Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Pinnacle Ridge to host inaugural Wine Basics class January 24

Wine Basics: From Grape to Glass

On Saturday, January 24 we will host our inaugural class "Wine Basics: How to go from Grape to Glass," an evening of wine tasting and discussion, in our new Wine Loft.

In this class, we will be tasting several different wines and discussing some wine tastings basics like: how to taste wines and identify the different aromas and flavors; their correct storage and service; as well as debunking some of our favorite wine myths and answering some of the most Frequently Asked Questions in the Tasting Room.

Our winemaker, Brad, will lead a casual but educational tasting, pairing and wine discussion. $25 per seat. Space is limited. For reservations and details, call (610) 756-4481. Submit your own questions and Ask the Winemaker - pinridge@aol.com.

Valentine's Day Weekend Wine Lover's Wine Dinner at Pinnacle Ridge

Join us for our candle-lit Wine Lover's Evening at Pinnacle Ridge. This four-course food and wine pairing will be prepared by local chef and culinary instructor, Mary Grube. Mary has been instructing culinary students and food lovers alike. Her approach to cooking is, "If I see it, I can do it." This philosophy is on display each time she cooks, always incorporating techniques and flavors that she has picked up during her travels.

She teaches at both Northampton Community College campuses and has been a recurring guest on WFMZ in their Sunrise Chef segment. Each of the courses will be designed and paired with a Pinnacle Ridge favorite. The menu for this evening will be announced soon.

$140 per couple; $130 for Case Club Members. Call (610) 756-4481 for reservations and details.

Vino in the Valley Passports are available
Join us for a weekly trip around the culinary world complete with signature Pinnacle Ridge pairings.
$35 gets your access to all of the LVWT wineries each weekend, throughout the month of March.

Each of the participating Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries will be putting out some food to be paired with their wines, as well as complimentary wine tastings as a part of your ticket purchase. Get your passport stamped at the wineries to enter to win prizes, too.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Last minute gifts for wine lovers available this week at Tolino Vineyards

With Christmas only days away, we would like to wish you the happiest of holidays from our family to yours. We hope that you have a joyful holiday season full of love and family.

Please note that our Christmas Eve hours at the tasting room are from noon to 5 pm and we will be closed on Christmas Day. New Year's Eve we will be open from noon to 7 pm, and closed on New Year's Day.

Stop by the tasting room today and tomorrow to purchase gifts for the holidays. We have mulled wine kits, gift certificates, gift bags, hand crafted wine racks, wine scented candles, wine totes, wine sippy cups, glasses, openers, and, of course, wine.

From now until Christmas for every $50 gift certificate you buy, we will give you a $5 gift certificate for yourself.

January Events  
January is a month of snow, ice and ice wine. Each weekend in January with the purchase of a premier tasting we will be pairing our newly released Sweet Frances ice style wine with a different food. Check our website to see which weekend we will pair Sweet Frances with blue cheese, nuts, fruit or an olive tapenade.

We are a vendor at the Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart every Saturday now through April 11 at 325 Northampton St. in downtown Easton. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has 30 vendors offering everything from wall decorations and mushrooms, to meat and wine.

Unique Party Venue 
Are you looking for a unique place to hold you next private party or business happy hour? Our tank room is the perfect place to gather your friends or coworkers and enjoy a glass of Tolino wine. We also offer mid-week event discounts.


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

New wine releases at Vynecrest this holiday season

New Wine Releases 

No. 36 - Vynecrest planted our first vines in the spring of 1974. No. 36 is a celebration of our 36th harvest and will be an ongoing series of dry red blends from the best of the best. Carefully choosing hand-picked vineyard sites and select barrels. A signature wine to showcase our terrior. 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Noiret.

Spiced Winter White - A perfect bookend to our ever popular Spiced Winter Red, this wine captures the holidays in a bottle. Aromas of cinnamon and vanilla give way to a wine that will make any cold winter evening come to life. Serve warm.

December Specials 
* Three Pack of the Month - 3 Spiced Winter Red for $25.00
* Wine of the Month - Traminette 10% off

Vino in the Valley 2015 passports are still available for $35 at the winery or can be ordered online here (fees apply).

Shantz Road is now open, so no more back roads or detours to get to Vynecrest.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem -  12/11 - 12/21
Thursday and Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm

While you are visiting the winery don't forget to pick up a gift for the wine lover in your life. We have Cherry DiVyne packaged with Chocolate (makes a great hostess gift), wine scented candles and many more gifts.

Holiday Hours (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 - 4: closed
* Reopening January 5: 11 am - 5 pm

Holiday Hours (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 4: closed
* Reopening January 5: noon - 6pm

Glass Half Empty by Sam Landis

My wife and I are moving. After all of the initial congratulatory messages and well wishes there has been a recent shift in tone as the actual move date is becoming more eminent. We are now met with groans and commiseration on the aches and pains of "actually moving." Everyone has their own horror stories of this and that and the general consensus is that "moving sucks." Besides all the packing (my wife has done 99.9%) and the paperwork and the meetings, sometimes you think it's easier to just stay in same place.

