A story of three's
It is a story of “threes”. Three generations and three types of grapes. The first Fred Johnson planted American labrusca grapes, mostly Concord and Niagara. His son, Frederick, who founded the winery in 1961, planted many vineyards of French-hybrid grapes including Chancellor, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Aurora. Frederick Jr. and Anthony Johnson, the third-generation and current owners, have made studied investments in vinifera grapes, including Riesling and Traminette, which are grafted on hardy root stocks appropriate for this area.
Johnson's Estate
The Third Generation
And three types of grapes in the vineyard
The third generation of Johnsons, Frederick, Elizabeth, and Anthony Johnson, inherited the farm and winery in 1998 upon the death of their father. All three are graduates of Cornell University, but all three entered different arenas of business which have later assisted in the management of the farm and the winery.
Fred, who has a passion for flying his own plane, has spent over 30 years in management and consulting, in international food companies including Pepsico, Chiquita Banana, and Nature Sweet (tomatoes).
Elizabeth, now a producing artist, spent a dozen years in marketing and advertising and her artistic endeavors have graced winery labels, signage, and cards.
Tony, who still owns Alphabet Soup Co., the toy store in Ithaca, NY enjoys fishing and has had a career managing his own small businesses.
Fred’s wife, Jennifer, also a graduate of Cornell’s School of Business, is currently President of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail, and assists in sales, marketing, and landscape design at the Estate.