Plan on leaving your wine glasses at home, and venturing to one of the area’s beautiful vineyards this summer. And whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just craving the taste of fermented grapes, here are the best places to visit this summer for all things vino and more.
Stop by the internationally-acclaimed winery for a rustic-tasting experience of uniquely flavored options such as their best-selling “Pizza Wine.” It’s a semi-sweet red that blends together Pinot Noir and Chambourcin. Each tasting includes six samples, ranging from dry to semi-sweet. Throughout the summer, the winery will host their annual concert series featuring up-and-coming and local artists from the Pennsylvania area. $5, 407 Old 22, Kutztown, 610.756.4481, pinridge.com
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The family-run winery has a jam-packed summer of events for guests to enjoy. Not only will there be live music from local musicians each weekend, but Penns Woods will also host a 60-minute yoga class followed by a wine tasting and a sample of local bites on select Fridays and Saturdays. And as a wine club member, you can partake in any of the winery’s exclusive, member-only events, including a private tour of the property, a gourmet, five-course meal at their annual Harvest dinner and a VIP happy hour special. 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610.459.0808, pennswoodsevents.com
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Stretch and find your inner peace with a 45-minute yoga session overlooking the beautiful vineyard on select Sundays this summer. Afterward, you can feast on a continental breakfast plate and mimosa combo, or experience 10 of their award-winning wines, including their specialty Peach wine and classic Cabernet Franc. 1853 Wrightstown Road, 215.493.6500, crossingvineyards.com
Sip sweet Chardonnay from Karamoor Estate as you take a caravan ride through the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process with the winery's gift certificate for two. Throughout the summer, Karamoor will offer more tours and tastings for the public to enjoy. For VIP treatment, join the winery’s club for a private tour and cheese and charcuterie tastings. Tastings from $75, 40 E. Skippack Pike, Fort Washington, 215.643.5800, karamoorwines.com
Want a more laid-back experience? Head over to Buckingham Valley Vineyard and Winery for a $5 wine or champagne tasting experience and a self-guided tour of the wine cellar. They have everything from deep-colored, oak-aged reds to deliciously sweet, light whites to non-traditional flavors like apples, strawberries and raspberries. Enjoy a glass along with live entertainment as you sit on one of the outdoor picnic tables or sprawl out on vineyards spacious lawn. 1521 Durham Road, Buckingham, 215.794.7188, pawine.com
It’s time to unwind after a long week and taste some wines as you sit in the vines. Enjoy a private, sit-down tasting Friday through Sunday at Wycombe, or bring a picnic blanket and sip on their Brazilian-style Sangria, made with a mixture of tropical spices and White Chambourcin. Go classic by the bottle, or mix it up as a refreshing sangria slushy. 1391 Forest Grove Road, Furlong, 215.598.9463, wycombevineyards.com
Flickerwood serves more than just the traditional red and white selection and incorporates a variety of high-quality, fresh fruit ingredients. Try the Flickerberry Dew— a chilled blend of red raspberry and blackberry—or the Pineapple Girl—the perfect tropical wine that’s made from fresh pineapples. If you’re looking for something special, opt for the limited edition Spezie Mela Vino, the summer dessert wine made with fermented apples and cinnamon. 309 Flickerwood Road, Kane, 814.837.7566, flickerwood.com
From Sangria Sundays to Friday Night Flights, there will never be a dull moment at Clover Hill this summer. Clover Hill has been producing some of Pennsylvania's premium wine for over 34 years, and is now giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard and production facility. The 90-minute tour will give guests a peek into the vinification process and an opportunity to sample a few of their most popular selections. June 10 & July 5, tickets $12, 9850 Newton Road, Breinigsville, 610.395.2468, cloverhillwinery.com
This winery is housed in an 18th century, rustic barn in Bucks County. Stop by to taste their sweet fruit wines amidst live entertainment. And if you’re feeling hungry? Visit the winery’s restaurant Pour House for classic American fare with a country twist. 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, 215.794.2331, newhopewinery.com
Photography by: Pinnacle Ridge photo courtesy of Pinnacle Ridge Winery; Penns Woods Winery photo courtesy of Penns Woods Winery; Crossing Vineyards & Winery photo by Jorge Fernandez; Karamoor Estate Wines photo by Cheri Morrison; Buckingham Valley Vineyard & Winery photo by Erik Forsberg
