Frigid Arctic air masses flow directly toward the Lake Erie region--but by the time they arrive they have become water-conditioned by a whole series of Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. The water-warmed air is trapped by the Allegheny Plateau, a ridge of hills parallel to the south shore of Lake Erie, buffering the vines from temperature extremes. Although about 90% of the grapes grown in the region are Concord used for grape juice, the region also includes French-American and European winegrape varieties vinified by seven wineries.

The Lake Erie Viticultural Area is also known as Chautauqua -- the largest grape growing county outside of California, with some 20,000 acres (8,094 Hectares) of vineyards. This sea of Concord grapes, major processing plants, and the headquarters of National Grape Cooperative Association, which owns Welch Foods, makes New York the largest grape juice producing State in America. Just off the Ripley exit (#61) of the New York State Thruway, you can sample free grape juice and learn about New York's vineyards, grape juice producers, and wineries.

Specialties:
Grape juice, Seyval, Riesling

Acres of Vineyard:
20,055

Bonded Wineries:
13

Growing Season:
200 days

Grape Production:
102,727 tons

Moderating Influences:
Lake Erie & Allegheny Plateau which traps moderating effects.

Leading Varieties:
Native & French-American varietals with some classic European grapes.