Uncork the Perfect Christmas: Holiday Gift Ideas from Johnson Estate Winery

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Skip the malls and give a gift of local craftsmanship, warmth, and flavor from Johnson Estate Winery. Whether you're shopping for the family foodie, the wine connoisseur, or that hard-to-buy-for coworker, we have a curated multiple options below to bring Christmas cheer to every palate.

1. Our Pre-Designed Holiday Gift Boxes

Our team has already curated a selection of beautiful, ready-to-ship gift boxes featuring our most popular wines and gourmet pairings. These are perfect for a one-click shopping experience!

The HOLIDAY SPICE Box: Warm up the chilly nights with our traditional mulled wines. This box often features the famous Red Ipocras and White Ipocras (sweet wines generously flavored with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and clove) paired with two delightful treats Triple Ginger Cookies and Cinnamon Walnuts. This is a must-have for those who love seasonal warmth.

The CHRISTMAS DRY Box: Perfect for the sophisticated palate! This selection highlights our European-style dry wines, such as the Black Locust Riesling, Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, and a fine Cabernet Sauvignon, all paired with gourmet dark chocolate truffle bars.

The HOLIDAY SWEET Box: For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, this box includes our award-winning Sweet Riesling, Ives, and the festive Red Ipocras, complemented by a Milk Chocolate Himalayan Salted Caramel bar.

Pro-Tip: Remember to add a personalized Christmas message at checkout! We will print it on a beautiful Christmas card and include it in the gift box.

Click To Select A Box

2. The Personalized Touch: Build-Your-Own Gift Experience

Nothing says "I thought of you" like a custom gift. You can create a truly unique present by selecting the bottles and gourmet items your recipient will love most.

Choose Your Wine: Mix and match from over 40 of our estate-grown wines.

For the Toast: Add our traditional Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Traminette or the newly released Brut Rosé to celebrate the season.

For the Cellar: Select a bold red like our Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir that can age beautifully.

For Dessert: Our specialty wines make a decadent gift! Consider the award-winning Vidal Blanc Ice Wine or the unique Maple Liqueur (made with estate-grown grape spirits and local maple syrup).

Add Gourmet Pairings: Complete your box with delicious treats, including chocolates, nuts, quince paste, and baked goods.

Click To Build Your Box

3. The Gift That Keeps Giving

For the person who values experiences and discovery, a wine-related gift certificate or membership is the perfect solution.

Johnson Estate Gift Certificates: The ultimate flexibility! Our gift certificates can be used online or at the winery for wine purchases, gourmet food items, or unforgettable experiences like vineyard walks and winemaker's dinners throughout the year.

Winemaker's Select Collections: A one-time gift of discovery! Choose from curated Six-Bottle Collections like the "Dry Red Collection" or the "Dry White Collection" for a complete tasting journey.

Wine Club Membership: Give a year-round gift! A membership ensures your recipient receives customizable shipments of their favorite wines each quarter, keeping the Johnson Estate experience alive long after the holidays are over.

Don't Forget Our Holiday Shipping Specials!

Make your shopping even easier with our seasonal shipping promotions. We offer FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders, multiples of 12 750 & 375ml bottles ship free across the continental US. 

Nov 22, 2025 at 10:39 AM Permalink

A Family Legacy of Service: Why November is Our Most Personal Month at Johnson Estate Winery

November is arguably the most meaningful time of year here at Johnson Estate Winery.

When you walk through our historic estate, you’re not just walking through New York’s oldest continuous estate winery; you're walking through a deeply rooted family history that includes military service. Our annual Veterans Appreciation Month is more than just a thank you—it's a direct reflection of the courage and commitment of our founder, my father-in-law, Frederick Spencer Johnson.

Our Founder: From Torpedo Pilot to Winemaking Pioneer

Our tradition of honoring veterans is rooted in the incredible story of Fred Sr. During World War II, he served as a Naval Aviator, flying a torpedo bomber aboard the USS Yorktown. He brought that same pioneering spirit to the farm after returning home, founding Johnson Estate Winery in 1961.

The military tie is particularly strong around Veterans Day. As a Lt. (junior grade) Torpedo Bomber Pilot, my father-in-law earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for a heroic act: sinking a Japanese destroyer on Armistice Day (November 11th) in 1944. My husband, Fred Johnson Jr., and I carry that legacy forward, and we feel a deep responsibility to honor that service.

That’s why we dedicate November to giving back.

Our Month-Long Gratitude Program

Throughout November, we are extending a special thanks to all veterans and active-duty military personnel who visit us at the historic estate in Westfield, NY:

Complimentary Wine Tastings

10% Discount on all in-store wine purchases

We invite you to come see us so we can say thank you in person.

