Galen Glen starts winter hours, announces Chili Cook-Off event

Many exciting things are happening here at Galen Glen and we wanted you to be the first to know.  Please mark your calendar for our upcoming events, bookmark our website on your favorites, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and view our photos and add yours on Instagram for up-to-the-minute action.

If you are planning to come for a tasting or to any events with a group of 6 or more, we do require reservations. These may be made by calling the winery at (570) 386-3682 during our normal business hours. Our weekend reservation openings fill very quickly, so please plan early. All wine that is sold to be consumed on our premises will be by-the-glass only. This will not affect wine tastings at the wine bar. We welcome you to visit, enjoy a tasting, take in our breathtaking views, and savor some snacks and a glass of wine at a table inside the tasting room. Please note that due to space constraints on food and wine pairing event weekends, we may not have indoor seating available.

Winter Hours
Beginning the week of Sunday, December 29 we will resume our winter hours. We will be closed Monday, December 30 through Thursday, January 2 and will reopen Friday, January 3 at noon.

During January through March we are only open Friday noon - 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m. We will resume our spring hours of Wednesday through Sunday on April 2 at noon.

Chili Cook-off
Saturday, January 18 (snow date: Saturday, January 25)

Are you a home or professional chef? Do you love to make meals that make others comment or smile? Then our Chili Cook-off is for you. This is a free event. That's right - free to enter and free to taste. We have space for just 12 entrants, so enter early. Galen Glen will be offering a complimentary taste of Chambourcin or Cellar Red to go with the chili samples that day. Every person who visits the winery that day will be able to taste and vote for their favorite chili. We have great prizes for our winners too. For more information on entering, please email Kathy at gruveegruner@galenglen.com for an entry packet.

Galen Glen is going green
Have you purchased a bottle of Winter Mountain White lately? Have you noticed something different? That's right. We're going green.

As many of you know, our beautiful blue bottles for Winter Mountain White and Ice Wine were very popular. Unfortunately, they were not good for the environment. Blue bottles, because they contain cobalt, cannot be recycled. We offered our blue bottles from wine consumed here to crafters for upcycling but never knew what happened to the others that went home with our customers. We wanted to reduce our carbon foot print, and switching to a exciting green bottle, that can be recycled, was our best option. So in 2014 as you purchase new vintages of Ice Wine and also Winter Mountain White you will begin to see and be able to recycle the green bottles.

Christmas wishes from the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

We'd like to thank all of our loyal customers for supporting our wine trail this year. Our eight family-owned and operated wineries appreciate your patronage. We couldn't do it without you. And to everyone who just discovered our wine trail this year, we're glad to have you with us!

Please share your love of the wine trail and our wineries with someone you know and encourage them to explore it in 2014.  We hope to see many of you on the trail in March for our annual Passport Program.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year too!



P.S. - Forget to buy a gift for someone on your list? Order them a passport for our 2014 March Passport Program and slip an IOU into their card. We will mail it out this Friday and you can give it to them next time you see them!

Sign up now for a Beginner Wine Tasting Class at Clover Hill

Pull the cork, pour a few glasses of wine, cheers glasses with those around you and let the fun begin with friends and family this holiday season. When you visit any Clover Hill location, we welcome you to sample our wines and will help you find the perfect selection for your holiday occasions.

 For the month of December we have extended holiday hours:

The Winery in Breinigsville: 
Monday – Saturday 9 am - 6 pm and 
Sunday Noon - 5 pm
The Vineyard in Robesonia
: Monday – Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
 and Sunday – Noon - 5 pm

You can also find us at the Allentown Farmer's Market, the Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmer's Market open during market hours and online at www.cloverhillwinery.com. Also, some of our wines are stocked in the PA Wine & Spirit Stores.

In addition to finding wine in our stores, you can also find a great selection of wine racks, wine accessories and other gift ideas. Custom labeled wine is a fun way to personalize your gift giving and it is not too late to order (find out more information at www.cloverhillwinery.com/products). If you just aren’t sure about someone’s taste, we also have Clover Hill gift cards.

From everyone at Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. We are proud you choose to celebrate the holidays with a Clover Hill wine.

Owner’s Selection

Save on your purchase of a gift box with Vidal Blanc and Turtle Rock Red
 during the month of December. Now only $21.59.

Beginner Wine Tasting Class

Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12 at 2 pm

Tickets required; $25 per person


Join us in a beginner wine tasting class. This 1½ hour long class will teach you the basics of wine tasting, give you tips on wine and food pairing and help to answer any wine questions you may have! This class has a limited number of seats and tickets are required. Must be 21+ years of age or older. Call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville to reserve your ticket. Tickets make a great holiday gift!

Live Advent Calendar, hashtag contest, extended holiday hours, and more from Franklin Hill

Downtown Bethlehem's Live Advent Calendar
A different Downtown Business is featured nightly in the Live Advent Calendar. The door of the 1810 Goundie House at 505 Main St. opens at 5:30 p.m. and guests are entertained in a unique and festive way.

Franklin Hill Vineyards will be opening the door TONIGHT, December 17. Warm up with some hot mulled wine while you enjoy the Lehigh Valley Harmonizers singing your favorite carols in the street.

TABLEWINE # COMP
Want to win a FREE CASE of wine? Include a bottle of our wine on your beautifully set holiday table, take a pic, and put it on a social media site with the hashtag #tablewine. We will be judging your pics on creativity, beauty, wine placement and maybe even on how good it all looks. Have fun and good luck.

