You’re driving down Route 20 in Western New York, and if you blink, you might miss it. Most people heading toward the Chautauqua-Erie grape belt are looking for the big, flashy estates or the historical museum vibes of the Grape Discovery Center. But then there’s Liberty Vineyards Sheridan NY. It’s sitting right there in Sheridan, looking unassuming, almost like a family farm that accidentally grew a tasting room. Honestly, that’s exactly what makes it great. It isn't trying to be a Napa Valley clone with marble floors and thirty-dollar pours. It’s authentic. It’s gritty in the way only a multi-generational family farm can be, and the wine is actually—surprisingly—world-class.
Lake Erie Wine Country is a weird place. It’s one of the largest grape-growing regions in the United States, yet people outside of Buffalo or Cleveland barely know it exists. We’re talking about 30,000 acres of vineyards. Most of that is Concord grapes for juice, but the Burmaster family at Liberty Vineyards changed the math. They’ve been growing grapes here since the 1860s. Think about that for a second. That’s five generations of dirt under the fingernails. When Gary Burmaster and his family decided to open the winery in 2008, they weren't just guessing which grapes would grow. They already knew every square inch of their soil.
The Terroir Most People Ignore
You’ve probably heard the word "terroir" tossed around by sommeliers wearing tiny pins on their lapels. Usually, it’s a fancy way to justify a high price tag. At Liberty Vineyards Sheridan NY, terroir is basically just the reality of living next to a massive lake that acts like a giant heater. Lake Erie is shallow. It warms up fast. This creates a microclimate that prevents early frosts from killing the buds in the spring and keeps the vines warm enough into the fall to actually ripen the fruit.
It’s not just about the lake, though. The soil in Sheridan is a mix of gravel and loam left behind by retreating glaciers. It drains well. That’s a big deal. If a vine gets "wet feet" (roots sitting in stagnant water), the grapes taste like nothing. The Burmasters lean into this. They grow over 20 different varieties. You’ll see the standard New York staples like Riesling and Diamond, but they also mess around with hybrids and reds that shouldn't, by all accounts, thrive this far north. But they do.
What’s Actually in the Bottle?
If you walk into the tasting room expecting only bone-dry, oaky Cabs, you’re gonna be confused. This is New York. We do cool-climate whites and fun, fruit-forward blends.
🔗 Read more: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
One of their heavy hitters is the Diamond. If you haven't had a Diamond wine, it’s sorta like a Riesling but with more "punch." It’s floral. It’s crisp. Liberty’s version has won more gold medals than most people have socks. Then there’s the Reds. No, you aren't getting a high-tannin Bordeaux style here. Instead, look for things like their "Marquette" or "Chancellor." These are cold-hardy grapes. They have this deep, dark fruit profile that feels like a hug in the middle of a Buffalo winter.
And we have to talk about the sweets.
Some wine snobs turn their noses up at sweet wine. That’s a mistake. In Sheridan, they make "Fredonia" and "Catawba" blends that taste like the best grape juice you’ve ever had, but with a kick. It’s nostalgic. It’s what the region was built on. Specifically, their "White Interlaken" is a cult favorite. It’s essentially a dessert in a glass, but it has enough acidity to keep it from being cloying.
Why the Burmaster Family Legacy Matters
Gary and Beth Burmaster didn’t just buy a vineyard as a retirement hobby. This is legacy work. When you visit Liberty Vineyards Sheridan NY, you’re often talking to someone whose last name is on the sign. That matters for the quality. When your family name has been tied to the land since the mid-19th century, you don't take shortcuts.
💡 You might also like: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
They’ve expanded over the years, sure. They’ve added a larger production facility and a pretty slick tasting room, but it still feels like a barn. In a good way. It’s the kind of place where you can ask a "stupid" question about fermentation and they’ll actually explain it to you without making you feel like an idiot. They produce about 15,000 cases a year. That’s the sweet spot—big enough to be professional, small enough to care about every tank.
