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.

Cheesecake & Wine for a Cure - Sixth Annual American Cancer Society Fundraiser at Galen Glen

On Saturday, April 18, Dr. Rosalee Rehrig and her Relay for Life Team will join with the staff at Galen Glen Winery on their sixth annual fundraiser for The American Cancer Society.

From noon to 4 pm, the team will sell slices of home-made cheesecake. The event is open to the public and no reservations are required.

Galen Glen is proud to partner with The American Cancer Society and support the scientists who search for a cure by donating $1 per bottle of wine sold during this event.

Galen Glen Winery is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Andreas Pennsylvania. The vineyard is on the family's double-century farm and full of history. Plan to spend some time enjoying the exceptional views and a glass of award-winning wine with locally-made cheeses or pack some light fare.

The staff looks forward to meeting you and helping you create unforgettable memories during the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration at Galen Glen.

A springtime full of special events at Tolino Vineyards

Easter Bunny visits in a helicopter
April 4
 
From noon - 6 p.m. there will be crafts for the kids and a jelly bean and wine pairing for the adults with the purchase of a premier tasting. The bunny will arrive via helicopter around 3 pm and will stay for photos. Flying the helicopter is weather dependent, but the bunny and the wine and jelly bean pairing will still go on.

Second Anniversary Sale
April 11 and 12, noon - 6pm

Celebrate two fantastic years in business with us! All bottles will be 10% off  and cases will be 15% off. We will also offer a seasonal food pairing with the purchase of a premier tasting.



Love the Earth Weekend
April 18 and 19, noon - 6 pm

In honor of Earth Day we will offer pruning demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm in the vineyard in lieu of  our regular tours. A seasonal food pairing will be offered with the purchase of a premier tasting.

Saturday Music Series
May 2 through the fall

Join us for free music Saturdays. Listen to local artists from 1-3 pm while sipping wine and enjoying the view. Artists include Blue Hearts Revelry, Tom Vicario, Matt Wheeler, Mike Pilgemayer, Erin McClelland, Chris Cummings Trio, The Brummy Brothers, The Jayplayers and more. Sangria will be available, and often so will a food truck.

Flicksville Fermentation Company Release Party
May 23 and 24

Sample wines from our newly released second label named after our historic hometown. Try The 050, a sweet white, or Sunnyside, a sweet red. A food pairing will be available both days, and live music on Saturday.

May 9 and 10 ~ Mother's Day Weekend

Treat the Moms in your life to an afternoon filled with wine tastings, sangria, a tour of the vineyard, live music by Peshi and more. A cupcake pairing from Sweet Girlz Bakery in Easton will be available for $8 that includes tasting six wines, one cupcake, and an etched Tolino Vineyards wine glass to take home.

May 30 ~ First Yoga in the Vineyard with OM-azing Yoga  

From 11 am to noon join Jackie for 60 minutes of Yoga Flow (BYOM), followed by wine tasting. $30 per person. Check our website soon for more details and to make a reservation.

May 30 ~ Dinner in the Vines

We are partnering with DeFranco and Daughters Catering to bring you a family-style Italian meal in the vineyard. Bring your friends and family and dine like you are in Tuscany. $49.95 per person includes two glasses of wine, appetizers, dinner and dessert. Purchase tickets over the phone, in person, or online.

June 13 ~ Painting in the Tank Room

Sip wine and channel your inner Van Gogh. Tickets are $35 per person and include all art supplies, light snacks, and a glass of wine. Purchase tickets over the phone, in person, or online.

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

Vynecrest to celebrate 40 years in business this weekend!

Join us July 19 & 20 as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in conjunction with Christmas in July. We will have a tent set up in the picnic area, awesome food pairings and live music Saturday and Sunday. More details can be found below.

It is that time of year again - July 17 through July 20, mention this blog post and get 25% off 12 or more bottles. For customers who can't make it to the winery, we are offering free shipping on 6 or more bottles during the same time period, July 17 - 20. No discount code is needed at checkout; you just need to have 6 or more bottles in your cart. This discount applies to online orders only; phone-in orders will be subject to normal shipping prices.