We Need Your Vote!
It's that time of year again and Downtown Bethlehem's Doors and Windows of Bethlehem competition is in full force. Our Bethlehem crew has created a door worth your vote. Stop by, check it out and then submit your vote.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS
Short on time this holiday season? Let us help. Our retail stores will be opening earlier and closing later. So whether we're your first stop or your last, we'll be there for you.

Tannersville & Easton
Mondays - Saturdays: 10 am - 7 pm
Sundays: 11 am - 5 pm

Bethlehem
Mondays - Thursdays: 10 am - 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 10 am - 9 pm
Sundays: Noon - 6 pm

The Perfect Holiday Martini
We've got a tasty way to impress your holiday guests with this cocktail:

First chill your martini glass.
Then add 3 parts Passion to 1 part Vanilla Vodka.
Dip the rim of your favorite martini glass in green colored sugar and garnish with a strawberry.

December update from the Wine Trail

Here are a few highlights from our wineries on what they are up to this month.

Now that the holidays are officially here, several of our members have extended hours at their wineries and/or their wine shoppe locations. So be sure to check their web sites or call ahead before visiting. Also, several of the wineries offer custom wine labels for wine you plan to give as gifts, but the deadline for ordering labels is nearing. Be sure to ask about it soon if you are interested.

Galen Glen's Annual Holiday Open House

Saturday 12/14, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12/15, noon - 5 pm

We welcome you to come in from the cold and warm up with some of Gary's Norwegian Shrimp Chowder. In Norway, fish, shrimp and potatoes are staples in a family's diet. Soup is great after a cold day of tree shopping, holiday shopping or decorating. Stop by the winery for our complimentary food and wine pairing. Let our staff help you make your holiday wine selections. We also will have gift cards, gift baskets, glass wear, dips, jellies, jewelry and candles available to help you with your holiday gift giving needs.

There's still time to visit Vynecrest's Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem booth for wine tastings and sales during your trip to Christmas in Bethlehem. 

Thursdays & Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm

Fridays & Saturdays: 11am - 8pm 

12/12 - 12/15 and 12/19 - 12/22

Clover Hill Wine & Food Inspiration

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Saturday, December 14 from 11 am - 4 pm

Visit our Wine Shop for a special wine and food pairing. We will be showcasing some holiday entertaining ideas that will include: 

- Smoked turkey from Mr. Bill's Poultry paired with Oak Vidal

- 'Krab Salad' from Heckenberger's Seafood paired with Cayuga White

- English Cheddar with orange and chocolate from Wittman's World Cheeses paired with Vignoles

Pinnacle Ridge: Need a special gift for that wine lover in your life this holiday season?

Check out our gift baskets full of artisan dips, sauces and all other sorts of wine goodies. Complete with award winning Pinnacle Ridge Winery wines, of course.

4th Annual Christmas Blessings Toy & Gift Drive at Blue Mountain
Sunday 12/15 at 2 p.m.

It's that time of year to spread Christmas cheer to those who need it the most. Bring a new toy and donate it to the Christmas Blessings Toy & Gift Drive. All toys and gifts will be donated to the children's hospital. Put a smile on their face with your donation and enjoy live music with Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Souls.

Franklin Hill Vineyards recently won 3 medals from the Grand Harvest Wine Competition in Sonoma County, CA. This competition is the only wine competition in North America that is based on terrior.

RedHead, our newest edition to our wine list, is a dry red with a high vanilla oak, was awarded a Bronze Medal.

White Jade, a dry, lightly oaken white, was awarded a Silver Medal.

Fiesta, a fun, sweet, red made with 100% concord grapes with a citrus blend added to it making it like a Red Sangria, was awarded a Silver Medal.

Don't forget to get your Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wine tote this holiday season.

When you purchase 6 bottles of wine or more at one of our 8 member wineries, you will receive this FREE wine tote! The bags are printed on both sides with pictures of our wine bottles. The bag is durable and able to securely hold 6 full bottles of wine. While supplies last.

Free shipping on online orders of 6 bottles or more from Vynecrest through Dec. 8

Free shipping on 6 or more bottles for online orders through December 8 at www.vynecrest.com. No coupon code is necessary; just be sure you have six or more bottles in your shopping cart.

Normal discounts still apply, 5% discount on 6 to 11 bottles, 10% discount on 12 or more bottles
This promotion is for online orders only. Phone-in orders will be subject to normal shipping fees
Free shipping does not apply if wine is sent to multiple locations. Order must be shipped to one location for free shipping offer to apply

Sorry, we can't ship to AL, AR, KY, MD, MA, MS, MT, NH, UT, HI, AK. Must be 21 or older to order. Adult signature required for delivery of wine. All wine will be shipped via FedEx.

December Specials
* Three Pack of the Month - 3 Spiced Winter Red for $25
* Wine of the Month - Vignoles 10% off

March Passports for the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's 2014 event are still available at the winery for $35 each or can be ordered online.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem - visit our booth for wine tastings and sales during your trip to Christmas in Bethlehem. Thursdays & Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm, Fridays & Saturdays: 11am - 8pm

• 12/05 - 12/08 
• 12/12 - 12/15 
• 12/19 - 12/22

Holiday hours at the winery in Breinigsville
* Dec 1 - 23: 11 am - 5 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: Closed
* Dec 26 - 31: 11 am - 5 pm
* Jan 1 - 5: Closed
* Reopening January 6: 11 am - 5 pm

Holiday hours at the wine shoppe in Kutztown
* Dec 1 - 23: noon - 6 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: Closed
* Dec 26 - 31: noon - 6 pm
* Jan 1 - Jan 6: Closed
* Reopening January 7: noon - 6 pm

Glass Half Empty
by John Landis

When I reflect back on 2013, what I am most thankful for are all the wonderful people we get to interact with throughout the year.

