Two Seyvals | Traditional & Hand-Picked

The Art of the Harvest: One Grape, Two Distinct Paths

At Johnson Estate, we believe that the character of a wine is shaped long before it reaches the bottle. While the terroir of our vineyards provides the foundation, it is the vision of our winemaker, Jeff Murphy, that truly defines the final experience. Jeff is a firm believer that a single grape variety is not a limitation, but an opportunity for exploration.

A perfect example of this is our work with the Seyval Blanc grape. Today, we are pulling back the curtain on two very different expressions of this varietal, shaped by Jeff’s constant pursuit of excellence: our Gold Medal-winning Traditional Seyval and our meticulously crafted 2025 Hand-Picked Seyval.

The Award-Winner: Traditional Seyval

Gold Medal | 2025 New York Wine Classic (93pts)

Our traditional Seyval is a wine that captures the pure essence of the grape. To achieve its signature "snap," Jeff and his team harvest at peak ripeness to ensure a bright, clean energy. This method allows the natural acidity of the fruit to shine, resulting in a gold-standard favorite that remains a cornerstone of the estate.

The Profile: Crisp, citrusy, and aromatic. It is moderately dry and attractively fruity with a delicate character reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc.

The Artisan’s Choice: Hand-Picked & Frozen-Pressed

A Boutique Process for Intense Flavor

While our traditional Seyval is celebrated for its crispness, the 2025 Hand-Picked Seyval Blanc is a testament to Jeff Murphy’s dedication to technical innovation. Jeff never stops exploring how to make our wines the best they can be, and this small-batch vintage is the result of a labor-intensive "boutique" process.

Sunrise Hand-Picked Harvest, September 9th 2025

The journey begins at dawn. Our Johnson Estate Vineyard team meticulously hand-picks the best clusters, placing them carefully into crates to ensure the integrity of the fruit from the very first step.

Photo: Hand-picked grapes waiting to be loaded and frozen

Unlike our standard process, these hand-picked grapes are immediately frozen. Jeff utilizes this freezing process to "lock in" and then later enhance the natural flavors and aromas. By pressing these grapes while frozen and then fermenting the fruit in stainless steel tanks, he preserves a level of fruit intensity that is rarely seen in dry wines. It is a process that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of wine chemistry, qualities Jeff brings to every vintage.

The Profile: An intense nose of grapefruit and passionfruit with background notes of guava. On the palate, experience layers of lime, lime zest, and grapefruit, leading into a mouth-watering, citrus-driven finish.

Experience the Difference

The beauty of Seyval Blanc lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer the zesty, award-winning "snap" of our traditional harvest or the concentrated, tropical depth of Jeff’s innovative frozen-press technique, both wines offer a unique window into the craftsmanship at Johnson Estate.

Can’t decide between the judges' favorite and our artisan gem? You don't have to. Grab a bottle of each to host your own comparative tasting at home, and see for yourself how Jeff Murphy turns a single grape into two distinct masterpieces. Our tasting room is open every day of the week. 

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Two Cabernets, One Vineyard: How Winemaking Shapes the Wine

As winter settles in and hearty meals take center stage, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our most popular reds: Our Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and the Vintner’s Select Cabernet Sauvignon.

Both wines begin their journey in the same Washington State vineyard, and there's an important reason for that. Cabernet Sauvignon is the only juice/grapes we source from outside our region. Here in Lake Erie Wine Country, our climate simply can't produce Cabernet to the level of concentration and quality needed to craft the style of Cabernet our customers love. Washington's McNary Vineyard give us the exceptional fruit & juice required to make truly expressive, beautifully structured Cabernet. 

From there, the wines take two very different paths -- shaped entirely by winemaking choices, especially how each wine is aged. 

If you've ever wondered what seperates these two Cabernets, this is your guided tour through the craft behind the glass.

Traditional Cabernet Sauvignon

Fruit-Forward, Approachable, and Ready to Enjoy

Our Traditional Cabernet is all about purity of fruit. By aging the wine in stainless steel with subtle oak influence, we preserve the bright, vibrant character of the grapes while adding just enough complexity to round things out.

