Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Stone Cellar Barrel 29 returns at Galen Glen

Stone Cellar Barrel 29 returns to the Tasting Room

It's back at Galen Glen! This dessert wine, reminiscent of the old word, with it's velvety aged Chambourcin is loaded with notes of coffee, dark cocoa and sweet dried cherries and is available to you for tasting on our wine bar and for purchase. It is the perfect ending to every evening, especially with dark chocolate. Get yours today for $24.99.

Also, our website may say "Sold Out" but Zweigelt is available this week. This fruit-forward style features abundant ripe cherries. A red wine shouldn't drink so easy. Stop by to enjoy this extraordinary red wine. We say, "Zwei not?"

Food Truck Fridays

Mark your calendar for upcoming Food Truck Friday Events:

  • Friday, August 28 - Vince's Cheese Steaks
  • Friday, September 11 - Stuffed to the Grills

Easton Salsa Company

Plan to Join us on Saturdays, August 8 and 15 from noon - 4 pm, and Sundays, August 9 and 16 from noon - 4 pm when we welcome Easton Salsa Company who will be onsite selling their famous salsas, sauces and home-made chips for you to enjoy with a glass of wine while you drink in the serenity of our vineyard.

Winemaker's Dinner at The Shanty on 19th
Wednesday, August 19 at 7 pm

The Shanty on 19th in Allentown will host a wine dinner featuring Galen Glen Wines. Call the Shanty at 610-841-0150 to make your reservation for this five-course meal. Tickets are $55, plus tax and gratuity.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Food trucks, vinyasa in the vineyard, and Pinot Grigio on sale at Tolino Vineyards this summer


New weekday hours - We have decided to change our weekday hours to 1 - 6 pm. Our weekend hours stay the same (noon - 6 pm). Vineyard and winery tours are held Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 pm.

FOOD TRUCKS

  • July 25 -Taza Truck @ 2:30 pm
  • August 15 - Geakers Tacos @ 1 pm
  • September 26 - Taza Truck and Aioli Truck at the Music Festival
  • October 10 - Bad Bones BBQ @ 1 pm
  • October 17 - Trixies Treats @ 1 pm
  • October 24 - Stuffed to the Grills @1 pm
  • October 31 - Taza Truck @ 2:30 pm

VINYASA IN THE VINEYARD
Vinyasa in the Vineyard continues through the fall. Join Jackie of Om-azing Yoga for a 60-minute class suitable for all levels. Join us on August 15 and September 19 at 11 am for yoga followed by a wine tasting, cheese and snacks, and live music at 1 pm.

SUMMER PINOT GRIGIO SALE
Nothing tastes better than a crisp, cold glass of white wine on a summer day. Our 2012 Pinot Grigio is buy one, get one 50% off for a limited time. This light-bodied white wine is exploding with orange and grapefruit citrus notes, accentuated with a slightly sweet pineapple finish.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Call 610-588-9463 or visit our website for tickets and more details on the following events.

Saturday Music Series - 1 pm

July 25 - Erin McClelland
August 1- Supra Ayers Kilcoyne Kelly Quartet
August 8 - Peshi
August 15 - Tom Vicario
August 22 - Matt Wheeler
August 29 - Brummy Brothers

Paint and Sip
August 29 at 6 pm
$35

Sip wine and paint with your friends. Instructed by Anna Kaszupski. All supplies and a glass of wine are included.

End of Summer Sangria Sunday
August 30

Celebrate the end of summer with various types of sangria for sale by the pitcher or glass. Live music by the Cherry Hill Duo.

Dinner in the Vines
September 12 at 6 pm

The first dinner was such a success that we decided to do it again. Enjoy a full dinner, live music and a glass of wine nestled among the vines. $49.95

Inaugural Music Festival & Fundraiser
Sept. 26 from noon-7 pm
$10 in advance; $15 at door

Join us for the Brummy Brothers, Blue Hearts Revelry,  Matt Wheeler, Mike Pilgemayer and Tom Vicario. The Taza and Aioli trucks will be serving food, and a percentage of wine sales will be donated in the name of Anna Mae Becker.

