Blog
A December Dinner in the Tasting Room
Every year, the Patterson Library hosts an August auction - and this year loyal supporters of the Library purchased a dinner hosted by Johnson Estate Winery
(actually, there were two dinners, but that is another story).
We are sharing photographs and Chef Edward Work's menu for the dinner held on December 13th in the tasting room when it was all decorated for Christmas. Chef Ed is the head chef at the Athenaeum Hotel, but off-season, is able to share his talents with us and others. The meal was delicious and perhaps offers readers some food and wine pairing ideas!
* * *
Appetizers
Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Board with Assorted Pickles, Olives & Jams
Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese
First Course
House-Made Fettucinne with Butternut Squash Cream Sauce &
Wilted Greens, Roasted Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Seeds
Semi-Dry Riesling
Main Course
Red Wine & Herbed Beef Bourguignon, Parsnip Potato Purée,
garnished with Crispy Root Vegetables
Cabernet Sauvignon
Salad
Shaved Kale & Brussel Sprouts with Hard Boiled Egg, Hazelnuts, Craisins, Pecorino Cheese,
Rye Croutons & Sherry-Bacon Jam Vinaigrette
Sparkling Traminette
Dessert
Orange & Almond Cake with Chantelle Cream,
Orange Supreme, Almond Bark & Dark Chocolate Shavings
Cream Sherry
Dec 15, 2019 at 10:36 AM
PermalinkLake Erie Wine Country - Harvest Wine Weekend - Gourmet's Guide & Recipes
Oct 28, 2019 at 5:04 PMEdible Western New York - Nature versus Nuture - In Jennifer's Kitchen
Stephanie Burdo, editor and publisher of Edible Western New York, shares an afternoon in Jennifer Johnson's fall kitchen.....here's her article, complete with photographs by Jill Bornand.
This article includes recipes for quince - the "prehistoric" apple which has been grown in North American since the Colonial days - but alas is not always so easy to find today. A number of our customers are interested in purchasing quince fruit - and as our quince trees were decimated by fire blight, we have little fruit and not of the quantity or quality which I would feel comfortable selling. I've contacted three orchards which I thought were likely to have quince - but have struck out so far.
We'll keep looking for some resources on quince fruit to share.
As Edible Western New York's focus is good, local foods, I would be remiss not to remind readers to visit its website, where one can search articles and events and sign up for the Edible WNY Newsletters. In addition, three other resources for those who are interested in locally produced
fruit and vegetables as well as meats.
www.postapples.com (North East, PA) - vegetables and apples
www.facebook.com/chautauquaregionfarmtotable
Cornell Cooperative Extension Website - Chautauqua-grown
Oct 15, 2019 at 6:30 PMThe Seven S's of Wine Tasting
Wine is one of the most complex subjects to study. So Wine Tasting can seem like a daunting ordeal with a multitude of terminology and options available. Don’t be overwhelmed though. By following some easy guidelines and studying some common patterns you can navigate the world of wine with ease.
Hold your glass to the light and look through the wine. The color of the wine will give away some basic secrets to the wine and will help guide you for the rest of the steps. Darker wines tend to be more bold and heavy than lighter wines which are more crisp and refreshing.
For White Wines, look for White Fruits: lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, peach, pear, and apple. For Red Wines, look for Red Fruits: cherry, blueberry, plum, blackberry, raspberry. Most of the time, look for those and you will find some. Wines can also have Floral notes (like rose, hibiscus, violet), Herbs and Veggies (like cut grass, oregano, bell peppers), Spice (like black pepper, liquorice), Woody (oaky, coffee, nutty, smokey), and so many many many more!
- if the wine is smokey, peppery, and earthy = go with a grilled peppered steak and potatoes;
- if the wine is full of cherry, chocolate, and a hint sweeter = pair it with a nice BBQ pot roast.
With white wines, you generally pair complementary flavors: lemon notes in a Seyval Blanc wine go great with seafood or a buttery Chardonnay goes wonderfully with popcorn.
