Wineries in Erie

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.

Mazza Wines

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.                                        

Wine Tours

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 Tours

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wineries in Erie County, PA

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 Chautauqua 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.