Segue into our business here. Years ago we vowed "no more new wines." We said once we hit 22 wines, we were not going to make anything new unless a wine came off the list. Making a new wine "sucks." New bottles, new labels, new wine lists, new equipment not to mention the unknown of how to make it, and at the end of the day how it will be received. It's so much easier to just make the same wines and make small improvements on those year in year out. Why would we want to go through all of that if we are selling out of all of our product? And we just don't need to go through any of the headaches.

Well fast forward to today, we have three new wines - Late Harvest Vidal, Spiced Winter White and No.36. We did not take any wines off the list, so we now have 25 wines. It was a pain, it was a hassle....and it was fun. We learned so much about our vineyard, our wine cellar, and our customers that those lessons will transcend across all of our wines and make them all better.

So my wife and I are moving… and maybe it won't be so bad after all.

Monday, December 15, 2014

12 Days of Deals now under way at Franklin Hill Vineyards

12 Days of Deals - now through December 24

Stop in any one of the four Franklin Hill Vineyards locations on the day your favorite product is listed below and save 20% on that item.


  • 12/15 - Wine glass lanterns
  • 12/16 - Wine canteens and flasks
  • 12/17 - Animal and shoe bottle holders
  • 12/18 - Sippy cups
  • 12/19 - Bang candy simple syrups and chocolates
  • 12/20 - Insulated wine clutches
  • 12/21 - Wine racks
  • 12/22 - Scentations candles, sprays and diffusers
  • 12/23 - Franklin Hill logoed apparel
  • Christmas Eve... to be announced. (P.S. - you won't want to miss this one!)

No coupons needed.


Customer Appreciation Party

Join us at the winery to enjoy appetizers and a glass of wine on us. It's our way of thanking you for supporting us throughout the season and throughout the years.

Christmas Eve, only at the winery in Bangor, from noon -3 p.m.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Pinnacle Ridge opens The Wine Loft for private events

Another holiday season is upon us. We have been working diligently from the completion of the harvest until now to bring you some new wines for the holidays. We still have a limited supply of our custom "NuVo"wine, a young fruit-driven red that is the pefect table accompanienment to those classic holiday dishes.

Also, just in time for the holiday celebrations, our Brut Rose is once again available. We are working dilligently in the cellar in preparation of the release of our 2014 Traminette and Dry Riesling as well.

Are you entertaining family this holiday season and looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon? We will be open daily from noon - 6 p.m, and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturdays. This holiday season we have all the goodies for those foodies and the vino for the wine lovers.

Customer Appreciation Days going on now

Join us this week and weekend for double points for all new Case Club members and double points  for existing members on case purchases of select wines.

Seasonal Gift Boxes
Just in time for the holiday season, we have put together specialty gift boxes for the wine lover on your holiday list:

The Classic Selection - $51.76

  • 2012 Cabernet Franc
  • 2012 Pinot Noir
  • 2012 Merlot

The Best of Both Barrels - $29.56

  • 2012 Barrel-fermented Chardonnay
  • 2013 Naked Chardonnay 

We have others available, too. Call (610) 756-4481 to order.

Also, this December, all Stonewall Jackson food products are 25% off. We have a wide selection of new retail items - wine bags, purses, decorations and custom cutting boards. And we are introducing a new line of sauces from Mike's Dawg Sauce.    

The Wine Loft at Pinnacle Ridge now open

Looking for a comfortable setting for your next event? We have just the space.

Our newly-renovated Wine Loft is a perfect space for holiday parties, and corporate and social events. The space is inviting, accommodates 40, and is always stocked with award-winning wine. For reservations and details about the space, please e-mail us at pinridge@aol.com with the subject: Wine Loft.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Annual Clover Hill Coat Drive happening this week; Ugly Sweater Party coming up next Friday

The holidays are upon us and we can’t think of a better time to pull the cork on a bottle of Clover Hill wine, pour a few glasses and enjoy the spirit of the season with good company.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together with my mom and my sisters to bake cookies. We bake, we laugh, we occasionally fight, and the whole time we sip Sparkling Pinot Noir. The hurried pace of the holidays quickly slows down as we enjoy the simple moments of time together as a family. Of course the glass of bubbles helps to make everything more enjoyable!

I would like to wish you a joyous holiday season and many happy, simple moments enjoyed with a glass of wine.

- Kari Skrip

P.S. Schantz Road is officially opened! No more detours trying to visit the winery in Breinigsville. Cheers to that!

Owner’s Selection for December

Save 10% on your purchase of Niagara. Take a deep whiff of this wine and you will experience an unmistakably fresh, grapey aroma. This sweet white wine tastes like you are eating the grapes right off the vine. Serve well chilled and enjoy with good company.

Now only $8.55. Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase.

Coat Drive at all Clover Hill locations
December 8-14

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery is hosting our annual coat drive. Give us your coat and we will give you a 10% discount on your purchase. We are collecting all size coats to be donated to The Caring Place in Allentown and Berks Women in Crisis in Reading. Coats can be donated at any Clover Hill location and as a thank you, we will give you a 10% discount on your purchase.

Ugly Sweater Party
December 19
The Winery In Breinigsville

Join us in wearing your favorite ugly Christmas sweater to the Winery in Breinigsville and you will be entered to win a $30 Clover Hill gift card. To help us celebrate, all wines by the glass will be only $4 (even if you are not wearing your ugly sweater).