The friendly farm vendors at the Macungie Farmers Market; the other winery staff who attend wine festivals; the Kutztown University staff who partnered with us on the label for Bear Naked Chardonnay; the volunteers at Christkindlmarkt; Lehigh Valley Wine Trail members; our terrific neighbors who are so supportive; the vineyard crew who helped us harvest the biggest crop in the history of Vynecrest; our family of Vynecrest tasting room staff who interact with our customers; and finally, the customers themselves whose support makes our existence possible.

Jan, Sam, and Malachi join me in thanking you for your support and wish you all Happy Holidays and a healthy 2014!

Join Pinnacle Ridge for Sharing & Pairing Weekend, Dec. 7 & 8

Pinnacle Ridge Winery invites you to spend the holiday season amongst friends and family... with full glasses, of course!

Make this holiday season a special one. Enjoy the comfort and company of family and friends. Share in the laughter, the food and the drink. 

Here at Pinnacle Ridge, we are looking forward to an excellent send-off to 2013. The tasting sheet has changed a bit these last few months. We have recently released our 2012 Traminette, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Soon to come: 2012 Chambourcin. 

Hurry in as our supplies of the Finger Lakes Competition Medal Winner, the 2011 Chambourcin and our 2012 Dry Riesling are dwindling fast. Come in and share in some holiday cheer with your friendly Pinnacle Ridge tasting room staff.   

Sharing & Pairing Weekend

Join us on December 7 & 8 for our first Sharing & Pairing Weekend. This weekend will feature wine pairings with special holiday cookies and all for a good cause. We will feature a delicious Gooey Chocolate Merlot Cookie paired with our 2012 Merlot, as well as a special holiday cookie made to be paired with some wonderful mulled spice wine - perfect for warming you up on a brisk December day! 

$1 of each purchase of select bottles of wine will be donated to the Berks County Animal Rescue League.   

(Pictured is winery Owner and Winemaker Brad Knapp with his dog Peanut, a Berks County rescue.)

Case Club Members

  

Keep a look out for some of the new things we are doing at Pinnacle Ridge. We are always looking to improve upon the offers of the Case Club for our valued members. Soon to come: weekday specials, additional perks and benefits, and much more!

Saying thanks while getting ready to shop!

At Thanksgiving we are reminded of how appreciative all of our eight member winery owners are for our loyal customers who not only purchase our wines but also advocate for our wineries and for buying local. It is thanks to your continued support that our wine trial continues to be successful. Thank you for coming back time after time and helping us spread the word!

Many of our wineries have begun extended holiday hours at their wine tasting rooms and wine shoppe locations. Be sure to call ahead or visit their web sites before heading out.

Here are a few highlights of what some of the wineries have planned for this coming weekend:

Galen Glen - Black Friday Sale
November 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Once a year, we put the winery on sale. 15% off case sales only. Custom label orders and shipped orders are not included. All wine must be purchased at the winery day of sale.
ONE DAY ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Blue Mountain - Black Friday specials
at the winery and all locations

$2 off  all rhinestone shirts
$2 off all rhinestone aprons
$1 off all T-shirts

Clover Hill - Shop Small Saturday

Saturday, November 30

All Clover Hill locations and at www.cloverhillwinery.com

Eat, Drink and Buy Local! Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery would like to thank you for choosing to "Shop Small’ and supporting our family owned and operated winery. Please enjoy 10% off any 6 or more bottles and 20% off 12 or more bottles on Shop Small Saturday only. Go ahead, stock up for the holiday and thank you for Shopping Small. 

Blue Mountain Christmas Open House
December 7
5 - 9 pm

Please join us for some Christmas Cheer! This event is our way of saying thank you to our customers. Enjoy our delicious wines accompanied by hors d'oeuvres while listening to live entertainment in our beautiful glass-enclosed deck kept warm and cozy by our fireplaces.

Galen Glen - Santa Visits

Saturday, December 7

We will again be collecting for Toys-for-Tots, so please bring an unwrapped toy or a monetary donation to help those less fortunate.  Bring your camera for a photo with Santa too.

Holiday events and an open house coming up at Galen Glen

Bird-to-the-last-drop

Saturday, November 23 from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 24 from noon to 5 p.m.

Thanksgiving is just days away.  Are you searching for the best wines to pair with your holiday meals? Come to the winery and let our knowledgable staff help you with your holiday pairings.

Do you need a recipe for all of those leftovers?  We'll have one of those at the winery this weekend too. We are offering a complimentary food and wine pairing of our Bird-to-the-last-drop soup with your choice of one of either our newest wine, GJT Stone Cellar Riesling or our semi-dry Riesling (the double-gold medal winner). This is the perfect time to pick up a bottle for your holiday meal and one for the leftovers too.

Now is a great time to be thinking of holiday gift giving. Have you considered giving the gift of wine? In addition to gift cards, we have many custom label options or we can place your digital image on a label too. Stop by the winery to view our label catalog or email gruveegruner@galenglen.com to request an email sample of our current holiday images.

At this time of the year we pause to think of the many things we are thankful for. We are thankful for you our Galen Glen fans. Thank you for continuing to share your favorite wines with friends and family.

