Chautauqua Wineries
Wineries are open year-round – visit us and experience the rich heritage of one of America’s oldest grape growing or viticulture regions.
Willow Creek Winery
History
Founded in 1999 by late retired Lake Shore School teacher Jim Emerson, along with 15 other winemakers, Willow Creek Winery sits on 26 scenic acres not far from Lake Erie, just outside Silver Creek, NY in beautiful Sheridan, NY.
In 1999, we produced only three wines, but that was then and this is now. Today, Willow Creek produces 16 different wines and three specialty wines, including a Cream Sherry, Chocolate Temptation and Wine Slushy, on the premises.
Willow Creek has vastly improved and continues to grow throughout the years. In 2001, we held our first Willowfest, which then was one-day event that atracted a few hundred people, but since has grown into a two-day event, attracting upwards of 15,000 people. Highlights of Willowfest include free parking and admission, amusement park rides, crafts and car show, live music and New York State’s largest hand lit fireworks display, which lasts over an hour.
From 2000-2003, we saw upgrades in the form of picnic groves,water falls, a gazebo, and a pond. You can sit and relax at one of our many picnic areas or take a romantic stroll through the grounds that are adorned with four waterfalls and two streams that wind around apple and willow trees.
Also in 2003, we began offering catering services and constructed a 600 seat open-air pavilion. The catering services are available for wedding receptions, class or family reunions, graduation parties, company picnics or any other event you wish to share with us.
In 2005, we built many rock and flower gardens through out the facility to enhance the view. We also groomed
existing fruit trees and berry bushes to produce fruit through out the summer for guests to pick and enjoy.
We held our first Cruise in at the Creek in 2007, which originally was held one Thursday a month, and now is offered weekly, from May through September.