The Logistics: Getting to Sheridan
Sheridan isn't exactly a metropolitan hub. It’s a small town in Chautauqua County. If you’re coming from Buffalo, it’s a straight shot down the I-90 West. Get off at the Silver Creek exit and head south.
- Location: 2861 US-20, Sheridan, NY 14135.
- Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, educational.
- Price Point: Very reasonable. You aren't paying Napa prices. Tastings are affordable, and bottles usually range from $12 to $25.
The winery is part of the Lake Erie Wine Country trail, which stretches from Silver Creek, NY, all the way into Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. If you’re planning a trip, Liberty is a logical starting point because it’s one of the first major stops when heading west from the Buffalo area.
Common Misconceptions About NY Wines
People think New York wine is just sugar water.
That’s a lie.
📖 Related: Why Palacio da Anunciada is Lisbon's Most Underrated Luxury Escape
While Liberty Vineyards Sheridan NY does make great sweet wines, their dry Rieslings and Chardonnays are technically proficient. The acidity in this region is world-class. Because of the cool nights, the grapes retain a brightness that you just can't get in hotter climates like California or Australia. When you drink a Liberty dry white, it cleanses the palate. It’s "food wine." It’s meant to be had with a piece of Lake Erie walleye or a sharp New York cheddar.
The Awards (Because People Love Stats)
I usually don't care about medals. Every winery has a "Gold Medal" sticker on something. But Liberty Vineyards is a bit different. They consistently sweep the New York Classic and the Mid-American Wine Competition. Their "Trinitas" (a red blend) and their Sparkling Riesling have pulled top honors repeatedly. It’s not a fluke. It’s a result of having a winemaker who understands that you can't force the grapes to be something they aren't. They work with the season. If it’s a wet year, they adjust. If it’s a hot year, they let the sugars climb.
How to Do Liberty Vineyards Right
Don't just rush in, do a flight, and leave.
- Check the Calendar: They do events. A lot of them. From "Wine and Chocolate" weekends to harvest festivals. If you go during a festival, it’s crowded, but the energy is great.
- Ask for the "Off-Menu" Stuff: Sometimes they have small-batch releases or experimental barrels that aren't on the main tasting sheet. Ask. The staff is local and they know the inventory.
- Buy the Rufus: They have a wine named after the family dog. It’s a red blend. It’s easy-drinking. A portion of the proceeds often goes to local animal shelters. It’s a win-win.
- Picnic: They have outdoor seating. Bring some bread, some local cheese from nearby shops, and grab a bottle. Sitting among the vines in Sheridan on a Tuesday afternoon is basically therapy.
The Reality of Running a Farm in Sheridan
It isn't all sunshine and grape stomping. This region deals with brutal winters and unpredictable spring frosts. In recent years, climate shifts have made the timing of the harvest trickier. But the Burmasters use sustainable practices where they can. They manage the canopy (the leaves) meticulously to make sure the grapes get enough sunlight. They prune by hand. It’s back-breaking work that happens while the rest of us are inside drinking hot cocoa. When you drink a bottle of Liberty wine, you’re drinking a year’s worth of weather management.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re ready to check out Liberty Vineyards Sheridan NY, don't overthink it. Just go. But to make the most of it, keep these things in mind:
- Target the Dry Riesling first. It is the truest expression of the Lake Erie region's potential. It should be crisp, slightly mineral, and smell like green apples.
- Pair your visit with a stop in Dunkirk or Fredonia. These neighboring towns have great local eats. Pull into a local diner or a pier on the lake to round out the day.
- Join the Wine Club if you're local. They do "Case Club" discounts that are actually worth it if you’re stocking a cellar.
- Don't ignore the Chardonnays. New York Chardonnay is often overlooked in favor of Riesling, but the unoaked versions at Liberty are surprisingly elegant.
Liberty Vineyards stands as a testament to what happens when you combine old-school agricultural knowledge with modern winemaking techniques. It’s not pretentious. It’s not overpriced. It’s just good wine made by people who actually live on the land they farm. Whether you’re a serious collector or someone who just wants something cold and sweet on a Saturday afternoon, it’s worth the drive to Sheridan.