Wine lovers will unite at 9th Annual Wine on the Mountain festival this weekend at Penn’s Peak

The wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail take a road trip north to the Pocono Mountains this weekend for the ninth installment of its popular Wine on the Mountain festival. The event takes place on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 from noon to 5 p.m. both days at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe. The well-known venue offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Beltzville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck.

Wine on the Mountain features wine samplings and sales from Lehigh Valley wineries, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, and light fare available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant. There is also live musical entertainment with Billy Bauer performing on Saturday and the Jake Kaligis Dynamic Duo performing on Sunday.

Vendors will feature everything from gourmet foods and dipping oils, to hand-made jewelry and scented candles. This year’s artisans include:

·  Country Glo Soy Candles - Soy container candles & accessories

·  Top Shelf Specialties - Wine-themed gifts and wine accessories

·  Princess and the Peony- Wine bottle hurricane lanterns and wind chimes that can be personalized for any occasion

·  JD Gourmet - Balsamic vinegar & olive oil blends

·  Larona Jewelry & Gifts - Crafted jewelry and art umbrellas

·  Randi’s Gourmet - Kitchen cutlery, salad dressings, BBQ & hot sauces

·  Watermark Glass - Original designs etched/carved into wine glasses, glassware and vessels (vases/bowls) using a sandblast process

Tickets are required for this event and are $14 in advance or $16 at the door the weekend of the event. They are on sale now at all Lehigh Valley Wine Trail member wineries as well as online: http://wineonthemountain.eventbrite.com/.  Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass. Designated driver tickets are $8 each and will be sold at-the-door only the weekend of the event. Wine on the Mountain is an adults-only event and attendees must be 21 years of age or older. It is also a rain or shine event since it is held inside Penn’s Peak in air-conditioned comfort.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards at state, national and international levels.

For driving directions to Penn’s Peak, visit their web site - www.pennspeak.com. 

Warm weather = better grapes at Clover Hill

Grape growing weather

This type of summer is made for growing grapes. The days are warm and dry, evenings have been a little cooler and overall the weather has been relatively dry. During these types of growing conditions, wine grapes will yield less fruit, but the quality will be greater with intense, rich flavors. We are eager to see what this harvest will bring, but right now the vineyards look fantastic.

Owner's Selection - Catawba

A great summertime sipper! Savor the sweet, grapey, and candied flavors of this wine. Don't forget to sniff first to best enjoy the sweet aromas of grapes in the glass. Try it in our wine cake recipe. 

Enjoy a 10% discount on Catawba the entire month of July. Receive a 20% discount on the Owner's Selection when included with case purchases.

2012 Vineyard & Winery Tour Series
Call now to get your tickets

Spend the afternoon sipping and touring Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. We will share with you our grape growing and winemaking process from start to finish. Please expect to spend 1 ½ hours at the winery for the tour.  Weather permitting we will go into the vineyard. Casual attire is recommended. $12 per person and advance tickets are required. Free for anyone under 21. The tour is handicap accessible.

Tour Dates:

• Monday, July 23 at 2 pm
• Saturday, August 11 at noon & 2 pm
• Monday, August 20 at 2 pm

Music & Tapas on the Patio

Chef Nathan Grube and musician Craig Thatcher will return to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery on Sunday, August 12 from 1-4 pm. Tapas are available for $6 per plate.

Celebrate Christmas in July at Vynecrest, July 19 - 22

Christmas in July

It is that time of year again at Vynecrest! July 19 through July 22 mention this promotion, and get 25% off 12 or more bottles. For our customers who can't make it to the winery, we are offering free shipping on 6 or more bottles during the same time period, July 19 through 22. No discount code needed at checkout, you just need to have six or more bottles in your cart. This discount applies to online orders only; phone-in orders will be subject to normal shipping prices.

July Specials

Wine of the Month - Chardonnay - additional 10% off
3 Pack of the Month - 3 Vynecrest Red for $25.00
(specials available at winery only)

In The Vineyard

The 2012 vintage started for Vynecrest with our annual delivery of Montmorency sour cherries from Peter's Orchard in Carlisle, Pa. The cherries are fermenting in the cellar now.

In the vineyard, we are busy removing excess leaves and shoots from the vines. Soon we will have to start hedging and dropping some of the fruit from the vines.

