Updated Group Policy and final Open House Concert of the season at Pinnacle Ridge

It is that time of year once again - the harvest is upon us! As we begin the process of bringing in all of the grapes that we have worked tirelessly to get ready over the last few months, we wanted to take the time to invite you all out to see some of the "fruits of our labor." Harvest is under way, the winemaking process is beginning, and we are very excited to share all of this with you as we enter the fall season.

Updated Group Policy
In order to accommodate all of our guests and to maintain an enjoyable and conversational atmosphere, we have recently amended our policy when it comes to groups. We will no longer be accepting any commercial vehicles (buses, vans or limos) or large groups (groups larger than 6 persons). We have enjoyed meeting so many wine lovers over the years that have enjoyed our wines on trips from winery to winery on these buses but we have come to the point where we do not feel that we have the adequate space to host such groups, while maintaining the high level of customer service to which we hold ourselves.

When Pinnacle Ridge Winery closes each evening, it still remains our home, so we want to express our appreciation for your understanding with regards to our policy. For those interested in visiting us and having transportation provided, we do work with one local service: Tastings and Tours. Get in touch with Rich at info@tastingsandtours.com or at (484) 695-6465.


Open House Concert Series Finale: The Sterling Koch Band

October 11 we will host The Sterling Koch Band for the first time. We are very excited to host this new performance in the barn. The Sterling Koch Band will take the stage from 2-5 pm, but the tasting room will be open from 10 am - 6 pm. There is no cover charge for the music, and we will have a $5 refundable tasting fee. We will also offer wines by the glass and by the bottle to enjoy throughout the day. We will sell some small plates filled with some of everyone's favorite wine accompaniments. You are welcomed to bring snacks of your own to enjoy. For questions or other inquires, please call us at (610) 756-4481.

This event will also be a special one for our Case Club Members. We will host a Case Club Members Soirée during our final Open House Concert Series event of the year. We invite you to join us on October 11 for some live music in our rustic barn setting and to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in a commemorative glass along with some small plates of locally sourced delicacies. This event is complimentary for Case Club Members but reservations are required. Come out and enjoy one last jam in the barn. For reservations and details, please call (610) 756-4481.

Chambourcin Weekend with the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
Join us and the rest of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries as we celebrate the signature grape of

our unique winemaking region. Much like the region in which it thrives, this hybrid is a tough and resilient variety that provides a lot of local flavor. Come and see just how many different delicious styles of wine can be created from such a versatile grape. Our winery makes five wines with the Chambourcin and they will all be on display on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19.

We will feature a rich portabella mushroom stew made with a Chambourcin based stock with your choice of our award-winning 2012 Chambourcin OR our newly-released 2013 Sweet Seduction.

Join us at Ginny’s Bistro in Easton for a fall wine dinner

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

October events at Galen Glen

Sunday, October 5th:  Love Hot Dog Co. will be onsite selling gourmet hot dogs and sausages.

Saturday & Sunday, October 18 and 19: Chambourcin Weekend
Stop in for a sample of our 2014 Chili Cook Off Winner, Todd Keller's, recipe paired with your choice of Chambourcin or Cellar Red.

Saturday & Sunday, October 25 and 26: Verhext Weekend
Verhext translates to bewitched in German. We will release our new wine "spice" and bewitch you with a pairing that is sure to cast a spell on your taste buds.

Also, we will be collecting personal care items, office and cleaning supplies for Family Promise of Carbon County to help local homeless families. Please consider bringing a monetary or supply donation that weekend and receive a special thank you gift from the winery. View the wish list here.

Franklin Hill makes its Evanswood wine even better

Same great look, great new flavor

We've re-created a classic! That's right. Evanswood may look the same but don't let that fool you - it's completely different. Out went the smokey and in came the spicy with notes of blackberry, fig and plum.

Evanswood is now a blend of Noiret, Merlot and Cayuga grapes all aged and oaked separately. No worries - it's still a complex, bold red that will stand up beautifully to any steak or stew.

Yoga in the Vineyard
September 21 at 10 am

We were disappointed to cancel our last Yoga event, so we decided to have one more. We again will join forces with Silver Kim, owner of Kula Heart Yoga in Bethlehem, to create this sell out event. Silver will lead us in an hour of restorative and empowering yoga amongst the beauty and peace of the vineyard.

Once we've found our zen we'll meet on the deck for a light buffet style brunch, as always, complete with cocktails. A tour will follow at noon for those interested. Call the winery today to reserve your patch of grass. 610-588-8708 Bring your own mat. $20 per person-includes yoga, brunch, wine tasting and tour.

Free Friday Happy Hour

Every Friday between 4-6 pm (at the winery between 3-5 pm) 

Every Friday at all of our locations we host Happy Hour. Stop by our Easton, Bethlehem, and Tannersville location between 4-6 pm and the winery 3-5 pm. Each week there is unique mixed drinks and food samples that we all can use at the end of a hard week. As always it is free. 

