JE: Maple Weekends

Maple Weekends at Johnson Estate Winery
March 18-19 & March 25-26, 11:00am-4:00pm

During New York State Maple Association's annual Maple Weekends, sugar shacks feature pancakes and maple syrup. At Johnson Estate, the winery features our unique Maple Liqueur and fresh French Crêpes, Julia Child-style, with fancy ground toasted nuts for $5/person (no charge for Wine Club Members!). We will be making these crêpes in the Tasting Room for your immediate pleasure! No reservations needed unless your group is larger than six people.

Here is our crêpe recipe for your own winter après-ski party! And, we'll have our popular French Crêpe Kits for you to take home!

More About Johnson Estate's Maple Liqueur ($15/bottle):
March is maple sugar time in Western New York - when early spring temperatures mean that the maple tapping season has begun. In 2015, Johnson Estate celebrated the maple season with the release of a new maple-infused liqueur which is now available year-round for tasting and purchase. Winemaker, Jeff Murphy, uses 100% local Red's Best maple syrup to flavor a fortified liqueur made from estate-grown Vidal Blanc grapes, inspired because he loves maple syrup – a natural product with a wonderful flavor. As Jeff points out, "maple syrup is America’s own unique natural sweetener and it was first made by indigenous Americans".

The winery’s new liqueur tastes like a combination of sherry and ice wine – fortified and sweet – but with a dry finish due to its 20% alcohol content. The light infusion of maple syrup provides a warming, not-too-sweet maple sensation. The resulting drink is excellent as an aperitif - perhaps served with salted pecans or our Austrian Chocolate Hazelnuts. Maple Liqueur is also a nice accompaniment for cookies, cakes, or crème brûlée.