Every year in November, the Broadway Market calls upon wineries from the Lake Erie Wine Country, along with Niagara Escarpment Wineries to set up at a festival intended to showcase a few of the diverse and growing wine selections in the area. If you are wondering about the history of the region’s wineries, and the quality of the wines that are bottled, then you might want to hear what Jennifer Johnson has to say about the wineries in the region:
“Buffalo is the only city in the United States which can “lay claim” to THREE decent-sized wine regions within a forty-five minute drive. Yes, I am including the Niagara Wine Trail (at least 16 wineries), the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail (24 wineries), and the Canadian Niagara-on-the-Lake region. All have climates similar to Germany, only bigger, and therefore can and are producing world-class Rieslings and ice wines. I think that one could say that the reputation of these wineries is probably behind the quality of wine that many produce. Most of the wineries take advantage of good grape-growing regions to utilize a variety of vinifera and French-hybrid grapes to make very good wines. Additionally, located in the middle of the WORLD’s largest concord grape belt, the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail has unparalleled agricultural vistas…”
Jennifer is the former President of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail (now Lake Erie Wine Country) and owner of Johnson Estate Winery, oldest estate winery in New York state, located in Westfield, NY. She recently reached out to Buffalo Rising to tell us about one of the unsung heroes of the region – our incredible wineries, which are constantly looking for wine enthusiasts to explore the various chateaus and vineyards at our doorstep. Consider stopping by Johnson Estate Winery for their Thanksgiving Open House from November 22-24.
To learn more about the Broadway Market’s Annual Wine Festival, click here. Or take Jennifer up on her suggestion and pay a visit to the regional wineries that are starting to make a name for themselves as a destination just outside of Buffalo. Or even better, taste some of the wine selections at the festival and then head out to learn more about where the wines are coming from.
Lastly, don’t forget to stop by the Chateau Buffalo Cider House and Winery kiosk to taste some of the latest ciders and wines, including the limited “Holiday Hop” spiced cider.
The Broadway Market’s Annual Wine Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Live music both days with the Carol McLaughlin Quartet performing on Friday and Jazzline on Saturday. Check out the Broadway Market’s website, www.BroadwayMarket.org for a complete list of vendors. For additional information contact the market at 716-893-0705. The market is located at 999 Broadway and is open every day 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, except Sunday. Parking is available in the parking ramp attached to the market. This event is free and open to the public.