The Farm & Winery
You can certainly say that our love for wine runs deep - as deep as the roots in our 250 acre vineyard. Our third-generation family farm, Olde Chautauqua Farms, has been growing grapes since the 1950s and we've been making award-winning wines with these grapes since we opened in 2011. There are currently seventeen varieties of grapes grown on the farm including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Concord and Vidal. Although the farm has been in operation for decades, it wasn't always the family's plan to open a winery.
“There are currently seventeen varieties of grapes grown on the farm including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Concord and Vidal.”
It wasn't until Kris Kane was a junior at Canisius College majoring in Biology/Pre-Med with dreams of becoming a chiropractor and massage therapist that he began to realize his true passion was out in the vineyard. Kris approached his parents, Mike and Marion Jordan, about his dream to open a winery but they all realized that he needed to have some work experience first. So, when a winemaker position opened up at Presque Isle Wine Cellars in North East, Pennsylvania, Kris jumped at the opportunity to put his biology and chemistry background to work. As the winemaker at Presque Isle for ten years between 2005 and 2015, Kris processed thousands of tons of grapes and used the juice to make wine as well as selling to amateur winemakers and wineries. He also worked “down under” in Australia for Stuart Wine Company during their harvest. Since their seasons are opposite ours, he left at the beginning of February in order to experience their peak time of harvest. While working outside of Melbourne, he was lead cellar hand and night shift supervisor.
Armed with Kris’ winemaking experience, Mike’s grape farming knowledge and Marion’s business skills, the winery slowly began to take shape. By 2009, building plans for 21 Brix Winery were well underway and ground was broken at the beginning of August 2010. It took only about two months to build the exterior of the winery and by October, the construction moved to the inside of the building. By September 2011, the winery was ready to open. Each year, the winery has been making award-winning wines and has won over 400 medals, including over 50 Double Gold/Best of Class distinctions. Kris was also named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Winemakers in the United States according to IntoWine.
Not only has the family been crafting delicious wines, the winery has evolved and now hosts many events including their ever- popular monthly music series, Beats at the Brix and Soupin' Sundays in addition to hosting private parties such as birthday parties, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. Check out the Event Calendar to see what is happening at the winery so you can come and join in the fun, because after all, life (and wine) is sweeter shared.
“Each year, the winery has been making award-winning wines and has won over 400 medals, including over 50 Double Gold and Best of Class distinctions.”