Upcoming events

• July 19 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• July 21 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Billy Bauer, 1:30-4:30 pm
• July 26 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4pm - 7 pm
• July 28 & 29 - Wine on the Mountain, Penn's Peak
• July 28 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Gary Reed, 1:30-4:30 pm
• July 29 - Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller with Andy & Dan, 12:30-3:30pm; Vineyard & Winery Tour with the winemaker, 1 pm, $5 per person
• August 2 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 pm - 7 pm
• August 4 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Billy Bauer, 1:30-4:30 pm

Glass Half Empty

Starting this month, our newsletter will feature a quirky inside look at the wine business from one of the the four partners. We sometimes get so bogged down in the day-to-day duties that we forget to mention some of the most interesting things that go on around here. Some of these things are insightful, some are depressing and some are just downright funny. So here is the first installment of "Glass Half Empty" which is aptly titled since our best ideas usually occur at the end of the day after a glass or three...


By Sam Landis

We were just at the Split Rock Wine Festival in the Poconos a few weeks ago and I am always shocked at not only the outfits I see (or lack there of), but the wide range of consumer preferences of wine. Red, white, sweet, dry, blah blah blah... but as we get into the dog days of summer and the thermostat starts rising, wine temperature has always intrigued me.

We try to serve our white wines and sweeter reds as cold as possible for obvious reasons during the summer. I even know of some people (actually a lot) who put ice cubes in their wine. Some would scoff at this idea, but from my point of view if that's your preference, go for it. Who cares what people think? It's YOUR wine.

I wanted to share a little tidbit I have with one wine in particular, Chardonnay. I was in the wine cellar a few weeks ago talking with Malachi and we both got into how, for whatever reason, we enjoy drinking our Chardonnay and other Chardonnays room temperature. Because of the fact that most Chardonnays go through Malolactic fermentation and are usually aged on oak, when they are chilled down they get stripped of a lot of these unique characteristics.

So give it a shot next time you're at a barbeque or having friends over. Try some Chardonnay head-to-head - one chilled and one room temp - and see what you think. It might just be something that you're missing out on....or you might just go grab some ice cubes immediately! Either way who cares? It's YOUR wine!

Join Galen Glen Winery tomorrow "for the love of dogs" - hot dogs, that is!

Join us "For the Love of Dogs"

Tomorrow, Saturday, July 14 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.


Jason (previously known as our brick oven pizza guy) is back with gourmet sausages and dogs from his new mobile business, Love Hot Dog Company. Plan to buy a cold bottle and enjoy lunch or a snack... "for the love of dogs." More on Jason and his family business: http://lovehotdogco.com

• Dogs: Kobe, buffalo, Vienna beef & Chicago 
• Sausages: Duck with bacon, elk with apple/pear and port wine, wild boar with garlic and Marsala wine, polish and hot polish 
• Toppings: Ketchup, specialty mustards, Chicago neon green relish, chili, cheese, sauerkraut, raw onions, secret onions, onions and peppers, sport peppers, celery salt, BBQ  sauce, peach salsa and mango salsa
• Nonalcoholic: Fresh squeezed lemonade - classic, with peach, with strawberry, and with blue raspberry, soda and water

Upcoming events:

Walking Tours at noon July 21 and 22

Wine on the Mountain at Penn's Peak: July 28 and 29

Order Galen Glen wines online:

Can't get to the winery? If you live in PA, you can order on our website. Please call the winery for out-of-state shipments at 570-386-3682.

Waste away in Winearitaville on July 21 at Blue Mountain Vineyards

Sangria Sundays Schedule
2 - 5 PM. $5 admission includes a wine tasting. Outside food welcome. Adults 21+ only.

• July 15 - Billy Patrick
• July 22 - Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Souls
• July 29 - The Large Flowerheads (Trio)

July Specials
$1 off 2008 Merlot
$1 off Bri's Blush

July Events
July 21 - Winearitaville 1 - 5 PM
Escape to Key West for the day! Enjoy a day filled with Caribbean food & music performed by The Wow Brothers. Admission is $19.50 per person. Advance reservations preferred.

July 28 - Back Mountain Wine Festival
11 AM - 5 PM  Luzerne County Fairgrounds
http://upstatewinecountry.com/festivals/back-mountain-wine-festival-2012

Planning a special event?
Did you know you can rent the enclosed deck at Blue Mountain? The beautiful view of the vineyards & ponds will ensure a memorable experience for you and your guests, all while enjoying our award-winning wines. A tour of the wine cellar can also be scheduled during your event.

Please call the winery at 610.298.3068 or email us at info@bluemountainwine.com for more details!