Sparkling Wine Tasting at all Clover Hill locations
December 26-31

Stop in any Clover Hill location to sample any in stock sparkling wines. Why not pop the cork on a bottle of local bubbly for New Years Eve this year?

Beginner Wine Tasting Class
Saturday, January 10 and 25 at 2 pm
Tickets are required - $25 per person

Join us in a beginner wine tasting class. This 1.5 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 is limited in seats and tickets are required. Tickets are $25 per person and attendees must be 21 years or age or older. Call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville to reserve your ticket. Tickets make a great holiday gift idea.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Lehigh Valley wineries celebrate the holidays with open houses, special events and new wine releases

The wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail are encouraging wine lovers to buy local this holiday season by inviting them to festive events, offering specials on wine, and helping them pick the right wines for their holiday meals.

Passports for the 2015 Vino in the Valley Program (formerly known as the March Passport Program) are now on sale for $35 each at all nine member wineries as well as online, and make a great gift for wine lovers.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Holiday Events and Specials:

Blue Mountain Annual Christmas Open House
December 6 from 6-9 p.m.

This free event is their way of saying thank you for all the support their customers continue to give. Guests can enjoy live music by Adam Motto and complimentary refreshments. Please bring a canned good to support a local food bank. (Wine tasting is $5 for five tastes, and the $5 is redeemable towards a purchase of a bottle of wine.) Call 610-298-3068 for reservations or book online.

Clover Hill Coat Drive at all locations
December 8-14

Customers who donate a gently used coat will get a 10% discount on their purchase as a thank you. They are collecting all coat sizes, which will be donated to The Caring Place in Allentown and Berks Women in Crisis in Reading.

The Breinigsville winery is also selling tickets to its Beginner Wine Tasting Classes on Saturday, January 10 and 25 at 2 p.m. This 1.5 hour long class teaches the basics of wine tasting, gives tips on wine and food pairings, and helps to answer wine questions. Tickets make great holiday gifts and often sell out before the end of this year.

Galen Glen Holiday Open House Weekends
December 6, 7, 13 and 14.

Customers can enjoy a pairing of Voodoo Ravioli and an award-winning aromatic white wine. They are helping Santa collect monetary and toy donations for Toys-for-Tots. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation and receive a gift.

Customers are also encouraged to eat, drink and dress ugly. Dig out that old, ugly Christmas sweater, wear it to the winery and take a selfie by the tree. Then post it to the winery's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts and show it to their staff to receive another gift. On December 15 they will announce an eat, drink and dress ugly grand prize winner.

Pinnacle Ridge is selling specialty gift boxes for wine lovers:

The Classic Selection - $51.76
2012 Cabernet Franc
2012 Pinot Noir
2012 Merlot

The Best of Both Barrels - $29.56
2012 Barrel-fermented Chardonnay
2013 Naked Chardonnay

Additional gift box options are also available at the winery. And its award-winning sparkling wines, Blanc de Blanc and Brut Rose are back in stock starting December 6.

Tolino Vineyards - White Wine Sale

The Bangor winery has a sale on 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase one bottle for 15% off, six bottles for 25% off, and a case for 50% off. The 2010 Chardonnay is now 70% off. From now through Christmas for every $50 gift certificate purchased, customers will receive a $5 gift certificate to keep for themselves.

Also taste the newly released ice-style white dessert wine, Sweet Frances, named for Carl Tolino's mother. This wine is now available for $28.99 a bottle.

Vynecrest is offering Spiced Winter Red as its three-pack of the month for $25, and is having a Customer Appreciation Weekend on December 13 and 14 with special discounts on wine. It is also releasing two new wines, Spiced Winter White and No. 36, a dry red reserve.  

Monday, December 1, 2014

Tolino releases new wine, Sweet Frances, and offers a holiday deal on winery gift cards

The grapes have been harvested, crushed and destemmed, pressed, and have made their way into stainless steel tanks or French oak barrels. The harvest frenzy has settled and we are preparing for the holidays. And for us, the holidays mean family.

Carl Tolino's mother, Frances, is the matriarch of the Tolino family. She is the glue that holds us together and she is also the beautiful bride on our newly released and highly anticipated ice style white dessert wine, Sweet Frances. This wine is now available for $28.99 a bottle.

Stop in to see us any day of the week. We are open Monday through Friday from 3 - 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon - 6 p.m. Visit us online at www.tolinovineyards.com or call us at 610.588.9463 for more information or to inquire about hosting your next event at Tolino Vineyards.

The holiday season is here!

Stop by the tasting room to purchase gifts for the holidays. We have mulled wine kits, gift certificates, gift bags, hand-crafted wine racks, wine-scented candles, wine totes, wine sippy cups, glasses, openers and of course, wine. From now through Christmas for every $50 gift certificate you buy, we will give you a $5 gift certificate for yourself. We will also have warm mulled wine for sale by the glass on weekends.

Holiday Hours
We will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. On Christmas Eve we will be open from noon - 5 p.m.

Z Arch Barn Farm in Easton is a magical place. Real reindeer, Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and food are all inside a newly built bank barn owned by the Zarate family. We will be there right next to Santa's sleigh on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with wine samples, mulled wine by the glass, and wine for sale by the bottle.

