We were expecting tons of Concorde grape wines. Fortunately that's not what this winery is into. They have a pleasant Riesling and some very interesting Ice Wines. The prices were quite reasonable.The winery is enjoyable to visit, and we met one of the co-owners. This is worth a stop.
We are truly sorry for this experience on a lovely fall weekend.But...This is precisely why we (and our wine trail) have a policy that groups over 10 people are requested to make reservations. ( johnsonwinery.com/jos-groupvisits.html ).The day in question there were already four large groups reserved as well as scores of individual customers coming and going. In order to properly serve the customers who had called ahead, we sadly had no alternative but to ask this group to come back a bit later when we had an open slot and the ability to serve them and our other patrons properly.We try hard not only to make excellent wines, but also to serve each and every visitor with well informed and personal attention. Unfortunately this means that once in a while we must deflect large groups that arrive unannounced on busy weekends. We very much regret the consternation this can cause, but sadly, have no other option.
Four of us attended a special event last weekend at Johnson Estate Winery. We have been there several times and really love the tasting room as well as the wines there. (The tastings are free and the staff is fabulous!) We went as a foursome to a special hike through the vineyards with the wonderful owners of the winery as well as two experts. We were treated to homemade gourmet treats that were paired with wines at four different stops through the vineyard. We learned a great deal, had a beautiful day with friends, and honestly felt like we were welcomed with grace by the owners, Fred and Jennifer Johnson. If you live within driving distance you really should go to this winery. Their wine is really good. These people know what they are doing!
This winery has made great strides over the years, both in their facility and their wines. Fred Johnson Jr. and Jennifer Johnson have made great strides at this facility since they took it on after Fredrick S. Johnson's passing. The wine selection has increased dramatically to include champagnes and sherry and many new varietals. The quality is good. Price is a bit high but the same range as all NYS wines. They just cost more to grow than the warmer climates. Gone is the extensive tour program they once ran, but this has been replaced with a far superior tasting room and gift area. Staff is knowledgeable and in my book this is the best winery along the lake shore. Be sure and stop.
Excellent red wine and a beautiful setting for a bridal rehearsal dinner. The proprietors are particularly charming people.
We went wine tasting and found this winery to have good dry and sweet white and sweet reds but deep full bodied dry reds look and taste watered down.Don't hold it against Johnson though! Its the same throughout NY where the growing season is shorter than CA, Europe or Chile.
This was wonderful and the wine person Gabby was the best, She always smiled and had many great things to say, the wine was great and the added wine cosmo was perfect. Very busy for a Saturday afternoon but had no problem finding a space at the counter.
Great wine, took some bottles home with us. Generous portions for taste testing. They had some hor deurves that were excellent to vote on for our favorite. The staff was efficient and friendly.
Johnson Estate Winery is a gem. The store and winery is very well done. We weren't engaged in the wine tasting, but it was a pleasure viewing their shelves and selecting wines.
Johnson does have free tastings which for us was interesting. We go to Napa frequently and have never had a free tasting of 5-6 wines. I think it's brilliant. There was only one that I cared for and it was a red unique to the area so I did buy a few for gifts. They have a nice selection of cheese available as well as a couple sections of gifts/crackers/glasses etc. Good for a quick stop. It's said to be the oldest winery in the area.