Meet Franklin, the peacock at Franklin Hill Vineyards

From our grapes to your glass

At Franklin Hill Vineyards, the "bloom" has recently ended and small grapes are beginning to show themselves. The  past warm weather has encouraged lots of green growth which flourishes in the nurturing rain and sunshine. The vines are putting forth nice shoots and everything is just sprouting beautifully. So far, the look of the lush vineyard shows potential of a really nice crop. Let's toast to that!

When you come to see the vines for yourselves,  keep your eyes open for Franklin - a beautiful  peacock  who has decided to befriend us! Franklin wandered upon our vineyard and decided he loves us as much as we love him. We often find him strolling through the vineyard, making himself right at home. Franklin definitely makes himself known when he calls out and shows his feathers in full fanning display! Feel free to stop by and say hello to him. He might just say Hi right back!

2012 Bethlehem VegFest
September 8 - 11 am - 6 pm
Get ready for Bethlehem's 2nd Annual VegFest. Franklin Hill Vineyards will be there and pouring.  Keep your eyes "peeled" for our 2012 VegFest Commemorative Bottle Release Party!

Downtown Bethlehem's Art Walk
Stop by our Bethlehem Location in the Main Street Commons during this event. As usual, we will be participating in the annual Art Walk Wine Trail. Upcoming Downtown Bethlehem  Art Walk Series Dates are July 28 and August 25.  For more info, visit: www.DowntownBethlehemAssociation.com 

Franklin Hill Vineyards - Bethlehem Location
Main St. Commons  
567 Main St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610)-332-9463 

...On The Road Again!
Come see our Festival Crew pouring at the coolest wine festival of the season - Wine On The Mountain - July 28 & 29 from noon-5 pm is fun, indoors, and air-conditioned with live entertainment performed on the Penn's Peak main stage.    

• Martin on Main 2012  - August 4 from noon - 8 pm
• Seven Springs Wine Festival  - August 25 & 26 from 11 am - 5 pm
• Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival  - September 8 & 9
• 2012 Forks Community Days Festival - September 15 from 11 am - 10 pm and September 16 from 11 am - 7 pm
• Bear Creek Fall Wine & Food Festival - October 21 at 1 pm

New summer wine releases from Pinnacle Ridge

NEW RELEASES
This summer we have released new 2011 vintages of your Pinnacle Ridge summertime favorites. Swing by the winery and cool off with a taste of our Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin Rose, and Niagara. All of these refreshing wines pair nicely with a light summer meal on these hot days. Our 2011 Oasis will be coming out shortly as is the 2010 Chambourcin. Be sure to stop in for a sample of the 2010 Syrah which will be released July 14.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
             
Our first Summer Concert Series event this year was a total hit! A special thank you goes out to the James Supra Blues Band for putting on a terrific show. We couldn't have asked for a better crowd or nicer weather.

If you couldn't make it to our first live music event be sure to stop by on Saturday, July 7 to see The Wallace Brother's Band for another fantastic performance. This fun trio plays music in the styles of folk country, bluegrass, jazz, and rock. The Wallace Brothers Band has worked with artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Frog Holler, Bobby Bare. Jr, Lucky Tubb, Robert Hunter of The Grateful Dead, Dean and Claude from Ween, and The Lemonheads. Find out more about The Wallace Brothers Band at www.thewallacebrothersband.com.

Wine and food will be available for purchase. We will have the pleasure once again of Chef Ben Underwood preparing delicious dishes.

August 4: 2-5 pm - Hannah Violet Trio www.hannahviolet.com

September 8: 12-5 pm - BLUES IN THE BARN - The Wallace Brothers Band - Mighty Manatees
www.themightymanatees.com

September 9: 12-5 pm - BLUES IN THE BARN - James Supra Blues Band - Kelchner Brothers Band
www.kelchnerbrothers.com

October 6: 2-5 pm - Jack Murray and the Midnight Creeps
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jack-Murray-the-Midnigh-Creep

KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL

From now until July 8, The Kutztown Folk Festival is being held at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. This is a fun summer activity for the whole family. Check out the festival for authentic crafts and demonstrations, taste traditional PA Dutch foods, and drink Pinnacle Ridge wine. 

We have a stand open for wine tasting and will be selling wine by the bottle. Be sure to pick up your bottle of Fest Wein while its still in stock. We now have the Niagara and Concord available with our new commemorative Fest Wein label. The Winery will also be open during our regular hours for tastings.