We are a Vendor at the Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart every Saturday from December 6th through April 11th at 325 Northampton St. in Easton. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and will have more than 30 vendors, offering everything from wall decorations to mushrooms and meat to wine.

White Wine Sale

Our sale continues on 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase one bottle for 15% off, six bottles for 25% off, and a case for 50% off. And now the 2010 Chardonnay is 70% off. That is under $100 per case.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Holiday events kick off next weekend at Galen Glen Winery

Complimentary Chocolate & Wine Pairing this weekend

Please join us as we pair Galen's favorite fruit and Sarah's favorite chocolate treat. This pairing is sure to make your palate dance with joy.

Should you desire the experience again at home, we have the wine and chocolates available for purchase.
 
Saturday, November 22 - 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, November 23 - noon to 5 pm

Black Friday Sale
November 28 - 10 am - 5 pm

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.

Toys for Tots Drive

Help us bring holiday joy to the children of Schuylkill County and help the US Marines Toys for Tots campaign.  The box will be at the winery from now until December 16. You may also make a monetary donation. We have a thank you gift for every household who brings a gift, November 28 through December 14.

Santa Visits
Sunday, November 30
Noon - 5 pm

Bring the family and have your photo taken with Santa. He's ready to hear your Christmas wish.  Bring your camera and our friendly staff will assist you in capturing a holiday memory.

Winemaker's Dinner
Thursday, December 18 at 7 pm
The Broadway Grille & Pub

The next winemaker's dinner is transporting us from the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania to the markets of Morocco. Zoraida and Sarah have again combined an exotic menu of food and wine that will make your taste buds say "thank you" by the end of the evening. Make this meal a holiday gift to yourself and family.

Give the Gift of Wine with custom labeled wine 
Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, business accomplishments, holiday gifts, or any commemorative event, Galen Glen can provide a custom labeled wine to make your event memorable.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Taste and buy wine at the Vynecrest booth at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem starting this weekend

The 2014 harvest is over and it feels good to take a breath before the busy holiday season begins.

Vino in the Valley 2015 passports are now on sale for $35 each. Christkindlmarkt starts Nov. 20 and runs through Dec 21. It is open Thursdays 11 am - 6 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11 am - 8 pm, and Sundays 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 - Spiced Winter Red 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - Pinot Grigio, 3 for $35

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

Thank you to everyone who purchased our wine of the month during October. One dollar of every bottle purchased during October went towards a donation to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. We sold over 500 bottles. Thank you.

New Vynecrest Website

Check out our new website, www.vynecrest.com. We have updated our website with additional information on our wines, more pictures of the vineyard & winery and have made it easier to order wine online.

To help kick things off we are going to pick randomly select one person who ordered during the month of November to win a Vynecrest gift basket.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 20 - Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem at SteelStacks opens for the holiday season. Visit our booth for wine tastings and sales.

Nov. 30 - Jazz Sunday, Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm

Glass Half Empty by John Landis

Harvest! When I mention harvest to people, everyone has their own perception of what that is.

For us harvest is the culmination of eight months of vineyard effort to produce grapes of high quality. For us harvest is the camaraderie of working together to hand pick, crush and press the grapes.
For us harvest is being outside enjoying the cool clear days with spectacular fall colors of gold, orange, brown and red.
For us harvest is relief that no major disaster like hurricanes or tornadoes damaged our vineyard.
For us the 2014 harvest has been exceptional.
Finally, for us harvest is the anticipation and excitement of tasting the wines that will be produced. Harvest - what a wonderful time of year!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Taste first wines from the recent harvest at Nouveau Weekend


The nine wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will debut their first wines from the 2014 vintage next weekend, November 15 and 16, during Nouveau Weekend, the last Wine Trail event of the year.

Wineries will also feature food and wine pairings for visitors to sample. Nouveau wines are bottled very young, without barrel aging, and 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. Nouveau Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.

Passports for the 2015 Vino in the Valley Program (formerly known as the March Passport Program) go on sale that weekend at the member wineries as well as online. Passports are $35 each. A limited supply of passports is printed, so event-goers are encouraged to purchase them early. 

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.


NOUVEAU WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amore – will pair meatballs in marinara sauce with a new release of Red Rapture.

Big Creek - will release its traditional Nouveau Marquette and slice some of their favorite Nouveau-worthy cheeses.

Blue Mountain - will feature a traditional French dish called Pot au Feu, or "pot on the fire," a hearty stew-like French peasant dish of beef and vegetables paired with their 2014 Nouveau wine.

Clover Hill - Be the first to taste their newest, limited edition, release - Strawberry Niagara. This wine is a blend of fresh, grapey flavors and bright strawberries.

Franklin Hill - will release their 2014 Seyval Blanc, which is crisp and citrusy with hints of honey. They’ll offer complimentary tastings in their wine cellar and baked goods from Buttercup Bakery.

Galen Glen – will pair an exotic Moroccan Turkey Soup with an aromatic, award-winning wine. We will have the recipe available for everyone looking to use those Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun and unique way.

Pinnacle Ridge - will feature an Eggplant Bruschetta "Caviar" paired alongside their limited-release "NuVo."