November 29 - Black Friday Sale 
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Once a year, we put the winery on sale. 15% off case sales only. Custom label orders and shipped orders are not included. All wine must be purchased at the winery day of sale.
ONE DAY ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

December 7, 8, 14 & 15 - Holiday Open House Weekends 

Our winery family's gift to you. We look forward to sharing something spectacular!

December 15 - Love Hotdog Co.
Noon - 5 p.m.
Scrumptious gourmet sausages & "dogs" - for the love of dogs! http://lovehotdogco.com/


Please note: Wine sold to be consumed on our premises is by-the-glass only.  No open bottles are permitted. PA State law prohibits the consumption of any other alcohol on our premises. If you are planning to come in a group of 6 or more, we do require reservations. They may be made by calling the winery in advance during normal business hours.

Franklin Hill Vineyards launches new social media hashtag contest for the holiday season

Doors and Windows of Bethlehem

It's that time of year again and we need your vote. The Downtown Bethlehem Association is holding their annual contest to see who can create the most beautiful and unique doors or window. Take a stroll through beautiful Downtown Bethlehem and be sure to vote for Franklin Hill Vineyards starting November 23.

Here we go again...

We know you're crafty. Your table decor is the talk of the holidays. Now we want to give you a free case of wine just for showing off.

Take a picture of your Thanksgiving table, Christmas table or any time you think your table is amazing. Make sure there is a bottle of Franklin Hill wine visible and post it to social media with the hashtag #tablewine. We are accepting submissions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We will judge entries based on creativity, beauty, wine placement and maybe even how delicious everything looks. The winner gets a free case of wine! Yes, you read that right, a FREE CASE OF WINE!

All submissions must be posted by January 1, 2014. We will pick the winner January 6. Good luck and Happy Holidays.

As the holiday's approach we hope you take the time to reflect, cherish and enjoy all the season has to offer.  We have so many loyal and valued customers, and for this we are truly thankful. Cheers!  Elaine, Adam and the Franklin Hill Vineyards family.

Featured Recipe - Apple Cider Sangria
We've found the perfect drink for your Thanksgiving Day guests.
Take a bottle of our Seyval Blanc and add in 2 1/2 cups of fresh apple cider, 1 cup of club soda and 1/2 cup of ginger brandy.  Chop up 3 apples and 3 pears and enjoy.

Extended Holiday Hours - starting November 25

Short on time this holiday season? Let us help. Our retail stores will be opening earlier and closing later,. So whether we're your first stop or your last, we'll be there for you.

Tannersville & Easton -
Mondays - Saturdays: 10am - 7pm
Sundays: 11am - 5pm

Bethlehem -
Mondays - Wednesdays: 10am - 7pm
Thursdays: 10am - 8pm
Friday & Saturdays: 10am - 9pm
Sundays: noon - 6pm

Tasting room hours at the winery in Bangor will remain the same.

Nouveau Weekend, and a policy change, at Pinnacle Ridge

As another harvest season at Pinnacle Ridge nears its end, we would like to invite you to share in the fruits of our labor with our annual end of harvest celebration. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Nouveau Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, November 16 & 17. 

This free event is based on the French tradition of the release of Beaujolais Nouveau - a young, fruity red wine that is free from tannins and made in just weeks. By law, Beaujolais Nouveau must not be released until the midnight hour of the third Thursday in November. Flocks of people line up for this event, eagerly awaiting the  release of the new vintage and it is shared with friends and family, in pubs and homes the world throughout as the first inclination of what the season has in store for us.        
                                                                                                                     
In keeping with that tradition, we will be taking part in an event that weekend to celebrate the end of our harvest season. We will be featuring a seasonal butternut squash soup to warm the soul on a crisp fall day to be paired with our own "nouveau" wine, made from Chambourcin, as well as to take a sneak peek at some wines that are works in progress. Take in all the sights, sounds and smells of the winemaking season and enjoy the autumnal scenery in the vineyard. Ask about seasonal pairings and wine specials, too. We will be featuring special half-case discounts for case club members and a special discount for all new case club members. We will also be featuring some artisan photography by Cindy Cowan, a local wine enthusiast and Pinnacle Ridge supporter. She has some beautiful work that will be on display during the weekend.                                                                        

Policy change regarding groups and commercial vehicles        
Our commitment is to quality wines, being a part of our local community, and providing excellent customer service. We value the time spent with our customers and the conversations about food and wine, all while getting to know the people that we share our wines with. Out of respect for our neighbors and in order to keep your visit to the Pennsylvania wine country a tranquil and enjoyable one, we will no longer be accepting commercial vehicles (buses or limos), or large groups (groups of 8 or more) on Saturdays.

We have a very small tasting room and an even smaller parking area and we can no longer accommodate such groups. We are very happy that ventures to wine country have become so popular over these last few years and that so many people have chosen to spend their afternoons with us, but we do not wish to turn people away or sacrifice our customer service due to overcrowding. Please respect our reasons for this as we are a small, family-owned and operated farm and, after 6 pm each day Pinnacle Ridge returns to being our home. We welcome you to visit us during the week when we are less crowded to enjoy some of our wines on a peaceful afternoon.

NOTE: Groups of 8 or more are still welcome at Pinnacle Ridge during the week and on Sundays, with a reservation made AT LEAST ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.        

Thank you all for your support and understanding. We look forward to seeing you all very soon and best wishes from all of us here on the start of your holiday season!

Blue Mountain Vineyards to host Christmas Open House event

Christmas Open House
December 7
5 - 9 pm

Please join us for some Christmas Cheer! This event is our way of saying thank you to our customers. Enjoy our delicious wines accompanied by hors d'oeuvres while listening to live entertainment in our beautiful glass-enclosed deck kept warm and cozy by our fireplaces.

