Ice wine is one of the most delicate, complex, and rare styles of wine produced in cool-climate regions like Lake Erie Wine Country. At Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, New York, we have been harvesting authentic ice wine for over 20 years, perfecting the process over many vintages to capture its purest expression. Ice wine is made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine and harvested in sub-zero temperatures. This process concentrates sugars and flavors, producing a wine that is lusciously sweet yet balanced by bright acidity. In Western New York’s Lake Erie Wine Country, freezing winter conditions make true ice wine production possible and truly exceptional. At Johnson Estate Winery, ice wine is crafted in limited quantities, making each bottle a rare seasonal treasure.
Below are staff-inspired serving suggestions to help you experience ice wine at its very best.
Vidal Blanc Ice Wine is known for its lush tropical fruit character and honeyed sweetness. It pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet contrasts.
Staff favorites include:
• Pour over vanilla ice cream and top with salted cashews
• Pair with blue cheese for a bold sweet and savory contrast
• Serve with Austrian hazelnuts for a classic nut pairing
• Enjoy with crostini topped with goat cheese and sliced pears or peaches
• Pair with pumpkin pie or a pumpkin tart with toasted hazelnut crust
This style is especially versatile for holiday desserts and autumn-inspired menus.
Chambourcin Ice Wine leans into rich berry flavors and deeper chocolate notes, making it ideal for decadent desserts.
Recommended pairings include:
• Dark chocolate of high quality for a classic wine-and-chocolate experience
• Cinnamon walnuts for a warm spice contrast
• French chocolate walnut coffeecake for a bakery-style pairing
• Pour over New York style cheesecake for a luxurious finish
• Plain or candied walnuts for a simple but elegant match
This ice wine works beautifully as the centerpiece of a dessert board.
Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine is bright, festive, and aromatic, offering both sweetness and lively bubbles. It is often enjoyed simply and celebratorily.
Best enjoyed:
• Served straight up, chilled, and on its own
• Paired with fresh strawberries
• Served with strawberries dipped in milk or white chocolate
• Accompanied by a strawberry marzipan tart
This wine is ideal for celebrations, brunches, and special gatherings.
In Lake Erie Wine Country, ice wine is more than a dessert pairing; it is a seasonal tradition. Whether enjoyed after dinner, during a winery tasting, or as part of a special holiday meal, ice wine is meant to be savored slowly.
A few simple tips for best enjoyment:
• Serve well chilled
• Use small pours (ice wine is rich and concentrated)
• Pair with foods that are sweet, salty, creamy, or nutty
• Treat it as the final “highlight” of your meal
Johnson Estate Winery, located in Westfield, NY, is one of the region’s historic estate wineries producing award-winning cool-climate wines. Visitors are invited to experience ice wine tastings, seasonal releases, and curated food pairings at our winemaker’s dinners that showcase the best of Lake Erie Wine Country.
Whether you are visiting from Buffalo, Erie, or anywhere in Lake Erie Wine Country, ice wine is a must-try experience that captures the essence of winter winemaking.
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
