This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to more than 200 wineries and the fifth-largest grower of grapes in the nation?
Pennsylvania may not be the first wine region that pops into your head when pondering prospects for embarking on a wine-tasting adventure, but it really should be on the top of every wine lover’s list. Why is Pennsylvania the perfect place for tasting wine? Check out all of the reasons below:
1. Diverse Wine Regions
With six different regions and 10 different wine trails to explore, wine enthusiasts can get a glimpse of varying growing conditions throughout the state. From the mountainous Pocono Trail to the Groundhog Trail that takes you on an adventure through the Allegheny National Forest, beautiful Pennsylvania is home to hills, valleys, streams, lakes, pastures and more.
2. Variety is the Spice of Life
Pennsylvania has approximately 14,000 acres of some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast. Those 14,000 acres are home to more than two dozen grape varieties that flourish throughout the state’s diverse climate and soil conditions. Pennsylvania wines are made from native grapes like the Niagara and Concord; hybrids such as Traminette and Chambourcin; and European varieties like Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. There is no shortage of varieties of wines to taste while out on the trail.
3. Meet and Support Your Local Winemakers
Pennsylvania is home to many accomplished winemakers who are happy to share their knowledge with you when you visit. Head to Landenberg’s Paradocx Vineyard and Winery and get to know winemaster Gabriel Rubilar, who came to the Chester County winery via Argentina. Or travel to Pennsylvania gem Nissley Vineyards in Bainbridge and get to know vintner Jennifer Wampler. Wherever your wine travels take you along the PA Wine Trail, you’ll be sure to taste great wine while learning about the process of going from grape to glass.
4. Be a Part of History
Wine has been produced in Pennsylvania since William Penn planted the first vineyard in Philadelphia back in 1683. Consider visiting the Rose Bank Winery, which features a 1719 manor house and 1835 barn with sweeping views of lush pastures of grazing sheep, or Grace Winery’s renovated 1750s bank barn along The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Explore the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail and meet up with a member of the Masser family from Benigna’s Creek Winery—the family has been growing grapes and making wine dating back to the 1500s. Wherever you visit, there is bound to be a story that highlights the history of the land, the experience of the winemaker or the background of the structures that grace the vineyard. Pull up a chair, sip on some wine, relax and take a listen.
The Pennsylvania Winery Association is a trade association representing more than 100 member wineries and an advocate on behalf of the state’s growing multibillion-dollar wine industry. With some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast, Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the amount of grapes grown, seventh in wine production, and seventh in the number of licensed wineries. To learn more about Pennsylvania wine, visit PennsylvaniaWine.com.
—Ronna Dewey
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