July Specials 
- Wine of the Month - Lemberger - additional 10% off*
- 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Autumn Gold $25*

*available at winery only

Upcoming Events at the Winery

July 17 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

July 17-20 - Christmas in July, 25% off a case or more (at winery only)

July 19 & 20 - Anniversary Weekend, 11 am - 5 pm

You are cordially invited to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery

* Tent will be set up in the picnic area

* Live music in the tent: The Rotten Apples 1:30 - 4:30 pm on Saturday, and AMoS Duo (guitars) 1:30 - 4:30 pm on Sunday

Food for purchase from The Fud Truk coordinated to complement our wines:

• Spicy Sweet Chili chicken Wrap - Crisp Chicken, tender bib lettuce & Traminette pickled carrots and red onio
• Peppery Arugula Wrap - Herb Boursin cheese, fresh orange segments & dried cherries tossed w/Chardonnay vinaigrette
• Hickory Smoked Bratwurst - served on a crusty roll w/caramelized onion Chambourcin marmalade
• Tender Short Rib Sandwich  - Lemberger-braised short rib topped with creamy Brie & spicy Arugula
• Grilled Cheese - smoked Gouda & roasted red peppers & Summertime Red Chimichurri spread

Hot Dogs - Because you gotta have hot dogs

July 24 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7pm

July 26 & 27 - Wine on the Mountain

Hit the road and head to Penn’s Peak in nearby Jim Thorpe for this festival which includes wine samplings from the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries in your own commemorative glass. Relax with a glass of wine on the panoramic outdoor deck with a view of Beltzville Lake and the Pocono Mountains. Or stay inside in air conditioned comfort while listening to live musical entertainment.

Browse through the displays from local artisans and crafters selling handmade décor, accessories, and food items. Or purchase food to pair with your wine from the Penn’s Peak kitchens.

All of the wineries will also be selling wine by the bottle and the case to take home with you. So come prepared to shop. Live musical entertainment will be provided both days. Tickets are required for this event. The event hours are noon – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

TICKETS: $15 in advance or $20 at the door the weekend of the event. (Tickets are good for ONE day of the event, not both days.)

WHERE TO BUY: Tickets for Wine on the Mountain are now on sale via EventBrite (credit card only) here, and also at our nine member wineries (cash only) for in-person sales.

July 27 - Vineyard & Winery Tour at noon, $5 per person

July 31 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7pm

Upcoming Events at Vynecrest on Main in Kutztown

July 18 & 19 - Anniversary weekend celebration

Anniversary weekend: light appetizers from Wholesome Food, live music, and plenty of wine. Come celebrate with us from noon - 6 pm. Live music starts at 4 pm. Drawings will be held every hour to celebrate our event.

July 25 - Painting with Wine

Join us for a glass of wine, light appetizers from Wholesome Food, and wine glass to paint. $15 per person reservations a must. Price includes a glass of wine, a small appetizer plate, paints, brushes, one “empty” wine glass, and instruction. Aprons not provided. Painting a glass will not last three hours. You may come anytime with in the three hour time slot. RSVP by July 24 at sheri@vynecrest.com or 484-641-5149.

July 26 - A Summer Evening to Wine

Join us Saturday night for wine, appetizers from the Kutztown Tavern, and live music. Relax inside or on our back patio and enjoy the sounds of the season. The evening festivities will last from 5 - 8pm at $12 per person. Reservations a must. Email your RSVP to sheri@vynecrest.com or call 484-641-5149.

Vynecrest wines win honors as the winery prepares to celebrate two anniversaries

Last month the 2012 Lemberger won a double gold at the PA Farm Show. This month Lemberger won Wine Excellence XII, an annual competition that's organized and judged by the Pennsylvania Wine Society. This is the second time in three years Vynecrest has taken top wine at this competition, our 2010 Chambourcin won in 2011.

Share some love with a gift from Vynecrest this Valentine's Day. For February we are featuring our 2013 PA Farm Show Bronze Medal winning Cherry DiVyne and Wilbur Buds gift set for $19.99. In addition, we will have our Spiced Winter Red and Rip Rap Cinnamon Crackers gift set for $13.99.
Vynecrest will also be debuting our new Adult Sippy Cups, a perfect gift for the man or woman on the go.

▪ Wine of the Month - Pinot Noir, additional 10% off*
▪ 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Spiced Winter Red for $25.00*

*at winery only, 3 pack cannot be combined with other offers

Upcoming Events

February 15 - Valentine's Day Jazz in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm. Free.

February 23 - Jazz Sunday in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm. Free.

March weekends - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail March Passport Program
There are still tickets available for the March Passport Program. The winery will be open for tastings but all food pairings are exclusively for passport holders. Passports can be purchased online or at the winery.

Weeks 1 & 2 Paring: chicken, apple, bacon sliders with gouda cheese on slider rolls paired with Summertime Red Wine.

Weeks 3 & 4 Pairing: chipotle pulled pork sliders with provolone cheese on slider rolls paired with Traminette White Wine.