Shop with Purpose: Our EOD Warrior Foundation Commitment

In addition to our in-store appreciation, we continue our annual commitment to provide critical support to the EOD Warrior Foundation. This organization does life-changing work, providing financial assistance, scholarships, and crucial emotional support to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and their families.

We are proud to donate $2 from every bottle sold of three select red wines throughout the month of November to this vital cause:

Founders' Red

Torpedo Red

Maréchal Foch

The Torpedo Red is perhaps the most personal wine in this group. The label itself was designed by our own son—a current Naval Officer—and features the insignia of his great-grandfather’s WWII Torpedo Three Squadron. It’s a direct tribute that connects four generations of our family's commitment to service.

If you are looking for a delicious way to support our veterans, we look forward to having you join our family in raising a glass to those who have served.

Jennifer Johnson 

Nov 2, 2025 at 3:58 AM Permalink

Three Easy Fall and Winter Cocktails to Make with Wine

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing better than cozying up with a delicious, comforting drink. While a simple glass of your favorite Johnson Estate wine is always a perfect choice, using our wines as a foundation for a creative cocktail can bring new life to your gatherings or quiet evening at home. 

We've put together three of our favorite easy-to-make recipes that showcase some of our most beloved wines. From a sophisticated Port cocktail to a classic mulled wine, these drinks are perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season. 

1.) Port in a Storm 

This cocktail is for those who appreciate depth and complexity in their glass. "Port in a Storm" is a stunningly rich and layered drink that perfectly showcases two of our most robust wines: our luscious Port and bright, fruit-forward Chambourcin. It's a sophisticated and memorable way to enjoy our wine, perfect for a cold evening or a special occasion. 

Ingredients: 

• 1oz Brandy 
• 2oz Johnson Estate Port 
• Johnson Estate Chambourcin (Fill) 
• Ice 
• Fresh Mint sprig for garnish 

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the brandy and the Johnson Estate Port. 
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled 
3. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice 
4. Pour the Johnson Estate Chambourcin into the glass, filling it about halfway. 
5. Strain the brandy and Port mixture from the shaker over the chambourcin. 
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving. 

2.) Apple Maple Toddy 

Embrace the cozy side of fall with this wonderfully comforting and easy-to-make toddy. The classic combination of apple and whiskey gets a sweet, local twish from our very own Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur, creating a drink that is perfect for a crisp afternoon or a chilly evening by the fire. It's delicious served over ice, or you can warm it up for a truly soothing experience. 

Ingredients: 

• 2oz Whiskey 
• 1oz Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur 
• Apple Cider (to fill) 
• Ice (if serving cold) 
• Garnish: A cinnamon stick and fresh mint sprig 

Instructions (Cold): 

1. Fill a glass with ice 
2. Add the whiskey and the Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur 
3. Fill the rest of the glass with apple cider 
4. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh mint. 

Instructions (Warm): 

1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the apple cider over low heat. 
2. Pour the whiskey and Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur into a heatproof mug. 
3. Fill the mug with the warm apple cider. 
4. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick and sprig of fresh mint. 

3.) Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

No fall or winter drink menu is complete without the warming embrace of Gluhwein. A beloved European tradition, this recipe uses a full-bodied dry red wine, gently spiced to create an aromatic and soothing hot beverage. This simple recipe is a perfect way to turn our Cabernet Sauvignon into a comforting treat for a chilly day. 

Ingredients: 

• 6 oz Johnson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken
• 2 whole cloves 
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• A pinch of nutmeg 
• Garnish: A lemon twist and an orange slice 

Instructions: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine the Johnson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, broken cinnamon stick, whole cloves, honey, and nutmeg. 
2. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat. Stir gently to dissolve the honey. 
3. Continue to heat until the wine is hot, but do not allow it to boil. The goal is to warm the wine and infuse the spices without cooking off the alcohol. 
4. Carefully pour the mixture into a mug. 
5. Garnish with a lemon twist and an orange slice before serving. 

For those who prefer a sweeter mulled wine, our Red and White Ipocras are a perfect pour after simply warming to your desired temperature. All these wines are available by clicking the highlighted links above, we hope that you, your family, and friends enjoy! 

Sep 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM Permalink

Savor the Season: Experience Harvest & Fall at Johnson Estate Winery

Soon, the vibrant colors of autumn will sweep across Western New York and there's no better time to visit Johnson Estate Winery, in the heart of the Lake Erie Wine Trail. Our vineyards come alive during the harvest season, the air is filled with the sweet, rich, and iconic aroma of ripening grapes, and our team is busy bringing in the year's crop. This year, we have created a line up of unique tours & experiences for you, your family, and friends to be part of during this special time of year. 

