Lake Erie AVA

Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, which makes it the warmest. The narrow 53-mile (85 km) strip of land that hugs the southern shore of Lake Erie, spanning three states, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, is perfect for growing grapes because of the lake effect.

The lake elongates the growing season, allowing for grapes to ripen fully.

The Allegheny Plateau captures the lake effect and keeps Lake Erie vineyards warmer than they otherwise would be, which is key to ripening white and red grapes. And you can find Ice Wine when the lake freezes over in some years.

However, despite the great growing conditions, most of the land is currently dedicated to growing table grapes, primarily Concord. Most grapes end up as grape juice or jelly, with only a handful (20) wineries producing wine.

The main wine grapes you’ll see are Chardonnay and Riesling, made in various styles.

Quick Facts:

• Established in 1983.
• 23 Wineries as of 2022, 11 of which are in New York.
• Most planted grape is the Concord, a red grape, which is often used for juice and jellies.
• First Vitis vinifera vines were planted in 1972 and were Chardonnay.
• Lake Erie is the largest grape juice producer in the state.
• Vines were first planted here in 1818.
• Chardonnay and Riesling are the most planted Vitis vinifera vines.
• 18,684 vineyard acres, most of which is for table grapes.