Tolino - will offer a complimentary food and wine pairing of their Chardonnay with smoked salmon chowder. The winery will also offer warm, spicy mulled wine for purchase by the glass, as well as live music from 1-4 pm both days.

Vynecrest – Vynecrest Winery will feature the release of its 2014 Nouveau Beaujolais, the first wine from the 2014 harvest, made from the traditional Gamay Beaujolais grape, 100% Lehigh Valley grown and produced. The winery will pair it with Festive Dip from Sugar 'n Spice featured on a toasted baguette along with sharp cheddar cheese from September Farms. The Festive Dip Mix is a gourmet dip with pieces of vegetables.







Monday, November 10, 2014

Annual Toys for Tots holiday collection returns at Galen Glen

Give the Gift of Wine this Season 
Celebrate your special occasion with Custom Labeled Wine!

Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, business accomplishments, holiday gifts, commemorative events... Galen Glen can provide a custom labeled wine to make your event memorable. Note: Currently, we custom label 750mL bottles only. See specifics and availability here.

Complimentary Truffle and Wine Tasting
November 22 and 23

Add cheer to your holidays with this pairing of Sarah's favorite double-dark chocolate truffle with wine made from Galen's favorite fruit, raspberry.

Black Friday Sale
November 28 - Special Hours 10 am - 5 pm
             
Once a year, we put the winery on sale. Enjoy 15% off all case purchases on-site only. Custom label orders and shipped orders are not included.
ONE DAY ONLY. IN STORE ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Santa Arrives
November 30

Santa will be in the tasting room taking your children's letters and wish lists. Bring the family and your camera, and pose for a photo.

Santa will arrive at the winery on Sunday, November 20 at noon and will be available for photos with your family. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary donation for Toys for Tots and Santa will add your name to the "nice" list and thank you with a special treat for your holiday tree. With your camera, the friendly staff at Galen Glen will be happy to assist your family in capturing a lasting memory. The Toys For Tots collection box will be at the winery every day from Black Friday through mid-December.

Special Holiday Hours:
Beginning Sunday, November 23, we will offer additional holiday hours through New Year's Eve:
Sunday - Friday - Noon to 5pm
Saturday - 10am to 5pm

  • Black Friday - November 28 - 10 am - 5 pm
  • December 24 - 10 am - 3 pm
  • December 31 - 10 am - 3 pm
  • Closed Thanksgiving Day
  • Closed Christmas Day
  • Closed New Years Day


Thursday, November 6, 2014

Buck a Bottle Shipping promotion going on now at Clover Hill

On Friday, October 17 we picked the last Clover Hill grape for this year. Who would have ever thought after this past winter that we could have managed an outstanding grape harvest? In case you forgot, the winter was so bitterly cold and snowed nearly every other day. To be honest, we weren’t even sure we would have grapevines after all the snow melted, let alone grapes. In addition, spring got off to a slow, cool start and we had bud break almost two weeks later than normal.

However, from bud break on, the grape growing conditions were ideal. The summer was full of sun-soaked, warm days without ever having big heat spikes. Humidity was relatively low by Pa. standards and rain seemed to happen at ideal times during the growing season. The end result was grapes rich in flavor and complexity with perfect sugar and acid levels. Now we have to practice patience as we wait for our winemaker, John Skrip III, to work his magic with the 2014 wines.

November Owner’s Selection - Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and flavorful wine that shows oak flavors of vanilla and spice and fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry. This wine is completely dry with medium tannins and pairs nicely with grilled steaks or winter stews. (Find recipes here). Now only $15.75.


Buck A Bottle Shipping Special
November 6-9
shop.cloverhillwinery.com

Stock up on Clover Hill wines and have them shipped right to your door. Purchase six or more bottles online and you pay only $1 per bottle shipping (minimum order is six bottles to receive the discount). Purchase 12 or more bottles and you will also receive a 10% case discount along with $1 per bottle shipping charge.

Wine & Food Inspiration
November 8 from 11 am - 4 pm
Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market

Visit the Clover Hill Wine Shop for a special wine and food pairing featuring Vidal Blanc paired with Mr. Bill’s Chicken Croquettes.

Shop Small Saturday 
All Clover Hill Locations
November 29

Thank you for choosing to Shop Small at Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. Every time you purchase wine from us, you help to keep our family owned and operated business thriving. As a thank you for Shopping Small we would like to offer the below specials on November 29 at any Clover Hill location. Eat, drink and shop local!

10% off 6+ bottles of wine
20% off 12+ bottles of wine
10% off all wine gifts

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Holiday happenings and new wine releases at Blue Mountain Vineyards


Notes From the Wine Cellar

We have some exciting news! Red Horizon will be back in stock. Mountain Frost and Victoria's Passion are already back and selling fast. Shiraz, Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, and a new Pinot Noir will debut in 2015. We are currently getting low on our Mountain Spice and Bri's Blush, so stock up now.

New Releases: 2013 Riesling, 2010 Chardonnay Reserve, Sangria, Mountain Frost, and Victoria's Passion

Annual German Night
November 15 from 6-9pm

Join us as we celebrate the Lehigh Valley's German heritage. Enjoy authentic food, music, dancing and, of course, wine. Tickets are $21.50 in advance and $25 at the door. Includes food and souvenir wine glass. Reservations are encouraged. Call 610-298-3068 for more questions and reservations or order online.