Glass Half Empty
by Jan Landis

Every once in awhile I work at the register on weekends. Our employees I’m sure must shutter when I do, since I usually spend more time chatting with the customers than I do actually ringing up their purchases. I enjoy it; hearing firsthand what they like, maybe what they’d like to see more of at the winery, that kind of thing. Last weekend, a gentleman at the register said to me: “So what are you going to do to celebrate your 40th anniversary?” As he said it, he pointed to our lovely carved plaque saying Vynecrest est. 1974. Wow, I thought! It hadn’t even occurred to me that it was our 40th year as a vineyard, nor that it was our 25th anniversary as a licensed winery.

Boy did that go quickly! Seems like just yesterday John and I moved out here to what we considered the country (and it was then), planted 50 vines on the crest of the hill and named it Vynecrest. And the changes through the years—we started in an unheated area, where the Vyneskeller is now, with six wines and a small tank or two. But we kept acquiring more land and planting more vines, and John kept making more wines. Then we moved upstairs in 1998, Sam joined us in 2002, Malachi joined us a few years later, and we built onto the existing barn, built another building, and here we are making about 20,000 gallons of wine a year.

And what an adventure it’s been! It's great fun thanks to most of you who come and buy our wine. So what are we going to do to celebrate? Something fun and you’re all invited. Not quite sure what yet, so stay tuned.

Clover Hill celebrates 28 years in business this month

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, the Skrip family and our staff are proud to share 28 years of Clover Hill wines. A few facts:

• In 1976, John and Pat Skrip purchased the property where Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery stands today. They planned on building a new home on the property and also wanted to farm the land. Initially, they intended to plant Christmas trees, then thought about a potato farm, and finally settled on growing grapes.
• 1977 was their first grape harvest and they sold the fruit to local home winemakers. For 5¢ more a gallon, John and Pat would crush and press the grapes for you!
• In 1985, John and Pat decided to make Clover Hill their full time occupation and received a PA Farm Winery license. The first year of business, they produced and sold just under 2,000 gallons of wine a year.
• Currently, Clover Hill owns and operates six vineyards, has four tasting rooms, and produces almost 80,000 gallons of wine a year.
• John and Pat Skrip have been joined in the business by two of their children, John III and Kari.

We are very proud to be a second generation, family-owned business. We thank our customers for enjoying and sharing Clover Hill wines over the years. A very special thank you to all current and past Clover Hill staff, who have helped make our dreams come true. Thank you for continuing to enjoy Clover Hill wines and we look forward to many more years to come!

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

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

At Clover Hill we will hold cooking demonstrations to be paired with our 2012 Chambourcin and our Turtle Rock Red (also made from 100% Chambourcin grapes). Our cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm both days. Visit our website soon for more details on what’s going to be cooking at Clover Hill. You can also visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com to find out what each winery has in store for this annual Chambourcin grape celebration.

WINE LOVERS TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINE ON THE MOUNTAIN EVENT AT PENN’S PEAK

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of its popular Wine on the Mountain festival on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from noon to 5 p.m. both days at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe.

Wine on the Mountain features wine samplings and sales from Lehigh Valley wineries, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, and light fare available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant. There is also live musical entertainment with the Billy Bauer Duo performing on Saturday and the Jake Kaligis Dynamic Duo performing on Sunday. The well-known venue offers panoramic views of Beltzville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck.

Vendors will feature everything from gourmet foods and dipping oils, to hand-made jewelry and scented candles. This year’s artisans include:

·  Country Glo Soy Candles - Soy container candles and accessories

·  Top Shelf Specialties - Wine-themed gifts and wine accessories

·  Princess and the Peony- Wine bottle hurricane lanterns and wind chimes that can be personalized for any occasion

·  JD Gourmet - Balsamic vinegar and olive oil blends

·  Larona Jewelry & Gifts - Crafted jewelry and art umbrellas

·  Randi’s Gourmet - Kitchen cutlery, salad dressings, BBQ and hot sauces

·  Watermark Glass - Original designs etched/carved into wine glasses, glassware and vessels (vases/bowls) using a sandblast process

Tickets are required for this event and are $15 in advance or $20 at the door the weekend of the event. They are on sale now at all Lehigh Valley Wine Trail member wineries as well as online: http://wineonthemountain2013.eventbrite.com/. Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass. Designated driver tickets are $8 each and will be sold at-the-door only the weekend of the event. Wine on the Mountain is an adults-only event and attendees must be 21 years of age or older. It is a rain or shine event since it is held inside Penn’s Peak in air-conditioned comfort. For driving directions to Penn’s Peak, visit their web site – www.pennspeak.com. 