Vynecrest begins grape harvest

The grapes are coming in! Recently we picked Geisenheim that we use for our Riesling blend, as well as Vignoles and Seyval Blanc. The harvest has been great so far. Next week we will likely pick Pinot Grigio. We started off a little slow this year in terms of ripening but the weather is finally cooperating.

September Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Dry Riesling, additional 10% off
* Three pack of the month - 3 First Blush for $30

*at winery only, 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts

Upcoming Events
September 18 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

September 25 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

September 28 - Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm, and Vineyard and Winery Tour at noon, $5 per person

Glass Half Empty

Is summer over? Really over? It went by so quickly. 

It’s September, back to school and work, and around here that means Harvest with a capital H. And it’s already started. Yes, we harvested our Geisenheim grapes on August 28. Geisenheim who? It’s a German Riesling hybrid grape which, when blended with our Riesling, adds that necessary bit of acidity which gives our Dry Riesling and our semi-sweet Riesling wines a special added tartness and grapefruit taste.

Also, being one of the earliest grapes to ripen, it attracts those nasty black birds who come looking to spoil our harvest. So by harvesting this grape early, we hope to encourage them to go elsewhere to eat. Meanwhile the rest of the vineyard has a chance to ripen even more.

This is a very special time of year for us as we kick off vintage 2014! We hope to see you soon.

For more information, visit www.vynecrest.com

Winery in Breinigsville - Open seven days a week, 11 am - 5 pm
Vynecrest on Main in Kutztown - Open seven Days a week, noon - 6 pm

Clover Hill celebrates 29 years in business this month with wine sale

September is a special time of year for me at Clover Hill Winery. First, I celebrated my birthday on September 2 and I like to think of myself as a harvest baby. Second, grape harvest begins in September and this year I celebrated my birthday with the first day of harvest as we picked Niagara. I couldn’t ask for a more enjoyable way to celebrate! Third, September marks the 29th anniversary of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.

My, how far we have come in 29 years! Six vineyards we farm, 75,000 gallons of wine that we produce annually, we have customers that have become friends, and employees that are like family. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this family business with my parents, Pat and John Jr., and my brother, John Skrip III. Thank you for choosing to enjoy Clover Hill wines and CHEERS to my birthday, another wonderful grape harvest and to many, many more years of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery.  - Kari Skrip

The 2013 Chardonnay was just released and it is a jem. There is a strong aroma of Granny Smith apples and lemon zest. The mouth feel is warm and soothing with flavors of buttered toast, green apple and a citrus backbone. It is wonderfully complex with soft nuances of sweet oak and a zesty finish.

(Please note: If you are traveling to the winery in Breinigsville, Schantz Road will be partially closed until July 2015. Go here to find detours.)

September Owner’s Selection
Save 10% on Vidal Blanc.

A haven of fruit and tropical flavors such as lemon, melon, and pineapple. There is a slight bit of natural sweetness in this wine that balances the bright, fresh acidity. Vidal Blanc pairs nicely with Mexican, Thai or Asian foods. (Find recipes here). Now only $10.34

29th Anniversary Sale at all Clover Hill locations
September 11-14

We are proud to celebrate 29 years of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery. As a thank you for your continued support we would like to extend a 29% discount on all wines for 29 years of business at all Clover Hill locations. Cheers to 29 years of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery. shop.cloverhillwinery.com

VINEYARD TOURS, WINE TASTINGS, AND PA PREFERRED PARTNERS COMBINE FOR ANNUAL HARVEST WEEKEND EVENT

Harvest season is when all of the spring and summer’s hard work pays off for a winery. The grapes they have grown this spring and summer are removed from the vine and their juices extracted for fermenting into the 2014 vintage to be unveiled later this fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, the nine winery members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the grape harvest with its annual Harvest Weekend event during which they will welcome wine lovers for tastings, vineyard and winery tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment.

The wineries will also proudly promote the state’s “Pennsylvania Preferred” program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.  Harvest Weekend is a free event, however each winery sets its own wine tasting fee policy. Please refer to each winery’s web site for details.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premier wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.