FIND US IN YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT

We would like to thank our restaurant partners for carrying Tolino wines.

  • The Mint Gastropub in Bethlehem
  • Maxim's 22 in Easton
  • Nectar in Berwyn


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Summer Hashtag Contest and Yoga in the Vineyard return to Franklin Hill Vineyards

Franklin Hill's Summer Hashtag Contest is back! Win a free case of wine!

To enter, upload a picture of a bottle of Sir Walter's Red wine at your favorite vacation spot.
Upload it to our Facebook page or Instagram account, tag our Twitter handle, or simply email it to us at cheryl@franklinhillvineyards.com. Be sure to include the hashtag #FHVwhereswalter and you'll automatically by entered to win a free case of wine. Whether you're hitting the beach or your back yard, send in your photos to win. Deadline to enter is September 20, 2015. Winner will be picked September 22, 2015.

SUMMER SHIPPING SPECIAL
$15 flat rate shipping for the rest of the summer.
Ship a bottle or a case for just $15.
Expires August 31. Offer good for up to 12 bottles.

Yoga in the Vineyard
August 9 at 10 am

Our summer series continues with Silver Kim from Kula Heart Yoga leading us in an hour of relaxing and revitalizing yoga followed by a light brunch and mimosas. This is a sell-out event each month, so please call today to reserve your patch of grass. Our final Yoga in the Vineyard will be September 6.

Behind the Vine

Lots of people who come to visit us ask what we do all year while the grapes grow? Vineyards require tons of attention and lots of work year around.

Right now our vines are growing like crazy, thankfully. We have 1, 2 and 3 year old vines that require a lot of training. Grapes would love to grow like a bush so to make them grow tall we have to train them by tying them up the poles and across the poles as they grow.

We're also cluster thinning which means we remove some of the clusters to create space between the other clusters allowing them to grow. This gives us the best fruit possible. All in all this season is going really well for us and 2015 has potential to be another amazing year at FHV.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Galen Glen Winery Named "Best Pennsylvania Winery" in New York International Wine Competition

In late May Galen Glen Winery participated in the Fifth Annual New York International Wine Competition in Manhattan. This competition is unique as it is the first major international competition comprised of "trade only" judges. These judges are distributers, importers, restaurant owners, hotel beverage managers, buyers for major chain stores and sommeliers. This competition boasts that unlike the judges in other competitions, these judges have an impact on purchasing and sales of the award-winning wines, noting that only 30 percent of all wines entered receive recognition or a medal.

One other way that this competition is unlike others is that the wines are judged in category of price, versus varietal in other competitions. They are categorized by under $20, $20-$40 or over $40.  This method of categorizing is used because most consumers make their buying decisions based on price. Galen Glen Winery was recognized as "Best Pennsylvania Winery."

The winery also received two silver medals. The NYIWC states that a silver medal means the judges found the wine "exceptional." The award winning wines were the 2014 Grüner Veltliner and the 2014 Semi-dry Riesling. The winery's staff is honored that Galen Troxell, winegrower and Sarah Troxell, winemaker are continually recognized as leaders in producing aromatic white wines.


The Troxells are known for farming grapes. About 90 percent of all grapes used in Galen Glen's wines are farmed on their family's historic farm, which is rare in Pennsylvania. They have been pioneers in the field for planting of Austrian varietals like Zweigelt and they began growing Grüner Veltliner in 2003 obtaining many other international awards.

In May, they won Double Gold, Chairman's Award and Best in Class at the Riverside International Competition in California.  Two of the winery's Gruner Veltliner wines will represent the US this fall in the invitational Six Nations Wine Competition in Australia too. When asked about the many recent awards, Sarah Troxell remains humble, crediting her team. She is no stranger to awards and honors, having been named "Best Woman Winemaker" in 2014's International Women's Wine Competition in California.