Hosting a Christmas Party?
Why not have it at Blue Mountain? Call or email for details.
info@bluemountainwine.com
610 298-3068

Custom labeled wine - a great gift for any occasion
We can scan your logo or artwork and create the perfect label for your company or personal gift giving.
Full and half bottles
Affordable pricing
10% case discount
Free set up on all holiday orders from now until Christmas.

Join us for live entertainment
2 - 5 p.m. every Sunday

Nov 17        Billy Patrick
Nov 24       Jake Kalegis & Mike Rausher's Dynamic Duo

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail event - Nouveau Weekend
November 16 -17

We will release our 2013 Noveau Beaujolais paired with turkey shepherd's pie and cran-citrus chutney.

Clover Hill recommends wines to pair with Thanksgiving dinner

We completed our 36th grape harvest at Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery in mid-October and what a dramatic vintage it was! Overall, we are quite pleased with the harvest; in particular the late ripening varieties such as Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chambourcin. Your first opportunity to taste any of this year’s wines will be spring 2014. In the meantime, winemaker John Skrip III is busy working in the winery transforming grapes into wine.

Now, let’s talk turkey. Choosing the right wine to serve for Thanksgiving should be an easy task. Let’s start with what NOT to serve. We suggest staying away from the full body, big oak wines and also the very sweet and grapey wines. Too much oak or too much grape flavor will overpower the food. In order to enhance the food flavors, opt for a lighter, more delicate white or red wine. 

Some of our favorite Clover Hill wine suggestions would include:

• Riesling ~ we make two styles of Riesling: a dry and a semi-sweet white. Both wines are rich in peach, apricot and honey characteristics and make a perfect Turkey pairing.
• 2009 Sangiovese ~ this is a lighter body, dry red wine with soft hints of oak. Light enough to pair with turkey, but has enough body to go well with all the side dishes.
• Turtle Rock Red ~ 100% Chambourcin, stainless steel fermented and just a hint of sweetness. The perfect red wine for turkey.
• Vignoles ~ exudes sweet, luscious and rich flavors of honey and orange blossoms. This is our favorite choice to serve with pumpkin pie after dinner.

We would like to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with good food, good company and great wine. Thank you for choosing to drink local and for serving a Clover Hill wine this Thanksgiving.

Owner's Selection

Save 10% on your purchase of Spiced Apple during the month of November. Spiced with just the right blend of cinnamon and cloves - reminiscent of mom's apple pie. Excellent for braising pork or poultry. Can be served warm as a mulled wine; or serve cold as is or with soda and a squeeze of lime. Now only $9.45.

Find Spiced Apple Recipes Here. 

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market

Saturday November 9 from 11 am - 4 pm

Visit the Clover Hill Wine Shop at the  Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market for a special wine and food pairing featuring General Tso's Chicken Meatballs from Culinary Experts paired with the Clover Hill Riesling.

Buck A Bottle Shipping Special

shop.cloverhillwinery.com

November 14-17

Let us help you share Clover Hill wines this Thanksgiving with friends and family across the USA. We will ship your favorite Clover Hill wines for just A BUCK A BOTTLE shipping. Purchase 12 or more bottles and you will also receive a 10% discount on your wine. Use the coupon code $1SHIP at checkout. 

Generations Wine Tasting

November 28-December 1

All Clover Hill locations

Visit any Clover Hill location to sample our limited release Generations wines. Sampling will include:

• 2012 Generations Riesling – a dry Riesling
• 2012 Generations N-Chard – a dry, unoaked Chardonnay
• 2012 Generations Three – a dry, red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot

Shop Small Saturday

Saturday, November 30

All Clover Hill locations and at www.cloverhillwinery.com

Eat, Drink and Buy Local! Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery would like to thank you for choosing to "Shop Small’ and supporting our family owned and operated winery. Please enjoy 10% off any 6 or more bottles and 20% off 12 or more bottles on Shop Small Saturday only. Go ahead, stock up for the holiday and thank you for Shopping Small. 

Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase! 

Nouveau Weekend = the start of the holiday season at Vynecrest Winery

The 2013 harvest is pretty much over (except for our Late Harvest Vidal) and it feels good to take a breath before the busy holiday season begins. Passports for the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's March Passport Program go on sale November 16 (during Nouveau Weekend) for $35 each.

Christkindlmarkt starts Nov. 21 and runs through Dec 22 and is open Thursday 11 am - 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am - 8 pm, and Sunday 11 am - 6 pm (closed Thanksgiving Day).

Our winery's gift area has locally made products that make wonderful gifts for teachers, hostesses, family and friends. Soy candles, crackers, dips, cheese. Remember we have make-your-own baskets ($5 for basket and wrapping) where you add whatever wine, candles, cheese, crackers, dips, wine gifts you want and we'll make it up for you.

November specials
* Wine of the Month - Summertime Red, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - Vynecrest Red, 3 for $27

(Wine of the month and 3 pack available at winery only; 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts.)

Upcoming events

• Nov. 16 & 17 - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Nouveau Weekend - For Nouveau Weekend, we will be releasing a new vintage of our estate-grown Gamay Beaujolais, the traditional grape of Nouveau wine. Young and fruity with a promise of even greater expectations to come, this wine is meant to be enjoyed now, during the holiday season. And, to help make entertaining this holiday season easier, we at Vynecrest will feature during Nouveau Weekend vegetable and fruit dip appetizers made by our local partner, Sugar ‘n Spice from Coplay. Ann Moeller will be serving samples of her products such as festive vegetable, cucumber onion and dill, tomato ranch and jalapeno to pair with our Gamay Beaujolais wine. We will also have pumpkin dip and strawberry fruit dip available for sampling.

