bottle.
Among all the wine grapes, Pinot Noir has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult and rewarding varieties to grow. Originally from France and known for producing some of the world’s most elegant red wines, Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climate wine regions like the Lake Erie Wine Region.
The name “Pinot” comes from the French word for pinecone, referencing the grapes tightly clustered shape. According to Wine Spectator, Pinot Noir is considered delicate and “finicky,” requiring exceptional attention in the vineyard to achieve high-quality fruit capable of producing layered, expressive wines.
That description perfectly captures why the vineyard team at Johnson Estate often refers to Pinot Noir as their “Spoiled Child.”
Unlike hardier grape varieties, Pinot Noir demands precision throughout the growing season. Every decision from pruning and canopy management to crop thinning and harvest timing directly impact the final wine in the bottle.
The cool-climate conditions surrounding Lake Erie create an ideal environment for growing premium Pinot Noir grapes. The lake itself acts as a natural temperature moderator, helping protect vineyards from extreme winter cold while extending the growing season into autumn.
These conditions are one reason why the Lake Erie Wine Country has become increasingly recognized for producing exceptional New York wines, particularly aromatic whites and elegant cool-climate reds.
At Johnson Estate Winery, Winemaker Jeff Murphy and owner Fred Johnson initially selected three Pinot Noir clones for planting, each chosen for the unique characteristics it could contribute to the finished wine, from texture and body to aromatics and complexity. Today, the Estate continues cultivating two standout clones:
The first estate-grown Pinot Noir harvest arrived in 2017, marking a major milestone for the winery’s European vinifera program. Shortly after, Winemaker Jeff Murphy introduced Johnson Estate’s Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir in 2018, followed by the winery’s Brut sparkling wine in 2019.
These wines quickly demonstrated that Western New York wineries could successfully produce refined, expressive Pinot Noir wines with true regional character.
Creating award-winning Pinot Noir requires an extraordinary amount of hands-on vineyard work throughout the year.
The Johnson Estate vineyard team carefully manages the Pinot Noir blocks through:
These meticulous vineyard practices intentionally reduce crop yields from roughly five tons per acre to closer to three tons per acre. While lower yields mean fewer bottles produced, the result is significantly higher grape quality, concentration, and flavor development.
The 2022 growing season in Lake Erie Wine Country proved especially successful, producing exceptionally high-quality fruit that became the foundation for one of the winery’s most celebrated vintages to date.
The results of this dedication in both the vineyard and winery have been extraordinary.
Johnson Estate Winery’s Pinot Noir has recently earned:
These awards continue to reinforce the growing reputation of both Western New York and Lake Erie Wine Country as premier wine-producing regions for cool-climate varietals.
For visitors exploring New York wineries, Johnson Estate’s Pinot Noir offers a true expression of estate-grown craftsmanship and the unique terroir of the Lake Erie region.
Whether you are discovering New York wines for the first time or planning a wine trail getaway through Western New York, Johnson Estate Winery offers guests the opportunity to experience award-winning estate wines directly where they are grown.
From vineyard tours and wine tastings to seasonal events and food pairings, Johnson Estate invites visitors to experience why the Lake Erie region continues to gain recognition among America’s great cool-climate wine destinations.
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