Guided Harvest Estate Tour

The guided harvest tour is offered in September while our outdoor tasting venue FLIGHT is still open. During this small-group guided tour with third-generation owner Fred Johnson, you will go behind the scenes of New York's Oldest Estate Winery. You will walk throughout the vineyards, learn about the 13 different varieties of grapes, and enjoy stunning autumn scenery with views of Lake Erie.

The tour culminates at FLIGHT, our beautiful outdoor tasting venue, where you'll be treated to a generous charcuterie board and your choice of a glass of wine or our warm mulled wine.

Tickets for the Harvest Estate Tour are $50/person

September 6th 

September  13th

September 20th 

September 27th

The Great Grape Walk: Pick Your Own Grapes

For a more hands-on and family-friendly experience, our Great Grape Walk allows you and your loved ones to become part of the harvest. This self-guided tour gives you the freedom to wander through the rows of vines first planted by our founder, Fred Johnson. After checking in at the tasting room, you will receive a vineyard map, borrowed clippers, and a basket to fill with your own grapes, with several varietes available for picking. 

It's a fantastic activity for all ages. Tickets are $25/per adult.

Children under 18 years old are FREE

September 6th & 7th

September  13th & 14th

September 20th & 21st

September 27th & 28th 

October 4th & 5th

Fall Foliage Walks

When October arrives, our vineyards transform into a stunning display of autumn colors. Join us for a Fall Foliage Walk, a self-guided tour through our vineyards. This leisurely stroll offers spectacular and unparalleled views of the hillsides, vineyards, and Lake Erie, all with brilliant fall colors.

The walk is followed by a tasting of five wines in the tasting room paired with Sargento snacks. 

Another family-friendly experience, tickets are attendees under 21 are FREE. We will have Concord grape juice and water ready for them at the end of the walk as you enjoy your tastings of wine. 

The Fall Foliage Walks are offered at 10:30am & 2:30pm.

October 11th & 12th 

October 18th & 19th

Aug 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM Permalink

A Golden Year at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

Wine Competition Success Continues with the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. 

This month, we had the honor of participating in the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition. Not only is this competition an internationally recognized competition, 100% of the proceeds generated go directly to Camp Good Days & Special Times. Camp Good Days is a not-for-profit dedicated to assisting families affected by cancer and sickle cell anemia. 

This year, the 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition had over 1,000 entries from more than 30 states and 5 countries. Safe to say, excellence and craftmanship were on full display. Due to the hardwork of our vineyard and winemaking team and our "Bud to Bottle" process here at Johnson Estate Winery, our wines stood out in front of the competition.

We're incredibly proud to announce the top honors bestowed upon our wines: 

1. Ives - BEST IN CLASS (Native Red) 
   • Our semi-sweet Ives is known for its brilliant garnet red color with a distinct gruit character that mimics Lambrusco. 
2. Old Oak Gold - BEST IN CLASS (Dessert Fortified)
   • Utilizing estate-grown grapes and then aged for over a year in Kentucky bourbon barrels, Old Oak Gold is smooth and decadent.

1. Sparkling Traminette - Platinum 
   • Produced using the traditional "methode champenoise" technique, Sparkling Traminette will deliver a bright and fruity taste with an intense aroma of passion fruit, guava, and rose. 
2. Concord - Platinum 
   • This regionally recognized and unique wine is fruity with a pronounced grape flavor. 

1. Vidal Blanc Ice Wine - Double Gold
   • Traditional honey and pear notes characterize this well-balanced, complex ice wine.

1. Chambourcin Ice Wine - Gold
   • A medium red/rosé colored ice wine with slight apple and cherry notes, in addition to the traditional berry ones.
2. Chambourcin - Gold
   • A traditional lush, dry red wine, made from our Estate-grown French-hybrid grapes.
3. Marechal Foch
   • Our number one selling wine, this semi-dry wine is rich, very dark red, and simultaneously fresh and mellow.

We invite you to explore these award-winning wines amoung our others from competitions such as the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Our historic tasting room, located in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, is open seven days a week, our online store never closes. 

Jun 25, 2025 at 2:06 AM Permalink

The Secret to May Wine? Sweet Woodruff!

The Story Behind Johnson Estate's May Wine

Johnson Estate is located in a special microclimate along the shores of Lake Erie, similar to that found in Germany.  As a result, the grapes grown and wine made in Germany - Rieslings, Pinot Noir, and ice ones - are exactly the ones which also do well here in western New York.

