When one thinks of New York, the bustling city of New York City often comes to mind. However, just a few hours away lies a hidden gem in the form of Chautauqua County. Located in the western part of the state, this county is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and most importantly, its wineries. Chautauqua County is home to over 30 wineries, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. But what sets this region apart from other wine regions is the fact that many of these wineries also offer restaurants or food options.
This means that visitors not only get to taste some of the best wines in the state but also indulge in delicious food pairings.
The Rise of Wineries in Chautauqua County
The history of winemaking in Chautauqua County dates back to the mid-19th century when French immigrants brought their winemaking skills to the region. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the wine industry really took off in this area. Today, Chautauqua County is known for its production of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc, among other varietals. With its ideal climate and fertile soil, Chautauqua County has become a prime location for growing grapes. The cool temperatures and lake-effect snow provide a longer growing season, resulting in high-quality grapes.This has led to an increase in the number of wineries in the region, with many offering unique experiences for visitors.
Wineries with Restaurants or Food Options
One of the most popular wineries in Chautauqua County is Johnson Estate Winery. This family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines for over 50 years. In addition to their tasting room, they also have a restaurant on-site, called The Blue Heron. The restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience, with a menu that changes seasonally to incorporate fresh, local ingredients.Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while overlooking the vineyards and Lake Erie.
Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
is another must-visit winery in the county. This winery has been producing wine for over 40 years and has a restaurant on-site called Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and small plates, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy a tasting flight of their wines, spirits, and craft beers.Liberty Vineyards & Winery
is known for its award-winning wines and stunning views of Lake Erie.In addition to their tasting room, they also have a cafe on-site called The Bistro at Liberty Vineyards. The cafe offers a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy live music on the weekends while sipping on their favorite wine.
Food and Wine Pairings
Many wineries in Chautauqua County offer food and wine pairing experiences, where visitors can taste different wines alongside carefully curated dishes.Merritt Estate Winery
offers a wine and chocolate pairing, where visitors can taste their wines alongside artisan chocolates from a local chocolatier.21 Brix Winery offers a wine and cheese pairing, where visitors can taste their wines alongside a selection of cheeses from a local creamery. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, Johnson Estate Winery offers a wine and food pairing class. Visitors can learn about the different flavor profiles of wines and how they pair with different foods. They also get to create their own food pairings and taste them alongside the winery's wines.
Other Culinary Experiences in Chautauqua County
Aside from wineries with restaurants or food options, Chautauqua County also offers other culinary experiences for visitors. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the county's wineries, distilleries, and breweries.Along the way, visitors can stop at local restaurants and cafes to taste the region's cuisine. The county also hosts several food and wine festivals throughout the year, such as the Chautauqua Food & Wine Festival and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. These festivals showcase the best of the region's food and wine, with live music, cooking demonstrations, and more.
