Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

The largest wine region in the Great Lakes starts in Erie County, and fall is the best time to experience it. Start with the wine but linger awhile to explore the flavors and shops that will perfectly compliment your girls trip or romantic retreat in Lake Erie Wine Country.

Where to Stay: Lake Erie Treehouses

Day 1: Arrival

Dinner at Luminary Distilling
Before checking in to your accommodations, get a bite to eat at Luminary Distilling, Fuhrman’s Cider and Eatery, located less than two miles from your cabin. The former cider mill turned micro-distillery offers a full menu of seasonal sandwiches, fresh dough pizzas and entrees, along with its menu of drinks using spirits distilled in-house. Try their Apple Cider Slushie spiked with Apple Pie Moonshine.

Check In and Check Out Your Cabin
Staying at the A-Frame cabins of Lake Erie Treehouses feels like a getaway in itself: the new short term rentals are tucked into the pines and incorporate uniquely built features that make them feel special. Settle in, and lounge awhile in the indoor hammock or the hot tub, built on the highest elevation deck on property, under twinkling lights.

Day 2: Make Your Way to Wine Country

Breakfast at Skunk and Goat Tavern
North East, PA is Pennsylvania’s gateway to Lake Erie Wine Country, and the Skunk and Goat Tavern is a North East staple.

Tasting and Touring at Johnson Estate Winery
A 15-minute drive into western New York leads you to Johnson Estate Winery – the oldest estate winery in New York state. The winery had a fascinating history and an intimate and cozy tasting room where you can learn all about it, and the grapes and wines it produces. Ask about a guided tour of the vineyards after your tasting.

Tasting and Lunch at 21 Brix
Head 10 minutes north, and when you see the giant pink elephant, you’ll know you reached 21 Brix Winery. With a huge tasting room and outdoor seating space next to the vineyards and cherry orchards, it’s the ideal space to buy a bottle to split and enjoy lunch after your tasting.

Tasting at Mazza Vineyards
The Mazza family name is synonymous with Lake Erie wines, so a stop at their flagship location is a must-do when in Lake Erie Wine Country. At Mazza, you can build a custom flight, but their menu of sample tasting flights are set to pair their award-winning wines by collection. Order The Tribute Collection to sample the varietals that make up the foundation of the Mazza portfolio of wines

Local Tip: If you don’t have a designated driver in your group, reach out to Rupp Limousine about a car and driver. They offer planned or custom wine tours, and offer many sizes of vehicles to accommodate groups. If you’re tasting with a large group (often considered 8+ people, please adhere to individual winery guidelines surrounding group timing.

Day 3: Explore Erie

Brunch at Give a Crepe
In an unassuming neighborhood in the heart of Erie, Give A Crepe La Creperie is serving up French classics with house made ingredients. Owner Stephani Klassen really “gives a crepe” about Erie and it shows in the food: sweet and savory crepes feature seasonal flavors and local produce, and are scratch made with the customer’s dietary needs front and center. Fillings are always gluten free, and almost every crepe can be made vegan. Try the house made cinnamon caramel on the Fosters or Donkey Kong crepes, or the Brekki Crepe, which includes house cured bacon,  an egg cooked your way, Gruyere cheese and spinach.

Coffee at Werner Books
Take a short drive to start off an afternoon of sipping and shopping at Werner Books: a  community-minded, locally owned coffee shop and bookstore that sells both new and used titles, hosts a myriad of events, and whips up seasonal drink menus that give visitors a true feel of the season. Coffee is roasted by local favorite North Edge Coffee, and you’ll find a full section of books by Erie-based authors on the shelves. Order a Pumpkin Pecan Latte, and peruse the aisles for your next cozy season read.

Vintage Shopping
End your trip by admiring the interesting and unique items on display at Erie County’s many vintage or thrift shops. Some of the best include Copper Carraige in downtown Erie, Cobb’s Second Time Around Thrift Shop on Parade Street, and the 814 Vintage Marketplace on Upper Peach Street.

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