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 the organization’s web site www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com, connect with them on Twitter and their Facebook fan page, and read their “Taste of the Trail” blog.

Clover Hill celebrates 27 years in business with a sale!

Clover Hill is turning 27!

Celebrate 27 years of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery by saving 27% off all wine purchases!

We are proud to be a family-owned and operated vineyards and winery and are appreciative of our staff and customers who have chosen to enjoy Clover Hill wines. Thank you for the many years of fun, support, growth and plenty of wine!

To show our appreciation, from September 13-16 at any Clover Hill location you will receive a 27% discount on your wine purchase. Cheers too many more years of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery to come.

(*27% is the greatest discount available during the sale days.)

Upcoming events:

Chambourcin Weekend
October 20 and 21; Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday: Noon - 5 pm

Join us as we applaud the Chambourcin grape! All the wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the Chambourcin grape, which is known as the grape of the Lehigh Valley, and one taste of it will have you coming back for more. Chef Nathan Grube will make a return appearance to conduct cooking demonstrations to be paired with our 2009 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (also made with 100% Chambourcin grapes).

Cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm both days. Cheers to the Chambourcin grape! Revisit our website soon for more details on the cooking demonstrations or visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com for information on all the wineries on the trail.

Nouveau Weekend
November 17 and 18; Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday: Noon - 5 pm

Nouveau Weekend is a time to celebrate the first release from the current year’s harvest. Visit Clover Hill and all the wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail for this exciting new release wine. Revisit our website soon for our weekend plans or visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com for information on all the wineries on the trail.

Clover Hill celebrates 26th anniversary

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is turning 26 on September 11, and we are celebrating with an anniversary sale.

From September 8-11, we will be giving a 26% discount on all 750mL wines for 26 years of business at all Clover Hill locations and online orders (375mL and custom label orders excluded).

It has been a wonderful and wild 26 years of business and we strive for many more years of Clover Hill wines to come! Thank you for your support of our second generation family owned winery. We would love to hear from you on our Facebook page. Let us know how long you have been a Clover Hill customer!

Please remember that the anniversary sale is one of our busiest times at the winery. We appreciate your patience. 26% discount is the greatest discount available. Cheers!


The 2011 vintage is on its way and it has certainly been the year of extremes. July brought us extreme dry weather. August gave us a very wet month, huge flocks of birds who love eating our grapes, an earthquake, and a hurricane. September is off to a rocky start with heavy rainfall and more birds, and we are only a couple days into the month. Every year harvest comes with its challenges, but we have to wonder why this year is so extreme.

In the meantime, we will try to stay calm and hope Mother Nature settles down. If you would like to keep current with our 2011 vintage, be a fan on our Facebook page to hear what we are harvesting and see pictures from this beautiful time of year.

Celebrating 25 Years at Clover Hill

Guest blog post from Kari Skrip of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery in Breinigsville

I can’t even begin to describe this wild ride we have enjoyed over the last 25 years of business.  Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery started as a ‘fun hobby’ and today has become more than our livelihood; it has become our lifestyle. On September 11, 2010 we will celebrate 25 years as a commercial winery. For me, I will celebrate my way of life that I share with my family and friends and countless fond memories that Clover Hill has given me. 

Back in our early years when we sold grapes (prior to opening the winery; I was only 5 or 6 years old) customers would drive up to my parents' house and purchase the fruit by the pound. For 10 cents extra we would crush and press the grapes for customers by way of our little, wooden basket press. 

My brother, sister and I would spend endless hours having grape battles and seed spitting contests in the vineyard. My parents, with the help of family and friends, would work around the clock to bring in the grape harvest and spent many long nights working with the wines. Neighbors and customers were very concerned what the ‘Hippies’ were doing making wine (no one believed you can make wine in PA!). 

Of course today much has changed. Yes, you can make wine in PA (thank goodness!). Clover Hill has grown into PA’s largest producer of wines, but we rarely use that old basket press anymore. Customers have embraced local wines as a way of life and have supported our growth for 25 years. There are still many long nights of work, but we still consider it a labor of love. Some things do stay the same:  just the other day my brother and I had a grape seed spitting contest on the crush pad (I won of course!). 

We are most proud that in a global world our little corner in the Lehigh Valley is making wines that are unique and specific to our location. We take great pride that the grapes are grown and wine is made by family, sold by friends and we share the privilege of gracing your table at home. I will most definitely be drinking a glass of wine to celebrate 25 years of Clover Hill!