Galen Glen Winery is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Andreas, Pa. and was the only winery listed by Zagat in the "Top Ten Reasons to Drive to the Lehigh Valley." The vineyard is on the family's double-century farm and is full of history.

The tasting room's knowledgeable and engaging staff always make your visit enjoyable. They are open year round. The tasting room hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 pm, Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Plan to spend some time drinking in their exceptional views and award-winning wines with some locally-made cheeses or bring your own snacks.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Clover Hill celebrates ice wine release and Summer Flights with Bites event this weekend


SUMMER FLIGHTS WITH BITES AT CLOVER HILL WINERY

Soak up summertime and join Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery for Summer Flights with Bites on July 18, 19, 20 and 21 from noon - 5 pm each day. Call Clover Hill for your ticket, select what day you would like to come, and select the dry or sweet option. Each flight is $10.

If you are a senior (65+ years old), plan your visit for Tuesday, July 21 and flights are only $8. Please call 610-395-2468 for tickets or purchase tickets directly at the Clover Hill Winery in Breinigsville.

Each flight consists of four wines paired with four bites of food. Below are the menus options:

Dry Flight Option:

  • Vidal Verde paired with Buche De Chevre
  • Chardonnay paired with Herbed Mushroom and Swiss Focaccia with
  • Merlot paired English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
  • Turtle Rock Red and Red Dragon


Sweet Flight Option:

  • Riesling paired with Peach, Rosemary, Bacon and Goat Cheese Focaccia
  • Vignoles paired with Mango Ginger Stilton
  • Niagara paired with Pesto Gouda
  • Concord paired with Red Dragon



Clover Hill Winery New Wine Release – Generations Vidal Ice Wine

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is proud to release the 2015 Generations Ice Vidal on July 18 and 19 at the winery in Breinigsville. This special wine was hand harvested in January 2015 on an icy, 8 degree day. It is hard to believe such a rich, voluptuous wine is the end result from grapes left to hang in frigid temperatures and harsh conditions.

This is a limited release, producing only 231 bottles. The flavors of this wine are a delightful blend of fresh, bright characteristics contrasted by rich, deep intensity. Expect aromas and flavors of honeycomb, orange blossom, raisins, honey and much more.

On July 18 and 19 from noon - 5 pm both days, at the winery in Breinigsville only, Clover Hill will be offering the first peek at the Vidal Ice Wine. There is a $6 fee to sample this wine. 187ml bottles sell for $30. For the release weekend Clover Hill will also be pairing the Ice Wine with a creamy blue cheese and appropriately there will be an ice sculpture.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Visit Vynecrest this month to celebrate Maizey's birthday and the winery's 41st Anniversary

July Wine Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Traminette - 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Summertime Red for $25.

*available at winery only

The Cellar Experience

A new addition in the winery is our Cellar Experience bar in the tank area of the wine cellar itself. We often get jammed with groups mid-afternoon on weekends at our regular Tasting Bar and have to turn away big groups. Now we have a special place to serve groups from 8-20 people who either call in ahead of time or just show up.

We created a new bar in the wine cellar to accommodate these groups. For $5 per person, a group will get a tasting of either six sweet or six dry wines with an experienced server - often one of the owners, away from the hubbub of the Tasting Room. We had fun making the bar top ourselves by slapping down old Vynecrest wine labels, some dating back to the early '90s. We can also use this bar for future barrel tastings, tastings at the end of a group tour, or any number of special occasions. We also spruced up the adjacent old bathroom which is now painted barn red. Come check it out the next time you visit!

Upcoming Events

July 10 - Maizey's Birthday Bash

Our beloved winery head honcho Maizey is turning 12 years old on July 10. As thanks for all of the crackers, cheese and other crumbs that she has eaten off the floors here for years, she wants to finally give back. On July 10, both Autumn Gold and Summertime Red (Maizey adorns both labels) will be 25% off all day from 11 am - 5:30 pm at the winery.

In addition, Vynecrest will be donating $1 from the sale of each of those wines on that day to the Sanctuary at Haafsville in honor of Maizey. In lieu of gifts for Maizey, feel free to bring in any pet food or supply donations as we will be collecting them for the Sanctuary.