• Nov. 21 - Christkindlmarkt opens.
• Nov. 24 - Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm

Glass Half Empty
2013 Harvest Recap
by Malachi Duffy

Where do I go with all of this wine? That question is a good description of how the 2013 harvest went for Vynecrest this year. The vintage did not start off that way. We had a later-than-usual bud break, unpredictable weather during fruit set, and a rainy summer. Things were not looking good until late August. Then, the rain stopped, the humidity dropped, and the weather took a complete 180. The weather starting in late August could not have been much better to turn a sub-par vintage into one for the record books.

Not only did the weather cooperate, but the birds did as well. If you have read this newsletter for awhile you are aware of the battle we go through every year with birds. In August we got ready for the war to begin. We loaded up on ammo and had a patrol schedule set up morning and night. We decided to be preemptive and start the patrol even though we didn't see any birds yet. We figured if we scared them away as they came in we could keep them away. But they never really showed up. We had a couple flocks of starlings here and there but they didn't do much damage. We have a couple of rows of early ripening grapes we have never been able to harvest because the birds ate every berry on every plant before we could get to them. This year we pulled 130 lugs out of those rows. That is 230 gallons of wine we were never able to harvest before. Not a bad start to the 2013 Harvest.

As we continued bringing grapes in, the yields were higher than expected on every variety. Sometimes a little higher, sometimes a lot higher. There is always a balance of quantity vs. quality. That is why on many of our varieties we cut off as much as half of the fruit off the vine in order to fully ripen the remaining fruit. Even with the high yields, the quality of the fruit we brought in was amazing. The grapes were ripe, clean, and the sugars and acids were right where we wanted them.

That leads me back to the problem of where do I go with all of this wine? With every variety coming in with higher than expected yields, our tanks filled up quickly. We are re-purposing our white wine fermentation tanks as wine storage tanks until we can make some more room, or buy more tanks. Not a bad problem to have, it just makes life in the cellar a little more interesting for the next couple of months.

Save the date for our last wine trail event of 2013 - Nouveau Weekend

The eight wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will debut the first wines from the new vintage during Nouveau Weekend, the last Wine Trail event of the year. Wineries will feature food and wine pairings for visitors to sample.

Nouveau wines are bottled very young without barrel aging, and exhibit lots of fruitiness. They are light, fruity and semi-dry to dry red wines.

 

Nouveau Weekend is a great opportunity to purchase wine to give as holiday gifts or to complement holiday meals.

Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. We will post to our web site details on what each winery has planned soon, so stay tuned.

(Nouveau Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.) 

Also, if you are someone who likes to plan ahead, mark your calendars and plan to join us for our six annual events next year. The dates are:

• March Madness - the first four weekends in March (note: does not include the fifth weekend on the month)
• Wine in Bloom – 5/17 & 18
• Wine on the Mountain at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pa. – 7/26 & 27
• Harvest Weekend – 9/13 & 14
• Chambourcin Weekend – 10/18 & 19
• Nouveau Weekend – 11/15 & 16

Galen Glen Winery gears up for the holidays with special events and extended hours

Winter Wine Release
Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3

The holidays are fast approaching and these are the times that we celebrate with our families and friends. Winter makes us want to come in from the cold, seeking warmth for our bodies and souls. During this weekend, our staff will warm you with a tasting of our mulled wine. It's the perfect time to start thinking about your holiday gift giving needs. We offer custom labeling and beautiful gift baskets that make great gifts for family, friends, neighbors, clients, and staff. Let us help you select the perfect gifts and take the stress out of holiday gift giving.

Love Hot Dog Company & The Lemonade Brothers
Sunday, November 10 from noon - 5 p.m.

Enjoy the gourmet sausage and dog stylings of Jason and the crew of Love Hot Dog Company and The Lemonade Brothers when they make their monthly pilgrimage to the mountains. If you haven't been to the winery when Love Hot Dog Company has been there, you don't know what you are missing. Jason serves everything from 100% beef dogs, to wild-game sausages and his own special toppings. Rumor has it the bacon jam may soon be bottled and available for sale. Arrive early in the day for the best selection. We will have some indoor seating for your dining pleasure.

Bird-to-the-last-drop
Saturday, November 16 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 pm..
Sunday, November 17 and 24 from noon to 5 p.m.

Are you looking for the best wines to serve with your holiday meal? How about a bonus recipe for those leftovers? Accomplish it all in one place when we offer a complimentary food and wine pairing of bird-to-the-last-drop (recipe will be available) and the perfect wines to pair with your Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.

Upcoming events:

Black Friday Sale:
On Friday, November 29 we will open at 10 a.m. for our once-a-year sale.  All case purchases made that day on-site at the winery will be 15% off. This is a one-day, in-store only sale, no exceptions.  
(Custom labels and shipped orders are not included.)

Saturday, December 7 - Santa Visits Galen Glen
We will again be collecting for Toys-for-Tots, so please bring an unwrapped toy or a monetary donation to help those less fortunate.  Bring your camera for a photo with Santa too.

All upcoming events can be found on our website at www.galenglen.com.

HOLIDAY HOURS:
Beginning Wednesday, November 20 we will be open seven days a week (exception: closed Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving).

Our extended holiday hours will be:
Sunday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We will close at 3 p.m. on December 24 to celebrate Christmas with our families. We will be closed on Christmas Day.

POLICY CHANGE:
Beginning November 1 all wine that is sold to be consumed on our premises will be by-the-glass only. This will not affect wine tastings at the wine bar. We welcome you to visit, enjoy a tasting, take in our breathtaking views, and savor some snacks and a glass of wine at a table on our outdoor patio or inside the tasting room.  

If you are planning to come for a tasting or to any of the listed events with a group of six or more, we require reservations. These may be made by calling the winery at (570) 386-3682 during our normal business hours. Please note our weekend reservation openings fill fast, so please plan early.

Make your weekend plans at our wineries!

Just because it's not an official Wine Trail event weekend doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to visit our wineries. Here are a few events and promotions going on now:

Cast a spell to end hunger

Help Galen Glen Winery "Cast a spell to end hunger" by attending this weekend's Verhext Weekend event. Please bring along a donation of non-perishable food items (or a financial contribution) to be donated to Shepherd House.

"Hallowine" Tasting
October 26 from 5-9 p.m.

Come in costume to add to your fun. Prizes for best costumes in numerous categories. Enjoy our delicious wines while listening to live acoustic entertainment by Jake Kalegis & Mike Rausher's Dynamic Duo. Reservations preferred. Admission is $7.50 and includes a souvenir glass.

Lehigh Valley Harvest

Three of our member wineries - Vynecrest, Franklin Hill, and Blue Mountain - will be participating in this Sunday's Lehigh Valley Harvest event at Allentown Brew Works to benefit Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley.

October Owner's Selection at Clover Hill

Save 10% on your purchase of Concord during the month of October. Close your eyes and sniff this wine. Your glass will be full of grapey (better known as ‘foxy’) flavors that will take you back to eating grapes from the arbor. Try it with your favorite spicy chili or blend it with your favorite fruit juices for a refreshing sangria. Now only $8.55. Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase.

October Specials at Vynecrest

* Wine of the Month - Chambourcin, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 First Blush for $25
(at winery only, 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts)

And now for something completely different...

Franklin Hill Vineyards was featured in a new commercial filmed at the winery recently. Check it out and see owner Adam Flatt in action!

According to this recent Express-Times article, a new wine bar opening in Easton will be serving Pinnacle Ridge wines:

Galen Glen Winery and Pinnacle Ridge received a mention this past week by Elaine Labalme on a radio program on WESA 90.5 in Pittsburgh. Listen to it here:

Franklin Hill winds up harvest season while celebrating the Chambourcin wine grape

Franklin Hill Vineyards invites you to this weekend's Chambourcin Weekend event along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Chambourcin is grown by all 8 wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail which is why we dedicate this weekend to celebrate the grape. We use this versatile red grape in several of our wines including Simply Red, Fainting Goat, Redhead, Trio and, of course, Chambourcin.

This weekend we will be featuring creamy mushroom soup from our friends at the Broadway Pub, apple cake from Buttercup Bakery, dips from Robert Rothschild farms and complimentary tastings. We will also have an apple cider sangria for sale by the glass. Tours of the winery will be offered at noon and 2 p.m. Groups of 8 or more - please contact the winery for more information.  

Harvest news
Harvest 2013 is now in the books. This year we picked over 54 tons of white grapes and 16 tons of red, which Bonnie and Maria will turn into over 10,000 gallons of wine. In fact some of our 2013 Vidal and Cayuga grapes are already in a batch of Kiss. We will finish pressing our red grapes early next week and then our harvest equipment will be put away for another season.

The Winner is...
Congratulations to our Where's Walter competition winners. We got so many great entries from around the world. It was such a fun event that we're doing it again. We won't tell you the theme yet but think "tabletop."

Rave Reviews
Franklin Hill Vineyards hosted "Dinner in the Vineyard" on October 11. Abe Lopez of Valenca in Easton put together a spectacular four-course culinary experience for 22 very lucky guests. The tables were set with a harvest theme and the whole winery was turned into a five-star restaurant setting including acoustic music from Abraham Weaver. Our event coordinator, Amanda, outdid herself once again with this very memorable event. Keep your eyes open for our next "Dinner in the Vineyard" event. Reservations are very limited and sell out fast.

Clover Hill toasts the end of harvest with Concord wine for October

Beautiful  fall colors are blanketing the rolling hills, the air has a fresh chill to it, and the wine is being served warm. Welcome back to our fall tradition of serving the Spiced Apple and Holiday wines warm as you sip a glass with friends or family.

The Spiced Apple is a deliciously sweet wine made from local apples and spiced with cinnamon and cloves often described as ‘liquid apple pie." The Holiday is a blend of grapes spiced with cinnamon, cloves and a touch of citrus. Pull the cork, place the entire bottle in a slow cooker, warm on low heat, and serve a fun fall tradition.

The 2013 grape harvest is now complete. The netting you may have noticed on our vineyards caused quite a few comments. It was used to help keep the birds (mainly Starlings) away from our precious fruit. Those few rows of Vidal Blanc that were skipped... well, keep your eyes open for a Clover Hill Ice Wine next year!

October Owner's Selection

Save 10% on your purchase of Concord during the month of October. Close your eyes and sniff this wine. Your glass will be full of grapey (better known as ‘foxy’) flavors that will take you back to eating grapes from the arbor. Try it with your favorite spicy chili or blend it with your favorite fruit juices for a refreshing sangria. Find Concord Recipes Here

Now only $8.55. Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase.
 
Wine & Food Inspiration
Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market
Saturday October 19 from 11 am - 4 pm

Visit the Clover Hill Wine Shop for a special wine and food pairing featuring a harvest wild rice soup from Hildy’s Soups, Subs and Salads, and Miche bread from the Bread Brokers, paired with the Chambourcin. It is a delicious, warm, comfort-food perfect for a chilly autumn dinner.

Chambourcin Weekend on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
The Winery in Breinigsville
9850 Newtown Road, Breinigsville, PA 18031
October 19 & 20 - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday noon - 5 pm

Cheers to the Chambourcin grape! The Chambourcin grape is the only grape all eight wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail grow, but it is produced in many different styles. So take this weekend to travel the trail and sample various styles of wine made from the Chambourcin grape. Each winery will celebrate this special grape in various ways.

Clover Hill will hold cooking demonstrations paired with our 2012 Chambourcin and our Turtle Rock Red (also made from 100% Chambourcin grapes). Chef Mark from the American Café, 7450 Tilghman Street, Allentown, will be on-site preparing Chambourcin-marinated London broil with a black raspberry Chambourcin reduction and ratatouille made with Turtle Rock Red. Our cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm both days.

Visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com to find out what each winery has in store for the Chambourcin grape celebration.

Blue Mountain Vineyards celebrates fall with great winery events

"Hallowine" Tasting
October 26 from 5-9 p.m.

Come in costume to add to your fun. Prizes for best costumes in numerous categories. Enjoy our delicious wines while listening to live acoustic entertainment. Reservations preferred. Admission is $7.50 and includes a souvenir glass.

German Night
November 9  from 5-9 p.m.

Join us for an evening of German music and dancing and a delicious German Meal with all the trimmings. $19.50 per person includes souvenir glass. Reservations preferred. Limited seating.

Custom Labeled Wine

Makes a great gift for any occasion. Blue Mountain can scan your logo or artwork and create the perfect label for your company or personal gift giving.

*Full and half bottles
*Affordable pricing
*10% case discount

Join us for live entertainment 
2-5 p.m. every Sunday

Oct. 13          Sunsets North
Oct. 20          (Sorry, no music)
Oct. 27          Jake Kalegis & Mike Rausher's Dynamic Duo

Save the dates
Winetober Fest - October 12
Bear Creek Harvest Wine Festival - October 20
Lehigh Valley Harvest - October 27

Get To Know The Official Wine Grape of the Lehigh Valley During Chambourcin Weekend Event

The eight locally-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will introduce wine lovers to the region’s official wine grape during Chambourcin Weekend on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.  

The Chambourcin is the only wine grape that is grown by all eight wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin which ferment into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile in the wine cellar and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including Nouveau, Rosé, Semi- Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling and Port.

Each winery will feature its own activities such as wine tastings, live entertainment, tours, or food and wine pairings. (For a detailed list, see below.) Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.

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 more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com, connect with them on Twitter and their Facebook page.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - will be serving beef barbecue prepared with Chambourcin wine.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville – will be slicing some of their family’s favorite cheeses and releasing their 2012 Regent.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli - will be hosting a Chili Cook Off on Saturday at noon. They will be offering their signature chili prepared with the International Award Winning 2010 Chambourcin and paired with Chambourcin.  Anyone interested in entering a chili in the Chili Cook Off should email info@bluemountainwine.com.  First, second and third place prizes will be awarded.  Customers will be the judges, so bring your appetites and plan to have lunch. They will pair Victoria’s Passion with a chocolate fondue for dessert. Also, from 1 - 4 p.m. there will be live musical entertainment. On Sunday they will offer Victoria’s Passion paired with chocolate fondue and a delicious mulled Chambourcin. 

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - The Chambourcin grape is the only grape all eight wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail grow, but it is produced in many different styles. So take this weekend to travel the trail and sample various styles of wine made from this grape.. Clover Hill will hold cooking demonstrations to be paired with their 2012 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (also made from 100% Chambourcin grapes). Cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. both days. Visit their website for more details on what the chef will be cooking.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - uses the hearty red Chambourcin grape in several of their wines including Simply Red, Fainting Goat, Redhead, Trio and, of course, Chambourcin. They will be featuring creamy mushroom soup from the Broadway Pub, brownies made with Fainting Goat from Buttercup Bakery, dips from Robert Rothschild farms, and complimentary wine tastings. Tours of the winery will be offered at noon and 2 p.m.  (Groups of 8 or more - please contact the winery for more information.)

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas - is featuring Nonna Flo’s gravy over pasta with Chambourcin. In her Philadelphia neighborhood, gravy meant a homemade red marinara sauce. Nonna Flo always had wine when cooking; sometimes it even went in the recipe! They’ll be recreating her gravy (recipe available), which uses red wine as her ‘secret’ ingredient, and toasting her memory with a glass of Chambourcin.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Pinnacle Ridge will be pairing their four interpretations of Chambourcin - 2011 Chambourcin, 2010 Chambourcin Reserve, Sweet Seduction and Chambourcin Rose - with smoked meats from the Berks County iconic butcher, Dietrich's Meats.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - will be highlighting the versatility of the Jewel of the Lehigh Valley, the Chambourcin grape, by pairing the 2012 dry Chambourcin wine with sticky chicken - slowly cooked chicken basted in a flavorful sticky marinade that clings to the chicken.  The sauce, made with their Chambourcin wine, (recipe available) can be used for sticky chicken over rice or sticky chicken wings.