A Day Trip to Lake Erie Wine Country

Drive east from Erie on Route 5 or I-90 and the landscape changes quickly. Within half an hour, the land between the lake and the ridge fills with grape vines in long, neat rows. This is Lake Erie Wine Country, a grape-growing region that stretches along about 50 miles of shoreline from Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, to Silver Creek, New York. The lake's moderating effect gives the vines a longer growing season, and the area has grown grapes for well over a century. It's an easy, relaxed day trip from Erie, with small wineries, farm markets and the village of North East at its heart.

01Planning the day

02North East, Pennsylvania

North East is a small town with a classic Main Street and Gibson Park at its center. It's the heart of the Pennsylvania side of wine country and the starting point for most visitors.

• Gibson Park hosts summer events, including a Saturday open-air market in summer, according to Enjoy North East.
• Main Street has cafes, shops and places for lunch.
• The surrounding roads wind through vineyards, with views down to the lake.

03The wineries

The Lake Erie Wine Country association lists its member wineries, with maps and hours. Wineries listed as taking part in the 2026 harvest weekends included:

• Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company, both in North East. The Mazza family also runs Mazza Chautauqua Cellars and Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing in nearby Westfield, NY. See Enjoy Mazza.
• Arrowhead Wine Cellars, Courtyard Winery, Sparkling Ponds Winery and Yori Wine Cellars.
• Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, 21 Brix Winery, Johnson Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery and others on the New York side.

The association noted that Penn Shore Winery and Presque Isle Wine Cellars were closed at the time, so don't plan around them.

What to taste

This region is famous for Concord and Niagara grapes, the native varieties used for juice and for sweet, fruity wines. Many wineries also make dry and semi-dry wines from varieties that do well in a cool climate, plus fruit wines, ice wines and sparkling wines. Ask for a tasting flight and try something you'd never order at home.

04Wine country events

North East Wine Fest

The North East Wine Fest is held the last full weekend in September in downtown North East's Gibson Park, organized by Enjoy North East. The 2026 festival, the 45th, ran Sept 25–27, with tastings from local wineries, food, music, artisans, a 5K and a car show.

Harvest Wine Weekends

In November, the Lake Erie Wine Country harvest weekends pair each winery's wine with harvest foods. In 2026, they're Nov 6–8 and Nov 13–15. Tickets are sold ahead and include a voucher for a later purchase, and there's a mocktail ticket for designated drivers.

Other events

The association runs other ticketed events through the year. Check the events page for current dates.

05A sample day trip

1. Late morning: drive east on Route 5, the lakeside road, for views over the vineyards and the lake.
2. Noon: lunch in North East.
3. Afternoon: visit three or four wineries. Mix big and small, sweet and dry.
4. Late afternoon: stop at a farm market for grapes, juice or pies in season.
5. Evening: head back to Erie for a sunset dinner on the bayfront.

06Grape harvest season

The harvest usually runs from late summer into fall, depending on the weather. It's the most exciting time to visit, with full vines, roadside stands and the smell of grapes in the air. In 2026, one longtime North East tradition at the Wine Fest was homemade grape pies sold by volunteers at a local church.

07Driving and safety

• Choose a designated driver or book a tour. Wineries are spread out, and country roads can be dark at night.
• Drink water and eat. Tasting pours add up.
• Check the weather in winter. Lake-effect snow can make the roads dangerous.

08Combine with a lakeshore drive

Route 5 follows the lake through farms and vineyards. Along the way, look for small parks and pull-offs with views over the water. If you continue into New York, the vineyards keep going along the lake. Remember that New York is a separate state with its own rules, and check your route before you go.

09Tasting room etiquette

If you haven't visited many wineries, a few tips make the day easier:

• Ask about tasting fees and how many pours are included. Policies differ by winery and season.
• It's fine not to finish a pour. Most tasting rooms have a dump bucket.
• Ask questions. Staff are usually happy to explain the grapes, the region and the difference between sweet and dry styles.
• Groups should call ahead. Larger parties, buses and limos may need a reservation.
• Bring a cooler in summer if you plan to buy wine, so bottles don't cook in a hot car.

10Visiting with non-drinkers

Wine country isn't just for wine drinkers. Some wineries also offer beer, spirits or non-alcoholic options; the Mazza family's Westfield location, for example, combines a winery with a distillery and brewery. Farm markets, scenic drives and small-town shopping in North East make the trip fun for everyone, and the harvest weekends offer a mocktail ticket for designated drivers.

11Where to stay

Most visitors stay in Erie and drive out for the day. If you want to stay in wine country, look for bed-and-breakfasts and rentals around North East.

12Frequently asked questions

We link the official site for every place we name. Hours, prices and schedules change; confirm with the venue before you go.