Flavor Profile:

Rich, expressive fruit
Gentle oak notes
Smooth, nuanced tannins
Balanced and immediately enjoyable

This is the Cabernet you reach for when you want something versatile and crowd‑pleasing. It pairs beautifully with beef tenderloin, pork molé, grilled steaks, and even your favorite weeknight dishes.

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Vintner's Select Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, Barrel-Aged, and Built for the Cellar 

For those who crave depth, structure, and a more powerful expression of Cabernet, the Vintner’s Reserve is your bottle. Extended barrel aging transforms the fruit, layering in spice, richness, and firm tannins that promise longevity.

Flavor Profile:

Deep, concentrated fruit
Spicy, well‑integrated oak
Firm, lasting tannins
Complex now, exceptional with age

This small‑lot Cabernet is ideal for roasted lamb, braised dishes, or evenings when you want a wine that feels truly special. Enjoy it today or let it evolve gracefully in your cellar.

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A Note from Winemaker Jeff Murphy

“Both Cabernets come from the same Washington vineyard, but the extended barrel aging of the Vintner’s Reserve creates a deeper, more concentrated wine with lasting tannins and spicy oak. The Traditional Cabernet focuses on rich fruit with just enough oak for complexity — approachable now, while the barrel‑aged version will continue to develop beautifully.”

Winemaker’s Playbook: The Best Johnson Estate Pairings for Super Bowl 60

When it comes to the Super Bowl, we usually think of light lagers. But if you ask our winemaker, Jeff Murphy, he’ll tell you that wine isn’t just a guest at the party—it’s the MVP.

Many people ask... "What wine do I pair with chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, pizza, and beef sliders?" We sat down with Jeff to get his technical take on how to pair our current lineup with the heaviest hitters on your snack table. From "bubbles for salt" to "sweet for heat," here is your official game day guide.

The Matchups
Chicken Wings (Spicy/Buffalo)

The Picks: Sparkling Traminette, Sweet Riesling, or Liebestropfchen.

Jeff’s Insight: Don’t reach for the dry reds here! Dry wines tend to amplify the "burn" of buffalo sauce. Instead, go for the slight sweetness of our Sweet Riesling or Liebestropfchen. The sugar acts as a coolant for the spice, if you prefer drier wines we would recommend our semi-sweet Sparkling Traminette which provides a refreshing, aromatic counterpoint.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

The Picks: Proprietor’s Red or Marechal Foch.

The Logic: While the white wines mentioned above work great, if you’re a red drinker, this is where our Proprietor’s Red and Foch shine. Their fruit-forward nature and smooth finish can stand up to the creamy, tangy weight of the dip without clashing with the heat.

Nachos (The Works)

The Picks: Any of our Sparkling Wines, Traminette, or Ruby Rosé.

Jeff’s Insight: Nachos are a salt-and-fat powerhouse. Effervescence is your best friend here. The bubbles in our Sparkling wines act as a palate cleanser, cutting through the cheese and sour cream so every bite tastes like the first one.

The Pizza Box Special

The Picks: Marechal Foch or Founders Red.

The Logic: These are our "Classic Reds" for a reason. Founders Red and Marechal Foch have the earthy depth and structure to pair perfectly with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory toppings like sausage or pepperoni.

Beef Sliders

The Pick: Pinot Noir.

The Logic: For a juicy beef slider, Jeff recommends our Pinot Noir. It’s elegant and light-bodied enough not to overwhelm a small slider, but it has the cherry and spice notes needed to complement grilled beef perfectly.

Gear Up for the Big Game

Ready to secure your game day lineup? Whether you're local to Western New York or cheering from across the country, we make it easy to stock your cellar. All of Jeff’s top picks are available for purchase on our online shop with convenient shipping directly to your door. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and see us! Our tasting room is open seven days a week (10am–5pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am–6pm Friday and Saturday), where you can pick up your favorites and perhaps discover a new favorite before kickoff. Don't wait until the fourth quarter—stop in or order today to ensure your Super Bowl spread is a total touchdown.

 

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.