Don't be afraid of sweet wines either! The sugar will help bring out the sweet and salty flavors of the dish, such as a sweet Riesling paired with ham - the higher acid even helps balance the salt! Or a Concord wine paired with a sweet BBQ or chicken wings! But never pair a sweeter food with a drier wine as they will fight and compete for attention: ice cream with Cabernet Sauvignon is terrible idea, but ice wine with ice cream is delectable.
Oct 3, 2019 at 7:53 PMVeraison
What is Veraison?
Taken from the French, veraison is the change of color of grapes. It is a signal that the plant and its berries are putting their energies into ripening the berries instead of berry
The unripe grapes, all a bright green color, begin to turn either pale yellow or dark blue/purple in the case of “red” wine grapes. This is a photograph of Johnson Estate's Pinot Noir grapes which have started but not completed veraison. At this stage, the vines have begun to transport energy stores to the grapes and they increase in size as sugar levels increase.
Birds Looking for Early Ripening Grapes
In western New York and Pennsylvania, where 30,000 acres of vineyards are found along Lake Erie, the end of September is known for the aroma of ripening grapes and the commencement of the region's harvest of Concords. When this begins to happen, it is a signal that the grapes are becoming sweeter. The majority of the region's vineyards are Concord grapes which tend to ripen later than some wine varieties. As a result, the early-ripening wine varieties, like Johnson Estate's Maréchal Foch and Pinot Noir need to be protected from birds whose choices are fewer at the beginning of the season.
At Johnson Estate, these two early-ripening grape varieties are protected from hungry birds through 
the use of ballons, kevlar streamers, and periodic cannon shots. In addition, there is a recording of a hawk attacking a starling and all of these efforts help to diminish the birds' interest in these first-ripening grapes.
More Information may be found here:
https://winefolly.com/review/veraison-when-grapes-turn-red/https://articles.extension.org/pages/31098/parts-of-the-grape-vine:-shoots
Fred Johnson, Owner
Aug 26, 2019 at 7:26 PMLake Erie Wine Country Wineries Strike Gold!
April 21, 2019 For Immediate Release Contact Monica Mazur, 877-326-6561
Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries Strike Gold at the 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Westfield (NY) – Eight local wineries went up against over 650 competing wineries from all over the world and came away with a disproportionate share of the top honors. There were over 2800 wines entered in the 19th Finger Lakes International Wine Competition held on April 13th and 14th in Rochester NY. This event has become the largest charitable wine competition in North America, as each of the over 2800 entries contributes over $50 to Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp dedicated to bringing smiles and memories to children with cancer.
Of the 64 top honors awarded (Best of Class or Double Golds), twelve were won by the over one-hundred New York and Pennsylvania wineries entering the competition. Of those twelve Best of Class or Double Gold awards presented, four of them – or one third - were earned by Lake Erie Wine Country wineries! In addition, the eight LEWC wineries who submitted wines to this competition also earned seven gold medals and multiple silver and bronze recognitions as follows. Complete results available at https://fliwc-cgd.com/winners-2019.asp.
Summary of Awards Earned by Lake Erie Wine Country Wineries:
21 Brix (Portland, NY) - Best of Class, Sparkling - 2017 Bruttella
Gold - Ella’s White Niagara
7 silver and bronze medals
Johnson Estate Winery (Westfield, NY) - Double Gold – 2017 Freelings Creek Semi-Dry Riesling
Gold - 2017 Freelings Creek Sweet Riesling
Gold - 2017 Maple Liqueur
Gold - 2017 Solstice Sangria
7 silver and bronze medals
Presque Isle Winery (North East, PA) - Double Gold – Eskimo Kisses (dessert wine)
5 silver and bronze medals
Yori Cellars Winery (North East, PA) - Double Gold – Famiglia (red wine)
12 silver and bronze medals
Arrowhead Wine Cellars (North East PA)
Gold - “Midnight Proposal”
3 silver and bronze medals
Lakeview Wine Cellars (North East PA)
Gold – 2017 Traminette
4 silver and bronze medals
Liberty Vineyards & Winery (Sheridan NY)
Gold – “Lucy in the Sky Sweet Rosé”
5 silver and bronze medals
Heritage Wine Cellars (North East PA)
10 silver and bronze medals
Lake Erie Wine Country (LEWC) is a marketing association of 23 wineries located along the shores of Lake Erie in western New York and Pennsylvania amidst 30,000 scenic acres of juice and wine grape vineyards. Additional information found on the LEWC website, www.LakeErieWineCountry.org.