Menu: Bratwursts, sauerkraut, spaetzle, German meatballs, hot German potato salad, Rotkohl (red cabbage), strudel, German apple cake, mulled wine, and more.

Annual Christmas Open House

Blue Mountain Winery wants to put you in the holiday spirit, so we are hosting an Open House on Saturday, December 6 from 5 - 9 pm. Come out and see the decorations, lights, gift ideas, wine and hors d'oeuvres, with music by Adam Motto and much more. Admission is a canned good or cash donation to support our local food banks.

Christmas is less than 60 Days Away! Have you started your shopping yet? Need a gift idea?

We have several unique gifts for that special someone who has everything or a wine lover on your list. Cork cages, wine racks, themed bottle holders, wine themed kitchen accessories, decanters, cheese serving sets, wine glasses, ornaments, t-shirts for men and women, candles, and more.

Blue Mountain Vineyards can also create custom wine gift baskets for friends and family with dozens of wine accessories from which to choose. Plus you can order customized wine bottles and host family or corporate parties in our tasting room or glass enclosed deck. Call the winery at 610-298-3068 or email us at info@bluemountainwine.com to ask about private parties and custom labels.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Franklin Hill launches Holiday Happy Hour Cocktail Contest

HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR COCKTAIL CONTEST

For the month of November we will be accepting your holiday cocktail recipes for a chance to host your own Holiday Happy Hour at one of our locations. That's right; we're turning Happy Hour over to you!

How to enter:
Stop in any of our four locations and pick up an index card (or use your own).
On one side write down your creative holiday-themed cocktail recipe using at least one of our wines.
On the other side provide us your name and contact information (phone number and email address).
Then cross your fingers and hope we pick your recipe!

What's in it for you?
You'll be behind the counter creating your own cocktail for Happy Hour.
Invite your friends and you'll all receive a 10% discount on purchases made during happy hour.
FREE FHV t-shirt to wear while on duty.
Bragging rights for being a FHV team member for a day.

On December 1 we will pick one winner per store. On Friday, December 12 you will be our featured bartender and hostess or host at the store location at which you submitted your entry.

Harvest Dinner
November 13 at 6 p.m.

Franklin Hill Vineyards is proud to partner with the Widow's Tavern in Stockertown for this delicious event. Tables are limited and reservations are required. $50 per person plus tax and gratuity. Please call 610-365-8890 to reserve your table. (Dinner will be served at the Widow's Tavern.) Read the menu online here.

Holiday Cocktail Trail
November 22 from 1- 5 p.m.

Kick off your holiday shopping with a fun filled afternoon in beautiful Downtown Bethlehem. While at participating businesses you'll enjoy samples of holiday cocktails and mocktails. Don't forget to swing by Franklin Hill Vineyards for a taste of our Cocktail Creation using FHV wine. Passports go on sale November 11. Get more details here.

Wine Sale
2012 Chardonnay on sale for $9.98 a bottle at all FHV locations, while supplies last.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Pinnacle Ridge to begin selling its wines at several Wine & Spirits shops in November

Notes from the Cellar
A few of our wines are currently out of stock. We are currently out of Dry Riesling and Traminette, both of which will be back in the line-up soon, before the end of the year, we hope. We are also currently out of our selection of sparkling wines - the Brut and Blanc de Blanc are no longer available - but we are happy to announce the release of our new vintage in January 2015. And Veritas is  returning in summer 2015.


Red Wines 101: An Evening of Red Wine Bliss for Case Club Members

In honor of the harvest season and in anticipation of some cooler weather, we are hosting a signature Case Club Members Event all about red wines. Join us in our newly renovated Wine Loft for an evening of wine tasting and discussion. Owner and Winemaker Brad Knapp will lead a tasting and discussion of red wines from both Pinnacle Ridge and other prominent wine producing regions to discuss similarities and differences in grape selection, terroir and climate. Whether you are a red wine lover who enjoys the "steak and stogies" reds and possess strong opinions about French and American oak, or you are a wine newbie, this event will be both fun and educational. The event is complimentary for Case Club Members but reservations are required. Please call us at (610) 756-4481 for reservations and details.

Attendance at Monthly Case Club Membership events is worth five bonus points on your Club Card to help you get to that 30% discount early and often. You are welcome to bring guests to Membership Events, just make sure to let us know when making your reservations. Each Case you purchase = 15 points. Receive an extra five Case Club points for weekday case purchases. Earn 45 points and receive 30% off your next case. Receive 10% off entree purchases at Ginny's Bistro in Easton with your Club Card.

Customer Appreciation Weekend

This year, Pinnacle Ridge Winery will be hosting Customer Appreciation Weekends beginning Saturday, December 6 through Sunday, December 14 and we will be offering double points to Case Club Members on case purchases of:

  • 2012 Chardonnay                  
  • 2010 Chambourcin Reserve
  • 2013 Cayuga    
  • 2012 Syrah
  • 2012 Concord 

During this period, we will also be offering double points to all new Case Club Members! So, come out and get some holiday shopping done early. Stock up with local, award-winning wines for the holiday season to enjoy with friends and family.

