Calling all oenophiles: Wine month is here and the choices of where to go for a wine tasting and vineyard tour excursion seem endless. Home to more than three hundred wineries, Pennsylvania is a hidden jewel when it comes to getting to know more behind your glass. Here, five wineries worth the drive.
Known as the oldest vineyard in Lehigh County, Vynecrest Winery offers countless wine selections both by the glass and bottle. Head to the downstairs cellar for expert tastings straight from the vine, and then pick your bottles to purchase upstairs. With live music by local artists every weekend, Vyncrest is the perfect place to get away for a day, enjoy the countryside and pick up an award-winning red blend. 172 Arrowhead Lane, Breinigsville, 610 398.7525, vynecrest.com
With six vineyards in Pennsylvania, Clover Hill is one of the largest wineries, as well as one of the largest producers of wine in the state. This stems from current owner John Skripp III’s ideology that good wine comes from good grapes. The vineyard now grows 12 different varieties and is still run by the family who started the business in 1985. Check out the scenic spot during Chambourcin Weekend (October 12-13) and Sangria Sunday (October 20). 9850 Newtown Road, Breinigsville, 610.395.2468, cloverhillwinery.com
A bit farther into the Lehigh Valley, Galen Glen boasts gorgeous winery grounds synonymous with those in California. Founded by college sweethearts Galen and Sarah whose trips to Germany inspired them to start their own vineyard, the winery continues to grow in success thanks to the duo’s background in farming and chemistry—making their wines one of a kind. Take a tour of the vineyards, have a picnic with your friends, and enjoy the variety of wines offered—especially the critically acclaimed Grüner Veltliner. 255 Winter Mountain Dr., Andreas, 570.386.3682, galenglen.com
Situated less than an hour outside of Philadelphia in historic Bucks County, Crossing Vineyards and Winery resides in a 200-year-old estate surrounded by 20 acres. To no surprise, the winery is often used as a wedding venue or concert hall, but casual wine tastings are still offered on a daily basis. Visit with a few friends and try 10 award-winning wines. Add a cheese plate and chocolate truffle platter for the full experience. 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown, Pa. 215.493.6500, crossingvineyards.com
Overlooking the stunning Pocono Mountains, this rural attraction offers a brewery and distillery in addition to its wine. Founded by a husband/wife duo Randy and Lisa on their 20th wedding anniversary, the vineyard just celebrated its 10 years of business. Make a night out of it with a dinner at Mountain View’s Bistro while you indulge in their wine offerings, from dry to sweet, and take in the gorgeous mountain views. 2332 Walters Road, Stroudsburg, 570.619.0053, mountainviewvineyard.com
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Wine Association
