It's a familiar sight if you've taken a drive through Chautauqua County along Lake Erie: grape vineyards seemingly as far as you can see.

The 53-mile stretch between Silver Creek and Harborcreek, PA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains, according to Lake Erie Wine Country.

What You Need To Know

  • Lake Erie Wine Country features nearly two dozen wineries
  • The Niagara Wine Trail includes more than 20 wineries 
  • The climate, soil, and topography make Western New York a good place to grow grapes

Kris Kane's family has been in the grape business for three generations. The family farm started by his grandfather in Portland has morphed into 21 Brix Winery. It's one of nearly two dozen located in the area.

"The true beauty of having the farm right here with the winery is that I can taste a grape, hit the peak flavor and say, 'OK, Dad. I need to get them harvested now,' "Kane said.

The lake shore climate, topography, and mineral-rich soil from glacial deposits are ideal for making all kinds of wines.

"Each vintage is like a kid," Kane said. "They're going to have their different personalities. And you can treat them the same but they'll end up differently."

21 Brix offers 18 different varieties, and you can try them in their tasting room where they also serve food, local craft beers and often have live music.

And with so many other wineries so close by and other attractions between Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake, Kane says it's a trip worth tasting.

"We say 'sweeter shared' is kind of our hashtag. Both memories, the wine and good times," Kane said.

If you head north past Buffalo to toward Lake Ontario, the Niagara Wine Trail shares a similar story.

Michael Schweitzer, owner of Bella Rose Vineyard and Winery in Lewiston, turned a home hobby into a business.  

"It's a passion. You've got to love what you're doing," Schweitzer said. "Got a little out of control. Started making more than I should've. My wife said maybe I should start making some money on it."

He opened Bella Rose last year. It's one of more than 20 wineries on the trail stretching from near Niagara Falls almost to Rochester.

"It's all about getting sun to the grapes so they ripen," he said, comparing the regions climate to that of Burgundy, France. "And this little pocket of land between the lake and the escarpment does it very well for those kind of grapes."

Bella Rose makes about nine wines you can try right at the vineyard. Whether you like dry or sweet, there's something for every taste.

And there are tour packages available to take you on other stops along the Niagara Wine Trail.

"People are still able to come out. We have a huge outdoor patio and really social distance, enjoy themselves and look over the vineyard," Schweitzer said.