Apr 29, 2019 at 11:40 AMPhotos of Tastes of Germany
TASTES OF GERMANY, April 12-14, 2019 at Johnson ESTATE Winery
Last night's hail storm would not make one believe that we are on the cusp of spring - but here are some other signs!
April 12-14, Wine & Cheese Weekend, Lake Erie Wine Country
Johnson Estate Winery featured Flammkuchen, or Flame Cake, paired with Sweet Riesling.
April 13, ESTATE Dinner: A Taste of Germany - May Wine Release
Featuring Exec. Chef Edward Work, Heirloom Restaurant, Athenaeum Hotel
Tablescape by Mary Marzec
Chocolates from Le Rouge by Aarti, Westport, CT
Apr 15, 2019 at 4:21 PMEstate Dinner: May Wine Release - A Taste of Germany
The evening starts with appetizers in the Tasting Room, followed by a multi-course dinner and wine pairings in the warehouse prepared by Executive Chef, Edward Work of the Heirloom Restaurant (Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution). Tablescape by Mary Marzec.
White chocolates from Le Rouge by Aarti, Westport, CT.
Second Course
Main Course
Dessert
Mar 12, 2019 at 5:03 PM98 Points! Read All About It
Just Released: Results for 2019 International Eastern Wine Competition, Santa Rosa, California:
Our 2017 Chambourcin Ice Wine was just voted best “Best of Show”, "Best of Class”, and Best of Dessert/Late Harvest. Yes, that means that the Competition's group of wine judges, who come from around the world, voted unanimously to award this wine these accolades. This garnet-colored red ice wine, which pairs famously with any dark chocolate, was also awarded 98 points. And yes, this is a score out of a possible 100 points - in which the judges are assessing all of the elements of the wine, including color, aromas, acidity, balance, and flavors which contribute to overall drinkability. Johnson Estate's team is delighted with this recognition!
Winemaker, Jeff Murphy - 2017 Chambourcin Ice Wine Harvest, December 2017
Here are eight other Johnson Estate Winery GOLD medal winners at this Competition:
- Founder’s Red 90 points
A fruit forward, full-bodied dry red wine. - Ives 92 Points
Concord grape's first cousin, a sweet and grapey red wine. - Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 93 Points
The traditional grape for ice wines, honey and peach flavors. - Niagara 93 Points
A semi-sweet American Heirloom white wine. - Seyval Blanc 94 Points
A dry, crisp, lightly tropical white wine. - Concord 95 Points
All-American Heirloom red, semi-sweet wine. - House Red 95 Points
Our version of your favorite grandfather’s basement sweet wine. - Marechal Foch 96 Points
Our tasting room's 2018 best-seller; rich, silky, off-dry red wine.
Feb 13, 2019 at 7:20 PMValentine Ice Wines - Two for the Price of One!
Just for Valentine's Day
Ice Wine - Two for the Price of One
Use Code: VALENTINESDAY
Valentine's Day is just a week away. Would a bottle of ice wine be a good way to celebrate it?
Johnson Estate has three vintages of award-winning "frozen by Mother Nature" true ice wines
and is featuring a "Two for the Price of One" sale just for Valentine's Day.
Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, $49.49 (375ml)
Honey and peach flavors - try it with goat cheese and honey toast.
Chambourcin Ice Wine, $49.49 (375ml)
Hints of berry and raisin - pair with chocolate, cinnamon, and walnuts.
Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine, $49.49 (375ml)
Fine mousse-like bubbles with mild strawberry flavors.
Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine, $69.49 (750ml)
Perfect for that Valentine's Day party (serves eight +).
We also have:
Birch Boxes - Especially made for our ice wine boxes
Austrian Hazelnuts or Cinnamon Walnuts to pair with ice wines.
Feb 8, 2019 at 5:14 PM