Whether you’re looking to taste and tour wineries along the Lake Erie Wine Trail or grab a beer or spirits at local breweries and distilleries throughout the Chautauqua Lake region, here are some tips for getting the most out of your trip.
Locations and Drinks
The "Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail" includes the wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country situated along the shores of Lake Erie. In the heart of wine country, you’ll find the trifecta of Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits & Brewery. Closer to Chautauqua Lake just outside of Lakewood, Southern Tier Brewing Company and Southern Tier Distilling Co. offer tasty beers and cocktails. On the northern shore of Chautauqua Lake, check out the farm-themed microbrewery Big Inlet Brewing, and visit Ellicottville Brewing Company restaurants in Bemus Point or Fredonia.
View our Trip Planner for a complete list of addresses, descriptions, and more of Chautauqua County’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries.
Tastings and Tours
To tour the "Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail", you’ll of course need a designated driver or a hired transportation company. Lake Erie Wine Country asks groups of eight or more to make reservations in advance as some wineries have small tasting rooms with limited staff. You may purchase tastings at each winery for a small fee, and then please purchase a bottle of your favorite wine to bring home. Plan an hour at each winery for the tasting and shopping.
LAKE ERIE WINE COUNTRY TOUR TIPS
Southern Tier Brewing Company offers Saturday tours where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at this state-of-the-art brewery in Lakewood. The tour finishes in the Brewhouse Tasting Room where you can buy a gift or a growler to go. Mazza Chautauqua Cellars / Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing also offers beer and spirit tastings for a small cost, and you can purchase a flight at Big Inlet Brewing to find your favorite craft beer.
Where to Stay & Dine
Find a place to stay along the "Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail". Choose from a luxury hotel, a cozy cottage, or a vacation home and find winery-themed packages to make your stay memorable, relaxing, and seamless. Several hotels offer Lake Erie Wine Country packages where one can stay and enjoy transportation to and from select wineries.
You’ll find restaurants along the Lake Erie Wine Trail in Westfield, Fredonia, and Silver Creek. Stop for a bite and a great view at the Dunkirk Boardwalk Marketplace.
Grab a beer and a bite to eat at a brewery, or one of numerous local restaurants that have local craft beers on tap. Visit select wineries for a charcuterie board and award-winning wines while overlooking beautiful vineyards. Devour a meal during a special theme night featuring food trucks and live music.
When to Visit
The "Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail's" breweries, wineries, and distilleries are open year-round. Spring, summer, and fall can offer outdoor libation and dining options depending on the weather. You can also schedule your visit around festivals and events or the numerous other attractions in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie region.