On the weekends of Saturday/Sunday, December 6 and 7 and 13 and 14, we will also have some small food pairing items available to enjoy with some of our award-winning wines. We look forward to seeing you all very soon and, in the meantime.

Find Pinnacle Ridge wines at select PA Wine and Spirits Locations

We are proud to announce that, beginning in November, a selection of our wines will be available at 10 area Wine and Spirits locations throughout the region. As part of the PA Preferred Program and, in partnership with the PLCB, we have added our 2013 Dry Vidal Blanc, 2013 Traminette, 2013 Cayuga & 2013 Quaff to the line-up at the following locations:

Columbus Commons North Shopping Center
1940 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA  19148
Phone: (215) 271-1908            

Lionville Shopping Ctr.
162 Eagleview Blvd.
Exton, PA  19341
Phone: (610) 450-6600        

Crest Plaza Shopping Ctr
1516 N Cedar Crest Blvd
Allentown, PA  18104
Phone: (610) 530-2123          

The Promenade Shops At Saucon Valley
3060 Center Valley Parkway
Center Valley, PA  18034
Phone: (610) 871-4304        

Mickley Avenue
Whitehall, PA  18052
Phone: (610) 437-2697            

Northampton Crossings    
3718 Easton-Nazareth Hwy
Easton, PA  18045                                              
Phone: (610) 258-8597          

Exeter                                        
4721 Perkiomen Ave.              
Reading, PA 19606                                                
Phone: (610) 370-5910              

1772 Tilden Ridge Drive
Hamburg, PA  19526
Phone: (610) 562-6586          

Village Square Plaza
45 Constitution Blvd
Kutztown, PA  19530
Phone: (610) 894-4810        

Berkshire Mall West
1101 Woodland Rd
Wyomissing, PA  19610
Phone: (610) 378-4559

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Weekend winery events - wine dinner, live Jazz, and Halloween fun

Halloween Happy Hour at Tolino Vineyards
October 24 from 3 - 8 p.m.
Join us for some Halloween fun. We will be offering wine and candy pairings, bloody wine labels, spooky decor, and a fire pit.  Come in costume for a discount.      

Plus our White Wine Sale continues on 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase 1 bottle for 15% off, 6 bottles for 25% off, and a case is 50% off. What a great deal on delicious wine.

Verhext Weekend at Galen Glen
"Max out the MINI" to Help the Homeless
Saturday, October 25, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, October 26, noon - 5 pm

Join Galen Glen during Verhext Weekend (which translates to "bewitched" in German) and enjoy a complimentary food and wine pairing of our newest wine, Holiday Spice with a special Austrian treat (recipe available). 

We are partnering with MINI of Allentown to collect bare necessity donations for our local program that helps homeless families, Family Promise of Carbon County. We want to "Max out the MINI" that will be sitting on our parking lot, open and ready to be filled with donations. Each family who brings a donation to the winery that weekend will receive a special thank you gift.  For the list of items needed, go here. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Thank you for helping us support this worthy cause.

Hallowine Tasting at Blue Mountain
October 25 from 5-9 p.m.

Everyone is invited to our Annual Hallowine Tasting. Come in costume to add to your fun. Prizes for best costumes and more. Enjoy our delicious wines while listening to live acoustic entertainment. Food such as chili, nachos, cheese, fresh baked bread and more will be available for purchase or bring your own snacks. Admission is $7.50 per person and includes a souvenir glass. Reservations are preferred.

Vynecrest's Jazz Sunday
October 26 
Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm

Pinnacle Ridge wine dinner at Ginny's Bistro in Easton
The newest wine bar in Easton serves Pinnacle Ridge wines and will be hosting a wine dinner with us on Sunday, October 26 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This four-course wine dinner is $65 per person. We hope you can join us for a wonderful evening of quality local cuisine paired with some award-winning local wines.

Starter Course:
Spinach and Apple Salad -
Baby Spinach, Green Apples, Roasted Prosciutto and Gruyere Cheese with a Brut Rosé
Vinaigrette paired with our award-winning Brut Rosé

First Tapas Course:
Pan Seared Scallops and Steak -
Sea Scallops and Flank Steak served with a Lemon Caper Pepperocinni Reduction over Rice paired with our award-winning 2012 Barrel-fermented Chardonnay

Second Tapas Course:
BBQ Pulled Pork Taco -
Housemade Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce served on a Flour Tortilla with a Garlic Sour Cream and Slaw paired with our award-winning 2012 Cabernet Franc

Desert:
Orange Vanilla Swirl Cheesecake paired with our Best of Class-winning Late Harvest Vidal Blanc

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Upcoming events at Galen Glen include Verhext Weekend fundraiser and winemaker's dinner

Verhext Weekend
"Max out the MINI" to Help the Homeless
Saturday, October 25, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, October 26, noon - 5 pm

Join Galen Glen during Verhext Weekend (which translates to "bewitched" in German) and enjoy a complimentary food and wine pairing of our newest wine, Holiday Spice with a special Austrian treat (recipe available).