Johnson Estate's Winemaker Jeff Murphy, travels to Europe every year or two and often comes back with some new insights or "discoveries" which are utilized in our products or events.  These have included: the terracotta bottles used for our Ruby Port and Cream Sherry; the glass corks manufactured in Germany and now used on our Freelings Creek wines, and the idea of serving "Fedderweiser", a partially fermented grape juice, for a fall Riesling celebration. 

May Day in Germany
In Germany, spring festivities feature "Maiwein", or white wine punches with strawberries and a handful of the shade-loving herb, sweet woodruff (shown here, behind the bottle, just emerging for spring).  Jeff was inspired by the annual celebration of May Day in Germany to create Johnson Estate’s own May Wine, using estate-grown Vidal Blanc wine and an infusion of dried sweet woodruff.  This sparkling May Wine was first released in 2016 and since the "experiment" was so well-liked, production was doubled the following year.  Our current plan is to release, each spring, a limited vintage of this special wine.   

But What is Sweet Woodruff?  Galium Odoratum
In Germany, sweet woodruff is called “Waldmeister” or the “Master of the Woods”. It is a spring blooming perennial plant which thrives in moist woodland shade. In the Middle Ages, it was known as an herbal medicine since the dried leaves contain coumarin and infusions were used as a spring tonic and even as an aphrodisiac.  When dried, the herb has the long-lasting scent of freshly mown grass and vanilla.  The dried herb has been used for centuries as a strewing herb, for pot pourri or as a perfume ingredient, as a tonic in tea, and an ingredient in German May Wine or a punch made with white wine, this herb, and strawberries – to celebrate the coming of spring. Sweet Woodruff was added to the estate gardens along one of our shaded stone pathways in the spring of 2016. To this day, the "Master of the Woods" lines the path with beautiful white flowers every May. 

Limited quanities of each years vintage of May Wine are available, visit our tasting room or 
See the May Wine product listing to get your bottle. 

May 5, 2025 at 5:58 AM Permalink

Los Angeles International Wine Competition Results

Johnson Estate Wines Shined at the 2025 Los Angeles International Wine Competition 

In April, our winemaker, Jeff Murphy traveled to Los Angeles CA to participate as a judge the 2025 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. The roots of this competition date back to 1922 and it is recognized as a standard in the wine industry. This year, the benefits of our Estate tradition of controlling the winemaking process from bud to bottle were on full display. 

Leading our wines in LA this year, was our 2023 Niagara which was awarded BEST OF CLASS Gold 94 Points. We are proud to say that our Niagara wine is grown & bottled here in the Lake Erie Wine Country. 

Four other wines also received Gold Medals: 

• GOLD MEDAL Riesling, Sweet, Reserve, Lake Erie 2023
• GOLD MEDAL Red Blend, House Red, Lake Erie
• GOLD MEDAL Chambourcin, Reserve, Freeling Creek Lake Erie 2022
• GOLD MEDAL Riesling, Dry, Reserve, Lake Erie 2023

In total, 21 of our wines were awarded either Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals. These results are a direct result of the hard work and expertise of our team at Johnson Estate Winery. Below is the full list of medal winners from the competition. We welcome you to come to the winery and taste these wines for yourself! 

• BEST OF CLASS, GOLD MEDAL - 94 Points Niagara, Niagara, Lake Erie 2023
• GOLD MEDAL Riesling, Sweet, Reserve, Lake Erie 2023
• GOLD MEDAL Red Blend, House Red, Lake Erie
• GOLD MEDAL Chambourcin, Reserve, Freeling Creek Lake Erie 2022
• GOLD MEDAL Riesling, Dry, Reserve, Lake Erie 2023
• SILVER MEDAL Chardonnay, Bright Steel, Reserve, Lake Erie 2023
• SILVER MEDAL Concord, Lake Erie 2023
• SILVER MEDAL Riesling, Semi Dry, Reserve, Lake Erie 2022
• SILVER MEDAL Sherry, Old Oak Gold, Lake Erie
• SILVER MEDAL Port, Ruby, Old Oak Port, Lake Erie
• SILVER MEDAL Brut, Reserve, Lake Erie 2020
• SILVER MEDAL Icewine, Vidal Blanc, Lake Erie 2023
• SILVER MEDAL Delaware, Delaware, Liebestropfchen, Lake Erie 2023
• SILVER MEDAL Pinot Noir, Reserve, Lake Erie 2022
• SILVER MEDAL Red Blend, Lake Effect Red, Lake Erie (Available at Retail Partners)
• SILVER MEDAL Sparkling Wine, Sparkling Traminette, Reserve, Lake Erie 2022
• SILVER MEDAL White Blend, Lake Effect White, Lake Erie (Available at Retail Partners)
• SILVER MEDAL Icewine, Chambourcin, Lake Erie 2023
• BRONZE MEDAL Chardonnay, Toasted Oak, Reserve, Lake Erie 2022
• BRONZE MEDAL Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, American 2021
• BRONZE MEDAL Marechal Foch, Marechal Foch, Reserve, Lake Erie 2022

