Lake Erie Wine Country Celebrates PA 250 with Wine Tasting

In Lake Erie Wine Country, choosing a wine isn’t about following rules — it starts with personal taste.“It’s not about what wine you’re supposed to like. They always start from what sorts of things you do like, and then they try to match you with wine that you would enjoy,” said Eric LeBlanc, executive director of Lake Erie Wine Country.Each winery along the trail offers a different experience, pairing local flavors with wines rooted in the region’s history while celebrating America’s 250th birthday. For LeBlanc, the heart of the event goes beyond the pairings.“The most important thing isn’t necessarily about the food and the wine,” he said. “It’s really about the company you keep — and doing something that slows you down and reminds you of what the good life is about.”Events like Cheers to 250 also help support local wineries and growers during a challenging time. An oversupply of grapes — especially those used for juice and jelly — has led to canceled contracts across the region, cutting into a key source of income.“So, we’ve had a number of grape growers in the region that had contracts canceled, unfortunately, and that creates a hardship on them,” LeBlanc said. The industry, built on generations of family farms, is now relying on community support to weather an uncertain season.Fourteen wineries are taking part in the three‑day “PA 250” event, each offering unique food and wine pairings ranging from sweet treats to barbecue. Organizers say the goal is to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that helps visitors discover new wines while spending time with friends and family.Cheers to 250 runs April 17–19, 2026, offering wine and food tastings at participating wineries. Each stop features American‑inspired dishes paired with selected wines. Two‑ and three‑day ticket holders receive a commemorative Lake Erie Wine Country glass, while mocktail tickets provide the same food pairings with handcrafted nonalcoholic drinks — an option for designated drivers or anyone who wants to enjoy the festivities without alcohol.Tickets are still available throughout the weekend. More information can be found on their website.Event hours are Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.