The craft beverage scene is booming in Chautauqua County, New York, a destination that has been a long time praised for its wine region, Lake Erie Wine Country. Recent developments have led to a robust offering of craft breweries and farm distilleries, which are required to contain at minimum 75% New York State agricultural products such as grains, honey, fruits, maple syrup, etc. Plan a trip with your friends, significant other or craft-beer loving parents for an experience you won't soon forget.
Day One: Start along Rt. 20 east and just outside the village of Westfield you will find Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing/Mazza Chautauqua Cellars. Owned and operated by the Mazza family, makers of Lake Erie wines for over 40 years, Five & 20 is New York State’s first trifecta of enjoyment; the first to produce wine, beer and spirits! They pride themselves on working directly with farmers to utilize local agricultural products like grains, hops, maple syrup, apples and more. Sample by the glass and purchase your favorites to bring home. Just make sure you arrive early because the tasting room closes at 6pm on Fridays unless there is a special event scheduled.
Johnson Estate Winery, also in Westfield, is the oldest estate winery in all of New York. Visit their historic tasting room and ask your server for the Spirits of New York menu which features over thirty premium, award-winning distilled spirits including vodka, bourbon, rum, gin, and fruit liqueurs. Select three you would like to try and receive 1/2oz pours paired with olives or smokes nuts.
21 Brix in neighboring Portland offers craft beer and wine lovers a chance to come to terms. Wine enthusiasts can stick to the dry reds and whites, the sweeter house series, or the fruit and specialty wines. Craft beer drinkers will appreciate the rotating taps of season-regional favorites. Order a charcuterie board and find a seat in the spacious tasting room or oversized veranda.
Big Inlet Brewing in Mayville is a great place to stop for a casual dinner. Some of the region's favorite food trucks make the rounds here and there is live music on most Friday nights. The brewery and taproom are located in a converted hoop barn. The surrounding landscape is delightfully pastoral and the old hayloft has been transformed into a cozy seating area complete with board games.
Day Two: While Southern Tier Brewing Company has expanded to include taprooms in Pittsburgh, PA, Cleveland, OH, and Ashville, NC, a visit to where it all began in Lakewood, NY is a must for any self-respecting craft beer enthusiast. Arrive at The Empty Pint Taproom a little before noon and join the queue for a tour of this massive brewing facility. Tours are only offered Saturdays on a first-come, first-serve basis; no reservations are accepted. Come for the beer and stay for the delicious food. Head down the hill to their sister distillery, aptly named Southern Tier Distilling Company, where bartenders will craft you a creative cocktail inspired by seasonal and local flavors. Order a flight of their award-winning spirits to taste before selecting a souvenir bottle of whiskey, vodka, rum or gin.
Venture to Jamestown, the birthplace of Lucille Ball, where you can spend the whole day laughing at the National Comedy Center’s more than 50 “smart” exhibits; they deliver interactive content based on each guests' unique sense of humor. Games, competitions, and stand-up comedy karaoke will leave visitors of all ages with a profound appreciation for comedy icons and innovators. The Comedy Karaoke Lounge has a bar that serves Southern Tier Brewing Co. beers and Southern Tier Distilling Co. canned cocktails. Budget at least three hours at the Comedy Center, and even then you'll wish you stayed longer. Good news is your wristband is active for the entire day, freeing you to discover downtown's many food and beverage options.
After laughs, make your way to the heart of historic downtown Jamestown and any of these fine purveyors of craft beers and makers of custom cocktails, all of whom serve great food:
- Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge: 18 rotating taps, 100-plus bottles of craft beer, and more than 40 unique bottles of wine offer something new for every palate. Grab a board game and find a snug alcove to sit or make new friends at the bar. The hand-drawn chalk beer menu board is charming and the local cheese plates and pizzas are delish!
- Pearl City Hops Restaurant and Tavern: This modern-meets-rustic gastropub has several taps, awesome food, and enough seating to fit the whole crew. The second-floor dining room offers a great view of downtown, while the street-level dining area and patio have more intimate spaces including luxurious couches and wing-back chairs.
Day Three: Treat yourself to one last great meal in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region before heading back home. We recommend checking out Ellicottville Brewing Company on Chautauqua (Bemus Point, NY), the Bemus Point Golf Course and Tap House (Bemus Point, NY), or The Lakehouse Tap & Grille at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel (Celoron, NY).
For more information on planning a trip to Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region, including private transportation options while you’re here, visit TourChautauqua.com or request a FREE Visitor Guide by calling 1.866.908.ILNY (4569). Please drink responsibly.