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You don’t have to travel far to experience a range of complex, award-winning wines that have been recognized among some of the nation’s best. A 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo lands you in Lake Erie Wine Country – the largest grape growing region in the Great Lakes, and home to more than 20 commercial and estate wineries, all with selections that will please even the most refined palate. Plan a trip to taste these award-winning wines in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

First published October 5, 2025. 

Johnson Estate Winery
2024 WTF Marechal Foch
Gold Medal, 2026 Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2026 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
There's a reason this Marechal Foch has been Johnson Estate's best selling wine for seven years running: it's an unoaked red that balances rich notes of black and red berries that pairs perfectly with just about anything. 

South Shore Wine Company
The Perfect Rose
Silver Medal, 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards
Gold Medal, 2024 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards
The Perfect Rose isn’t just beautiful when poured, it’s the perfect wine for sipping outside. Chambourcin grapes give this variety a hint of color and delicate berry flavor. Try it paired with salmon or a salad. Mazza Vineyards' "The Perfect Wines" collection offers more award-winning varieties, including The Perfect Red (Silver Medal, 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards), The Perfect Blanc (Silver Medal, 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards), and The Perfect Bubbly (Silver Medal, 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards). 

Courtyard Winery
Courtyard Brut
Bronze Medal, 2018 USA Wine Ratings, San Francisco
This dry white sparkline wine is made from Chardonel grapes, using the traditional champagne method. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop this one.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
2018 Dry Reisling, Nutt Road Vineyard
Silver Medal, 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition
Reisling grapes were harvested early in the morning at cool temperatures to ensure optimum maturity and flavor concentration of this variety. Try it paired with a pork roast or fish.

21 Brix Winery
Ellatawba
Silver, 2022 & 2023, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Double Gold Winner, 2020 East Meets West
Gold, 2019 Indy International Wine Competition
Catawba grapes have long been a staple fruit of the Lake Erie wine region, and their flavors are beautifully harnessed in 21 Brix's Ellatawba. This fruity rose has a sweet finish and is best enjoyed well-chilled.