We are partnering with MINI of Allentown to collect bare necessity donations for our local program that helps homeless families, Family Promise of Carbon County. We want to "Max out the MINI" that will be sitting on our parking lot, open and ready to be filled with donations. Each family who brings a donation to the winery that weekend will receive a special thank you gift.  For the list of items needed, go here. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Thank you for helping us support this worthy cause.

Winemaker's Dinner
Thursday, November 6 at 7 pm
Macaluso's Restaurant
1257 E. Catawissa Street, Nesquehoning

Sarah and ToniMarie have been working on a menu that is sure to delight any palate. Make your reservations now to ensure availability for this popular event.

The Menu:
  • Welcome Wine: Holiday Spice
  • First Course: Eggplant cheesecake served with fresh tomato and basil, paired with Crooked Stick Red
  • Second Course: Roasted butternut squash risotto garnished with fried calamari, paired with Stone Cellar Gruner Veltliner
  • Third Course: ToniMarie's Autumn-inspired salad, paired with Riesling
  • Fourth Course: Roasted pork loin stuffed with wild mushrooms, veal sausage and sundried cherries accompanied by Swiss chard, paired with Stone Cellar Chambourcin
  • Fifth Course: Decadently dark chocolate surprise (at Sarah's request), paired with Raspberry
The dinner is $70 per person, plus tax and includes gratuity. Payment is required at time of reservation. Reservations may be made by calling the winery at (570) 386-3682 Wednesday through Sunday between noon and 5 pm. Make a night of it and stay at ToniMarie's Lantern Hotel for just $65 for the night. This is a special wine dinner-only rate.


Friday, October 17, 2014

Blue Mountain celebrates fall with three themed events

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

October is, in our opinion, one of the most spectacular months of the year. Nature provides a fiery display of color. The greens and vivid colors of summer have been replaced with the rusts and orange hues of autumn. The vineyard is a beautiful place to visit in the fall months. There are plenty of activities to take part in or just relax and enjoy this cool, crisp, and beautiful month.


CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND
October 18 and 19

Celebrate Chambourcin Weekend, the grape known as the "Jewel of the Lehigh Valley," starting with a Chili Contest at noon on October 18. Come have lunch with us and judge the chilis while enjoying live acoustic entertainment with Adam Motto. Think your chili is the best? Call us at 610-298-3068 to enter your chili (details will be provided when you call).

On Sunday, October 19, enjoy our Sunday Blues with Billy Patrick from 2-5 p.m. ($5 Admission, includes tasting. Reservations preferred.) It's also the Lehigh County Open Gate Farm Tour on Sunday. There will be crafts available for the children and guided tours with the winemaker from noon - 5 p.m., every half hour on the hour.

HALLOWINE TASTING
October 25 from 5-9 p.m.

Everyone is invited to our Annual Hallowine Tasting. Come in costume to add to your fun. Prizes for best costumes and more. Enjoy our delicious wines while listening to live acoustic entertainment. Food such as chili, nachos, cheese, fresh baked bread and more will be available for purchase or bring your own snacks. Admission is $7.50 per person and includes a souvenir glass. Reservations are preferred.

ANNUAL GERMAN NIGHT
November 15 from 6-9 p.m.

Blue Mountain is alive with the sound of Germany! Join us in the celebration of German heritage. There will be authentic German food, music and dancing. Whether you can trace your family heritage back to Germany or you are looking for a fun night out, this event is sure to be a hit. Admission is $21.50 per person in advance or $25 at the door, and includes food and a souvenir glass. Reservations are preferred.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Spiced Winter Red is back at Vynecrest; fall can now officially begin!

It's back! Spiced Winter Red is now available at Vynecrest.

The 2014 harvest is going great. We've picked Riesling, Chardonnay and Chambourcin so far. Just a few more weeks and all of the grapes will be in (we just need this great weather to hold out until then).

It is just about time to set our sights on the holidays. Christkindlmarkt opens in just a few weeks on November 21.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vynecrest is donating $1 for every bottle of First Blush sold to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

October Specials 

- Wine of the Month - First Blush, additional 10% off 

- 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Autumn Gold for $25

(offers available at winery only; 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts.)

Upcoming Events

October 16 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

October 18 and 19 - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Chambourcin Weekend
Vynecrest will be pairing our 2013 Chambourcin estate-grown wine with wild rice and chickpea salad. This healthy big grain and bean filled salad virtually works anywhere - at a picnic, dinner party, on a buffet table - from Hereford Country Store at the Macungie Farmers Market.

October 23 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

October 26 - Jazz Sunday, Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm

October 30 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm


Glass Half Empty 
2014 Harvest/cellar update by Malachi Duffy

We are about halfway through harvest with most of the white varieties picked and we are moving on to the reds. What looked to be a difficult vintage a few weeks ago has completely turned around with the recent sunny, warm, dry weather.

The weather usually favors white varieties or red varieties any given year but not both. This year is unique in that so far it looks great for both. The lower temperatures and really low night time temps are great for whites but don't do much to produce that ripe red fruit we look for in reds. That last few weeks have been warm and sunny enough to really ripen the remaining red grapes so things are looking good for 2014.

In the cellar we are bottling the remainder of the 2013 wines to make room for the incoming fruit. We are also putting the finishing touches on a new dry red wine to be released in November.