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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Harvest 2014 winds down at Clover Hill

For 39 years, we have eagerly awaited harvest, the culmination of our work in the vineyard. During those 39 harvests we have witnessed all sorts of weather - rain, drought, hurricanes, thunderstorms, windstorms - but this year fickle Mother Nature has been kind.

The vineyards came through a very cold winter without any major issues. Spring and summer, though seeming cool, were actually normal with enough rain when needed and temperatures warm but not excessively hot.

The weather during harvest has been perfect - stretches of dry, sunny days with enough rain when needed. The vineyard predators, particularly the starlings, have been kept at bay thanks to netting all the red grapes.

The grape varieties still on the vines are the reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chambourcin. Soon the 2014 harvest will be history. In the meantime, here's hoping for a little more sunshine and warmth to bring it all together for the reds.

Harvest is a great time to visit Clover Hill. Enjoy a glass of wine outside on the patio... and watch us work. Additionally we have a number of fun specials and upcoming events during October. Keep reading for more details. Hope to see you at the winery. - Pat Skrip

Please note: If you are traveling to the winery in Breinigsville, Schantz Road will be partially closed until July 2015. Click here for available detours.

Owner’s Selection for October 
Turtle Rock Red is a flagship wine for Clover Hill Winery. It is produced 100% from Chambourcin, the grape of the Lehigh Valley. The deep purple color, fresh berry flavors, a hint of sweetness and a touch of acidity are characteristics of this wine. This wine pairs nicely with grilled salmon & spicy chili. (Find recipes here.) Now only $12.15.

Wine and Food Pairing 
Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmer's Market
October 16th - 18th

Stop in the Clover Hill Wine Shop at the Boscovs’ Fairgrounds Farmer's Market anytime during this week for a sampling of a Wicked Turtle made with our Turtle Rock Red. Recipes will be available.

Pumpkin Carving Contest
The Winery in Breinigsville
Entries must be received by October 17. Judging takes place October 18 and 19

How to enter: Carve a pumpkin and deliver it to the Winery in Breinigsville on October 15, 16 or 17 between 10 am - 5:30 pm. Must be 21 to enter.

The Judging: All pumpkins will be on display during Chambourcin Weekend, October 18 and 19 at the Winery in Breinigsville. Visitors at the Winery will be encouraged to vote for their favorite carved pumpkins with any spare change. The pumpkins’ change will be counted on Sunday, October 19 at 4 pm. Winners will be announced at 4:30 pm. All money raised will be donated to Angel 34; a national organization united in the fight against childhood cancer and dedicated to finding a cure.

The Winners:    

• 1st Place ~ $200 Clover Hill gift card
• 2nd Place ~ $75 Clover Hill gift card
• 3rd Place ~ $50 Clover Hill gift card
• All contestants will receive a free Clover Hill t-shirt for entering. 

Tolino plans Halloween Happy Hour; white wine sale continues

It's that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and we are busy harvesting those glorious grapes. Pinot Grigio grapes were the first to be harvested this year.

We are now on Groupon offering discounted premier tastings and tours of the winery and vineyard. Learning how we grow the grapes and make the wine makes it taste even better. Purchase a groupon here.

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

Harvest Season is here!
Harvest is by far the favorite time of year for the staff here at the winery. The weather has been cooperating and the grapes look, smell, and taste delicious. Harvest is the culmination after a long summer of pruning, and the satisfaction of cutting the vine to free the fruit, and watching it get pressed is unbeatable.

Upcoming Events

Northampton County Open Gate Farm Tour -  October 11 and 12, noon - 5 pm
Agriculture in Northampton County has many faces. Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to learn about local agriculture.  Bring your family, dress casually and enjoy the day talking with us and learning how your wine is produced. We will have  a small craft tent for the kids. 


"We love our School Staff Happy Hour"- October 17 from 3 - 6 pm
Join us in the tasting room and on the patio for school staff happy hour. 10% off bottles, $1 off glasses and light snacks with school employee ID. You can still join us if you don't work for a school, but you won't be eligible for the discount. 


Chambourcin Weekend - October 18 and 19

Stop by the winery on Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday from noon - 5 pm to celebrate the annual Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Chambourcin Weekend. We welcome wine lovers for tastings, vineyard  tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment. The Chambourcin grape is the official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley and will be celebrated all weekend. We will be offering food pairing with our Chambourcin, live music, cheese for sale from Klein's Farm in Easton, and tours at 2 pm and 4 pm.  


Halloween Happy Hour - October 24
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.          

White Sale

Our 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.

LOCAL WINERIES TO CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL WINE GRAPE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY DURING CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND EVENT

The nine 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 18 and Sunday, October 19.  

Chambourcin is the only wine grape that is grown by all nine wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin that ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile 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, vineyard tours, or food and wine pairings (see detailed list 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.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amore will pair beef ravioli with two styles of Chambourcin. Also, there will be family fun with hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, puzzle woods, straw pit with swings, and an array of fall fruits, vegetables and decorations for sale.

Big Creek will offer a taste of Milli's Famous Chili.

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

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

Clover Hill will feature hourly wine and food pairing seminars at noon, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm both days. Join them in sampling an assortment of foods perfectly paired with our 2012 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (100% Chambourcin). Reservations are required for groups of 12+. Seminars will last approximately 20 minutes and samples are included.

Franklin Hill - Enjoy the beautiful colors and fresh crisp air of fall at their outdoor mulled wine bar. Wrap your hands around a glass of simmered and spiced wine on their deck while warming up with a bowl of chili from The Widow’s Tavern in Stockertown.  As always, complimentary wine tastings will be available in the tasting room. Tours of the facility will be offered at noon and 2 pm both days.  

Galen Glen - Join Galen Glen us as they commemorate the wines fermented from the Chambourcin grape. Enjoy a complimentary pairing of the 2014 Chili Contest Winner, Todd Keller’s recipe, with your choice of Chambourcin or Cellar Red. The recipe will be available so customers can recreate this winning recipe at home. Do you make a great chili? Throw your hat into the ring of fire and ask for an application to enter our Second Annual Chili Cook Off to be held in January 2015.  Information will be available at the winery during Chambourcin Weekend.

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

Tolino will have live music from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday by Tom Vicario. They will offer tours of the vineyard at 2 and 4 pm. They will pair their Chambourcin with cheese from Klein’s Farm in Easton and will also offer small plates of Klein’s cheeses and crackers for sale.

  

Vynecrest will pair their 2013 Chambourcin estate-grown wine with wild rice and chickpea salad. This healthy big grain and bean-filled salad is made by Hereford Country Store at the Macungie Farmers Market.

In addition, the wine of the month for October is First Blush (10% off). During October, they will be donating to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition $1 for every bottle of First Blush sold.