Johnson Estate Celebrates 65 Years with Top Wine Awards

By Blake Jackson

Despite a harsh winter and concerns about spring frost following an early grape bud break, Johnson Estate Winery is celebrating a strong start to its 65th anniversary year with major industry recognition.

The New York winery recently earned ten Gold Medals, including four Best of Class awards, at the 2026 Los Angeles International Wine Competition (LAIWC).

In addition, its Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine received an Exceptional rating of 94 points from the Beverage Testing Institute through Tastings.com.

The awards highlight Johnson Estate’s longstanding commitment to quality winemaking and its focus on showcasing the unique terroir of the Lake Erie region. Winery officials credited the achievements to the dedication and craftsmanship of their production team.

The Los Angeles International Wine Competition, which marked its 90th anniversary in 2025, is recognized as the oldest wine competition in the United States. Known for its strict blind-tasting evaluations, the event attracts entries from wineries around the world.

Johnson Estate’s top-performing wines included its 2024 Niagara, which earned 99 points and the highest wine score at the 2026 competition.

Other Best of Class Gold Medal winners included the 2024 Concord with 95 points, the 2024 Sparkling Traminette with 95 points, and the 2024 Semi-Dry Riesling with 94 points.

Additional Gold Medal recipients included the 2024 Black Locust Dry Riesling, NV The Queens Catawba, 2023 Maréchal Foch, 2022 Founders’ Red, 2024 Dry Riesling, and 2023 Toasted Oak Chardonnay.

The winery’s Sparkling Rosé Ice Wine also received national attention. Produced using the traditional méthode champenoise process, the wine blends Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin grapes and is considered the only sparkling ice wine of its kind made in North America.

Winemaker Jeff Murphy, who has worked at Johnson Estate for more than two decades, was recognized for refining the winery’s award-winning ice wine program.

Johnson Estate Winery operates 110 acres of vineyards and remains New York State’s oldest estate winery and a founding member of the Lake Erie Wine Trail.

For more information, visit http://www.johnsonwinery.com/.

Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium