USA | Lake Erie

Johnson Estate Winery

Using Vinolok since

2007

Winemaking

The winemaking process puts forward the fruitiness of wines, the cool
climate contributes to their crispness.

Why Vinolok

In 2007, Johnson Winery, under the guidance of owner Fred Johnson and winemaker Jeff Murphy, sought a sophisticated closure that would complement the elegance of their wines. They were seeking an alternative to the traditional natural cork, and the less aesthetically appealing screw caps. They chose Vinolok, a glass closure that not only sealed the wine perfectly, but also added a touch of refinement to the presentation.

About

Johnson Estate, a family-owned Century Farm and winery with 110 acres of vineyards, produces award-winning wines from thirteen varieties of grapes. As NYS’ oldest estate winery, established in 1961, its vineyard practices are wholly integrated into the production of its wines. Their wines range from dry European classics to sweet American wines, as well as ice and fortified wines.

Beginning

Jeff Murphy discovered Vinolok in 2004, while sampling some Austrian wines. On a trip to Germany in 2007, he met the Vinolok team at Intervitis in Stuttgart, and started buying that summer. Despite the high cost of air freight, they adopted Vinolok for their Dry Riesling. Collaborating with Alcoa, they perfected the heat shrink process, allowing clear capsules that showcase both the wine and the beauty of the closure.

Experience

The Johnson Winery’s implementation of Vinolok glass closures was initially complicated by the need to perfect the insertion and sealing pressure. This issue was ingeniously addressed by incorporating a simple spring-loaded plunger, which ensured a consistent and effortless application. The transition to Vinolok was seamless, reflecting the winery’s objective of achieving a fail-proof and elegant packaging solution. The new closure was met with enthusiasm from customers, who appreciated the sleek design. The winery’s use of Vinolok is now a resounding success, with the closure being used across multiple wine selections.