HARVEST WEEKEND 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - The winery will pair Cabaret Amore with eggplant Parmesan.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Big Creek will showcase fresh fruit from its neighbors at Heckman Orchard along with a sampling of its owner’s favorite cheeses.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – Blue Mountain will partner on Saturday and Sunday with Sweet Finesse, which will offer samples of their unique and artistic handmade chocolate treats and baked goods, as well as items for purchase. Also on Saturday, they will have complimentary live entertainment by Adam Motto from 1 - 4 pm. For Sunday Blues, the acoustic duo Cheek 2 Cheek will perform from 2 - 5 pm ($5 admission). During their visit, guests may take a self-guided walking tour of the vineyard.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – The winery is proud to celebrate 29 years in business. As a thank you for your continued support the owners will extend a 29 percent discount on all wines for 29 years of business at all Clover Hill locations.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – Franklin Hill Vineyards will feature a Sangria Bar with a variety of their favorite sangrias from their Friday night Happy Hours. They will also have light snacks and cheese plates for sale as well as tours at noon and 2 pm.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Celebrate the beauty and bounty of the season. On Saturday the Happy Pita food truck will stop by. On Sunday the Love Hot Dog Co. team will offer their gourmet sausages and dogs, fantastic toppings and lemonade. Plan to purchase a snack to enjoy with a glass of wine while drinking in the spectacular autumn views.

September Vineyard Tours: join the winery’s owners for a complimentary, enlightening walking tour of the vineyard and wine cellar. Tours depart from the tasting room at noon. Please wear sturdy footwear. No reservations required. Tours are held weather permitting.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - The winery will be featuring its 2013 Traminette paired with a local bratwurst with apple cranberry chutney. They will also feature the popular 2013 Quaff with a toasted baguette, local cheese and tomato herb bruschetta topping.

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor - The winery will have live music by Tom Vicario on Saturday from 1 - 4 pm and live music by Joe Benkovic on Sunday from 1 – 4 pm. They will offer vineyard tours at 2 and 4 pm both days. Food pairing will feature local produce from the Easton Farmers Market. They will also pair ginger gold apples with Chardonnay and various soft cheeses from Iron Stone Creamery will be paired with Pinot Grigio and Chambourcin.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - Vynecrest Winery will pair their newly released estate wine, Late Harvest Vidal, with slices of banana roll with cream cheese icing from Hereford Country Store, a fellow Macungie Farmers Market vendor - a Buy Fresh Buy Local market. There will be winemaker tours of the vineyard and wine cellars both Saturday and Sunday at noon, which are open to the public and free of charge.

Blues in the Barn to rock Pinnacle Ridge this weekend

Blues in the Barn Weekend

Pinnacle Ridge Winery will host the annual Blues in the Barn Weekend on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. On Saturday, beginning at noon, The James Supra Blues Band will take the stage to kick off the weekend led by the best harmonica player in the Lehigh Valley. For more information on the James Supra Blues Band and to hear some of their tracks, check out their website  www.jamessuprabluesband.com/

Later that day, Dugan Thomas will take the stage with their blues/jam band style. So, come on out and enjoy some of the Valley's best live performers and some award-winning loacl wines! For more information on Dugan Thomas and some of their tracks, check out their website  www.mikedugan.com/dugan-thomas-2/

On Sunday, we will pick right up where we left off with The BC Combo. This group of Lehigh Valley legends will bring years of performance experience and their signature blend of blues styles to our stage in the barn from 2-5 pm. We will also feature slow-cooked full pigs, compliments of Windy Acres BBQ from nearby Fleetwood, PA all weekend long. Parking will be limited, but there is additional parking available on Jay Ln. and alongside Old Rt. 22.

**Please Note: We have changed some of our policies for Blues in the Barn. This year, the Tasting Room will operate normal hours and with our normal $5 refundable tasting fee. However, for those wishing to stay and enjoy some wine on the property and check out the bands, we will have a $5 cover fee that will include a souvenir Blues in the Barn glass that will serve as your ticket to the event.

Case Club Members who show their Case Club Membership Card will have the $5 fee waived and receive a complimentary Blues in the Barn glass. Case Club Members are also invited to welcome guests to this special event weekend. *Limit four glasses for the Blues in the Barn Event*

New wine release

This month we will be transitioning into some new vintages of some of your favorite wines. We will be saying good-bye to the 2012 Naked Chardonnay and introducing the 2013 Naked Chardonnay this week. The 2013 is an excellent vintage and is displaying ample fruit notes.

Open House Concert Series

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting Serene Green on Saturday, September 20. The group will bring the mix of folk and bluegrass tunes to the barn from 2-5 pm. Come out and enjoy the show with some award-winning local wines. No cover charge. Call for details (610) 756-4481.

Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker
September 13 & 14

When fall rolls around, it’s time to kick off harvest season. The members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate with their annual Harvest Weekend event. The nine wineries will welcome wine lovers for tastings, as well as food and wine pairings.

The wineries will also proudly promote the state’s PA Preferred program by partnering with producers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. At Pinnacle Ridge, we will be featuring our 2013 Traminette paired with a local bratwurst smothered our Apple Cranberry Chutney. We will also be featuring our always popular 2013 Quaff with a toasted baguette, local cheese and our Tomato Herb Bruschetta topping.