Five Award Winning Wines You Can Only Get in Lake Erie Wine Country October 30, 2025You don’t have to travel far to experience a range of complex, award-winning wines that have been recognized among some of the nation’s best. A 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo lands you in Lake Erie Wine Country – the largest grape growing region in the Great Lakes, and home to more than 20 commercial and estate wineries, all with selections that will please even the most refined palate. Plan a trip to taste these award-winning wines in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Johnson Estate Winery 2022 Chambourcin Best of Class for French Hybrids, 2025 New York Wine Classic Gold Medal, 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Gold Medal, 2025 Los Angeles Wine Competition Crisp with a medium body, Johnson Estate’s Chambourcin is made from estate-grown French-hybrid grapes on the third-generation family farm in western New York. Look for berry notes with a little oakiness, and pair with a variety of red meats or game. Presque Isle Wine Cellars 2022 Gruner Veltliner Platinum Award, 2023 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, San Diego This complex dry white wine is made from grapes grown in Erie County, and is versatile in how it pairs with food. Try it with vegetable dishes or something with a little spice. South Shore Wine Company 2024 The Perfect Rose Gold Medal, 2024 New York Wine Classic Gold Medal, 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards The Perfect Rose isn’t just beautiful when poured, it’s the perfect wine for sipping outside. Chambourcin grapes give this variety a hint of color and delicate berry flavor. Try it paired with salmon or a salad. Courtyard Winery Courtyard Brut Bronze Medal, 2018 USA Wine Ratings, San Francisco This dry white sparkline wine is made from Chardonel grapes, using the traditional champagne method. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop this one. Mazza Chautauqua Cellars 2018 Dry Reisling, Nutt Road Vineyard Silver Medal, 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition Reisling grapes were harvested early in the morning at cool temperatures to ensure optimum maturity and flavor concentration of this variety. Try it paired with a pork roast or fish. Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave