Lake Erie Wine Country, a gem located on the shore of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania and New York, is a sight to behold. Spanning 50 miles along the scenic shoreline, the wine trail is home to 23 wineries, many of which offer stunning lake views. The region also boasts small, charming towns that invite visitors to slow down and savor the moment. From Harbor Creek, Pennsylvania, to Silver Creek, New York, each winery along the trail has its own unique, undeniable charm, making it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.

Erie, Pennsylvania, a city built alongside Lake Erie, serves as the perfect starting point for your journey into the coastal wineries. Our guide will lead you to 12 wineries that are a must-visit to truly experience the essence of the Lake Erie Wine Country.

Wines of Lake Erie

The Lake Erie AVA is one of the largest, cool-climate regions east of the Rocky Mountains. Although Concord, a native varietal, is the most planted grape, it is mostly used for jams, jellies, and juice. However, several vinifera plantings include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. In addition, prominent French American hybrid plantings, including Bacco Noir, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc, grow here.

While the lake effect and terroir lend a distinct character to the wines, each vintage carries its own unique flavor due to weather variations. One common characteristic of Lake Erie wines is their marked acidity, a result of the region’s short growing season. However, the winemakers in this region are not just skilled; they are masters of their craft. They expertly balance the acidity, particularly in the early maturing grape varietals, ensuring a delightful and well-rounded wine experience.

The History

The Lake Erie wine region, a product of the Ice Age, was shaped by receding glaciers that carved out deep passageways and left behind bodies of water and well-drained soil. Indigenous vines thrived in this area, and early immigrants introduced crossbred and hybrid varieties in the 1880s. However, the region soon became a political stronghold for America’s temperance movement, culminating in the Prohibition Era in the 1920s and early 1930s.

In the meantime, the vinifera revolution of the 1950s and 1960s in the nearby Finger Lakesbegan to pique the interest of grape farmers in the Lake Erie region. Jelly and Juice (not wine) production continued until the Pennsylvania Limited Winery Act allowed farmers to produce and sell up to 50,000 gallons of wine to the public annually. This breathed new life into the Lake Erie wine industry, creating one of the largest AVAs in the United States. Subsequently, additional legislation increased the production limit, encouraging more wineries and wine production.