May 3, 2025 at 7:35 AM Permalink

NEW 2025: The Estate Tours: Vineyards, Gardens, & More

       
Over the years, Johnson Estate has hosted many different events available to its customers - ranging from vineyard walks (self-guided and guided), brunches, lunches, grape picking, Riesling pairing nights, and various dinners. This year, we've decided to offer, at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, The Estate Tour - VIneyards, Gardens, and more:

The Estate Tour is the "ultimate experience" at Johnson Estate - a small-group "behind the scenes" tour of the Estate and the winery. It starts with a walk through the winery warehouse followed by a 2-mile walk which starts in the farmhouse gardens and proceeds to the vineyards, where we grow thirteen varieties of grapes. After the tour, enjoy the beautiful scenery and a breakfast charcuterie board with a sparkling Mimosa or Bellini - or just a glass of sparkling May Wine with strawberries - at FLIGHT, our outdoor tasting area.

Here's a recent Trip Advisor review:
A positively delightful Sunday morning limited audience winery tour followed by tastings and food pairings. Goes way beyond the standard wine trail storefront visit. We reserved and paid for the tickets online in advance, and what a fantastic and worthwhile experience it turned out to be!" -
$50 per person* everything is included in this exclusive package!
*$40 for Wine Club Members

For more information and reservations, visit our Event Calendar.

Apr 5, 2025 at 5:12 AM Permalink

International Riesling Day - We're Celebrating.

 

Our Germanic microclimate and "terroir" is perfect for Rieslings.
And Johnson Estate now has four Rieslings in its portfolio.
Have you tried them all?

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WHEN DID WE FIRST PLANT RIESLING VINES AT JOHNSON ESTATE?

Riesling vines were first planted at Johnson Estate beginning in 2008. Winemaker Jeff Murphy and Owner Fred Johnson selected the particular Riesling vines, after having done their homework on which vines might be the most productive and happy here in Western New York on the ancient shores of Lake Erie (or Lake Whittelsy). The Rieslings were planted on 3309 root stock, which enabled the vines to grow through the shale soil and to develop deep roots on the edge of the ridge, giving the vines a little bit of protection from the colder temperatures that can impact the vines located below that slope during very cold winters.

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FOUR ESTATE RIESLINGS - FROM DRY TO SWEET
And Awards & Recognition

Mar 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM Permalink

Johnson Estate - Harvest Hosts

Recommended by a customer in 2023, we signed up as a harvest host in late August. Since joining, we have had the pleasure of hosting hundreds of RVers from across the country here in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country. We are happy to provide two scenic RV locations within walking distance of our historic tasting room and outdoor tasting venue FLIGHT.

And here's the Small World Story (I think that there must be many in the RV world):

Jennifer's brother, Skip Schroeder, has an RV and is now traveling with his wife, heading west from Virginia. Two days prior, they were parking their RV in Louisville, Kentucky and a neighboring RV pulled in from NYS. Naturally, the two RV owners began to talk. The NY couple was from the Buffalo area. And of course, my brother asked if they knew a small town called Westfield. Their answer:

"Of course we know Westfield. That's where our favorite winery, Johnson Estate Winery, is located.
In fact, we have some Johnson Estate wine in the RV - would you like to come and have a glass?"

How to join Harvest Hosts and Stay at Johnson Estate Winery

To book a reservation to stay at Johnson Estate Winery you need to be a member of Harvest Hosts. You can learn more about joining Harvest Hosts on their website. Once you're a member, you can book one-night reservations for free at Johnson Estate Winery by visiting our profile.

"Convenient location, good wine, and level gravel parking for your RV. Friendly atmosphere in the tasting room and lots of local sites to see and places to eat. A great place to see sunsets down the road at the Barcelona lighthouse. A great stay." Dennis C (Harvest Host Member)

We look forward to meeting you, here's a toast to your small-world stories as you travel!

Jennifer & Fred Johnson
 

Mar 5, 2025 at 5:58 AM Permalink