July 16 - 19 - Receive 25% off a case or more and free shipping for online orders only.

July 18 & 19 - 41st Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we celebrate our 41st anniversary in conjunction with Christmas in July. We will have a tent set up in the picnic area, awesome food from the Fud Truck, and live music Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's live music features The Rotten Apples.

Slow Roasted “Chambourcin” Lamb Sandwich
Pulled lamb shoulder with Chambourcin cherry glaze, fresh mint mayo and fresh arugula on a buttery brioche roll

The Vynecrest “Lemberger”
Fresh ground beef seasoned with Lemberger salt and #36 Smoked Pepper, local Pennsylvania Jack cheese and crispy onions on a buttery brioche roll

Fresh Crisp Falafel Pita
Fresh, crisp falafel with smoky golden babaganoush cut with Dry Riesling served in a pita with tender bibb lettuce

#36 12 Hour Pork Shoulder
Tender Smoked Pork (using #36 oak barrels) served w/zesty Carolina mop sauce and housemade garlic dill pickle slices

Grilled Shrimp “Ceviche” Wrap
Grilled shrimp tossed w/charred lemon & Pinot Grigio vinaigrette, grilled sweet corn salsa and peppery arugula

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap
Crisp chicken, tender bib lettuce and Traminette pickled carrots and red onion

Cherry DiVyne” Funnel Cake Fries
Crisp funnel cake fries topped with powdered sugar and Cherry DiVyne syrup

Blueberry Cobbler Sundae
Fresh blueberry cobbler using Vynecrest 100% Blueberry wine with vanilla bean ice cream

For the little ones:
Hot dog with fries or chicken fingers with fries


July 24 - Glass Painting at Vynecrest on Main

Join us at Vynecrest on Main in Kutztown from 6 - 8 pm for "Painting with Wine." The cost is $12 per person which includes a glass to paint, a glass to drink, and all painting supplies. Appetizers are available for a nominal charge. Please call our Kutztown location at  484-641-5149 to make reservations. There are only 15 spots available so reservations are a must. This month's painting will be of a peacock.

July 26 - Vineyard & Winery Tour & Jazz Sunday

The Vineyard & Winery tour begins at noon and is $5 per person. Tour will end in time to enjoy free live Jazz in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm.


Glass Half Empty by John Landis

July means being outdoors as much as possible. Picnics, swimming, fireworks, ball games, festivals, and drinking summer wines on the patio. In July, we celebrate the Fourth, Maizey's birthday, our 41st year as a vineyard, and a trip to Maine for me and Jan.

In July I love to watch the explosive growth of the vines and the ripening of the grapes. So far, this year's crop looks great. Without tornados, hail or hurricanes, we'll be good to go! Keep your fingers crossed.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Pinnacle Ridge set to rock the barn in July with two concerts

Visit Pinnacle Ridge twice this month for two live concerts from great bands. Sit and relax on our couches in the barn, or get up and dance! We will be selling light food. Enjoy a bottle of wine starting at $12 or a glass of wine for $4.

Live Music in the Barn
Big & Bad Rockabilly Cats
Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 pm

The roots of rock n’ roll start with Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Rockabilly is the blending of the blues of the Mississippi Delta, honky-tonk country music, boogie woogie, and R&B with the Hillbilly of the Appalachian Mountains.

The birth of electric guitar bands started in the early 50s and changed the world forever. So let’s get together for a great time and dance a little bit to the bop.



Live Music in the Barn 
Mr. Z & The Nightshift
Saturday, July 25 from 2-5 pm

For the past three decades Mr. Z has been based in Berks County with his kickin’ rhythm n’ blues band, the Nightshift with Marcus on guitar, Mark Bonnes on drums and Ed Moran on bass.

The variety of music is great, paying respect to many of your favorite artists, and with original songs that have become crowd favorites.


*NOTE: We allow our wine to be enjoyed on the property by the bottle or glass, however, we do not allow any other alcoholic beverages on the property.