Erie County is home to one of the largest grape-growing regions in the country, featuring lush lakefront vineyards and charming small towns like North East, where a walkable downtown features local shopping, restaurants and parks, and is the Erie County start to Lake Erie Wine Country.
Lake Erie Wine Country is the largest grape growing region in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Featuring 30,000 sprawling acres of vineyards and more than 20 distinct estate and commercial wineries, Lake Erie Wine Country spans 50 miles of shoreline from Harborcreek, Pennsylvania to Silver Creek, New York along the southern shorelines of Lake Erie. The area's wineries produce unique and diverse wines for all tastes, from fruity native Labruscas and exquisite French-American wines to European-style wines and award-winning favorites. Most wineries offer tours, special events and concerts throughout the year.
There's no better time to visit Lake Erie Wine Country than in the fall. As you arrive for tours and tastings, make sure to roll down the car windows to smell the beautiful aroma of more than 30,000 acres of fresh grapes at harvest! Lake Erie Wine Country also hosts various themed events such as Tapas & Wine Weekends, Bare the Barrels, Wine and Chocolate Weekends and the annual WineFest. Pictured: South Shore Wine Company credit R. Frank Photography
To obtain a copy of the Lake Erie Wine Country brochure, you can download it or call VisitErie at 814-454-1000.
The Mazza family has been making craft beverages on the shores of Lake Erie for over fifty years, serving, wine, craft beer and spirits at three distinct locations: Mazza Vineyards, South Shore Wine Company and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing - New York's first combination winery, distillery, and brewery. Each facility boasts its own unique atmosphere, beverage list, and tasting experience. Mazza’s family of brands includes numerous and award-winning wines, spirits, and beers distributing to national and international markets.
Tour Lake Erie Wine Country in style! Local transportation services offer vehicles in a variety of sizes to accommodate groups touring Lake Erie Wine Country, whether it’s during one of the region’s multi-winery events, or just for a girls weekend away. Rupp Limousine offers several public and private wine tours, and can even plan a personal wine tour geared specifically for your group! Experience comfortable, convenient, luxurious travel without the hassle of finding parking or taking more than one vehicle.
Courtyard Winery has created guided tours for a more intimate winery experience at their North East location, such as Meet the Winemaker and Picnic in the Vineyard (both are seasonal and weather-permitting). Meet the Winemaker gives visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of making wine and what it takes to own a winery. The Picnic tour includes a handcrafted lunch, wine and private picnic space in a serene setting overlooking a creek in the winery’s vineyards. For a sweet and salty experience, guests can try Courtyard’s Wine and Popcorn pairing, which is available year-round.
The Grape Discovery Center is the official visitor’s center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Area. EXPLORE, LEARN, TASTE, and SHOP the essence of the Grape Industry and the beautiful Lake Erie grape region. Explore their interactive displays, learn to appreciate the history of the industry and region, taste the fruits of sixteen different wineries, and shop the crafts of local and regional artisans. Admission to the Center is free.
Q: My bachelorette party is doing a wine tour in Lake Erie Wine Country. Do I need to make reservations?
A: For large groups, it's best to make a reservation at each winery, yes. Please call the wineries individually using the numbers listed below. You could also book a scheduled tour through Rupp Limousine or Locale Wine Tours.
Q: Do the wineries serve food?
A: Some serve small bites and appetizers, some don't serve food at all. Several of our partner wineries that serve food include Arundel Cellars & Brewing, 21 Brix, Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, Penn Shore Winery, and Presque Isle Wine Cellars. Please check out the individual winery websites to see menus.
Q: I've never done a wine tasting. How does it work?
A: Each winery does it their own way. In general, you select which wines you want to taste, and an expert at each winery provides you with a small sample to try while describing the wine's notes and flavors.
Q: If I go to a winery, do I have to do a wine tasting?
A: Although it’s fun to sample the fruits of the vine, wineries do not require tastings in order to purchase their wines. Many of the LEWC wineries also sell wine and grape themed gift items, souvenirs and apparel.
Q: What information do you have about Wine Fest?
A: Wine Fest is the annual celebration of wineries, held in North East, PA. It is held the last full weekend in September and includes wine tastings, food vendors, live musical entertainment, craft and souvenir vendors. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/NorthEastWineFest
Q: Does the Lake Erie Wine Country (LEWC) hold events?
A: Yes they do. Throughout the year, LEWC hosts themed events like Wine & Tapas Weekends and Wine & Chocolate Weekends. To learn more, click here.
Q: Do the wineries have private spaces for parties or special events?
A: A few of the wineries have private space available for rental. Please check with the individual winery for their specific offerings.
Q: Can you pick your own grapes at the wineries?
A: Not at this time.
Q: I’ve heard Mazza Winery looks for volunteers to harvest grapes used for ice-wine. How can I sign-up?
A: Ice-wine grape harvesting is typically done in the middle of winter when the outside temperatures have fallen to 12 degrees fahrenheit and the grapes are frozen. Please contact Mazza Vineyards direct at 814-725-8695 for volunteer opportunities.
814-725-5509
12073 East Main Road
North East, PA 16428
814-725-1079
11727 East Main Road
North East, PA 16428
716-793-9463
8398 West Route 20
Westfield, NY 14787
716-326-2191
8419 West Main Road
Westfield, NY 14787
800-796-WINE (9463)
11815 East Lake Road
North East, PA 16428
814-725-8688
10225 East Lake Road
North East, PA 16428
814-725-1314
9440 West Main Road
North East, PA 16428
814-725-1585
1120 Freeport Road
North East, PA 16428
The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.
UPMC Hamot is a 423-bed hospital in Erie, PA, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center.
Local Craft Beer Brewery & Pub in Erie, PA! Featuring a large selection of craft beers, a wood-fired brick oven featuring fresh dough specialty pizzas & our open-view brewing environment makes for a unique experience! Reservations // Call 814.866.BEER (2337)
:: Full Menu, Wood-fired Brick Oven & Casual Pub Dining
:: Brewery & Craft Beer Pub
:: Craft Beers on Tap & Beer To-Go
:: Indoor & Outdoor Dining & Bar
:: Online Ordering & Takeout
:: Beer To-Go
:: Conveniently located of I-90 on Peach Street
The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.
Join us today! The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.
Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”
Happy Fall Y’all! Celebrate 125 years of Port Farms during the Fall Harvest season from September 17th – October 30th. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions here at the farms, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes hay wagon rides, 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! PLUS, this year we have added tons of new events that are included with admission! Learn more and purchase tickets: https://portfarms.simpletix.com
Local wine is great for holiday entertaining, plus it makes a great gift! Stop by to try (and pick up) award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA.
Direct Daily Flights to Charlotte and Chicago.
Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte and Chicago with connections across the country and around the world. Book your flight today at www.aa.com or www.united.com
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.
The Cork 1794 is the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion! Indoor and outside seating available with amazing food.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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