August events at Galen Glen Winery

Walking Tours

Come out for a fun and educational walking tour of the vineyard and cellar. We offer one walking tour that leaves the tasting room at noon on the dates listed below. Walking tours are weather permitting and do not require a reservation. Please wear sturdy foot gear. For more details, check out the Happenings page on our website: http://www.galenglen.com/happenings/events.php

• Saturday, August 3
• Sunday, August 4
• Saturday, August 17
• Sunday, August 18
• Saturday, October 13

Harry's Special Spritzers

Just like Tom Cruise in the 80s movie "Cocktail," our Harry is whipping up some special spritzers. The spritzer is a classic, just like Harry. Wine spritzers add fizz and fun to your wine and summer and offer a great way to cut calories too. Come see Harry at the wine bar to try one of his special recipes.

• Saturday, August 10 from Noon - 5 p.m.
• Sunday, August 11 from Noon - 5 p.m.

Slushies Return

The hottest drink this summer has been the coolest.  We will again offer our special wine slushies for tasting and purchase. You may also purchase the slushy kit to make your own special concoctions at home too.  During our special slushy days you may purchase a slushy by the glass for $3.

• Saturday, August 17 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday, August 18 Noon - 5 p.m.

Love Hot Dog Co. visits the Winery

Jason of Love Hot Dog Co. and the Lemonade Brothers return to Galen Glen with their gourmet sausage, dogs and sauces. Have you tried the bacon jam? There's nothing like it. Come to the winery, invite a friend and share the Love.

• Sunday, August 25 from Noon - 5 p.m.
• Sunday, September 22 from Noon - 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13 from Noon - 5 p.m.

For more details on this and other events at the winery, check out our Happenings page on the website: http://www.galenglen.com/happenings/events.php

Blogging Dog?

Have you stopped by our website to read Clemens' blog? Yes, our 4-year old yellow lab has his own blog and writes about the happenings and daily events at the winery. He also offers practical advice on wine and other subjects. If you haven't already checked out Clem's blog, stop by and catch up. http://galenglen.com/wineblog/

Take Sir Walter's Red on vacation with you this summer and enter Franklin Hill's contest

Where's Walter?
Do you take Sir Walter's Red on vacation with you? We bet you do! Take a picture or video of a bottle of Sir Walter's Red at your favorite vacation spot, whether it be the beach or in front of the Eiffel Tower. Wherever you take Sir Walter on vacation, we want to see it!

Upload your picture or video on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Vine and use the hashtag #whereswalter.  Entries will be judged on the uniqueness of your location. The winner will be announced September 20 on Franklin Hill Vineyards Facebook page. The prize is a FREE CASE OF WINE! We look forward to seeing where Sir Walter has traveled this summer!

(Some rules and restrictions may apply.)

Sensory Overload Wine Tasting
Saturday, August 31 at 2 p.m.

Join our winemaker as we learn about wine and have fun. This is a detailed look at the smells and tastes commonly found in wine. We will provide samples and aromas that will help you understand the nuances of wines and identify certain characteristics unique to wine.

Cost: $35 per person. Reservations required. Reserve your spot by calling 610-332-WINE.

Musikfest 2013 - August 2-11

Stop by our Downtown Bethlehem store in the Main Street Commons building anytime during Musikfest. Sangria and wine by the glass will be available for purchase.  

Sangria Sundays, wine specials and wine festivals from Blue Mountain Vineyards

Sangria Sundays
Join us for live music every Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Purchase a pitcher of ice and fruit for $1.50, add your favorite wine and make your own sangria. Bring snacks to share with friends or purchase our delicious cheeses and snacks.

• July 21 -Scott Marshall
• July 28 - Sarah Ayers

Call or email to make your reservations. $5 admission includes a wine tasting. If reservations are made we ask that you arrive no later than 2:15 p.m. or we may release your table to a waiting party. Adults 21+ only please.

July Wine Specials
$1 off Sauvignon Blanc
$1 off Bri's Blush

Upcoming Wine Festivals
Wings and Wine
Saturday, July 27
www.upstatewinecountry.com

Wine on the Mountain
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe
www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com

Lehigh Valley Wine Festival
Saturday, August 3
Schnecksville
www.upstatewinecountry.com

Quakertown Alive Brewfest
Saturday, August 17
www.quakertownalive.com

Farmer's Market season is upon us!
Find the Blue Mountain Vineyards booth at the following locations this summer:

Emmaus Farmer's Market
KNBT Parking Lot
235 Main Street, Emmaus
10 AM - 2 PM

Saucon Valley Farmer's Market
Water Street Park, Hellertown
9 AM - 1 PM

Bala Cynwyd Farmer's Market
Parking Lot of the GSB Building,
Belmont  Avenue and St. Asaphs Road
2:30 PM- 6:30 PM

Rittenhouse Farmer's Market
18th and Walnut Streets, both on south sidewalk of Walnut St. and west sidewalk of 18th St.
10 AM - 2 PM

Stop by our stand for complimentary tastings and pick up your favorite bottles of wine.

Pinnacle Ridge releases four new wines, gets ready to rock the barn

PINNACLE RIDGE HOUSE CONCERT SERIES

On July 20 we are proud to have Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer in the barn from 2 to 5 p.m. Steve and Jimmy have been playing in the Lehigh Valley for years and are local favorites who do a mix of covers and originals. For you guitar players out there, do not miss Jimmy Meyer - he is a monster on acoustic guitar. As always, wine by the bottle or glass will be available as well as food.   www.stevebrosky.com

The House Concert Series will continue with the Mighty Manatees on August 10. Then our Blues in the Barn event on September 14 and 15. On the 14 we will have Mike Dugan and the Blues Mission and the James Supra Blues Band.

On Sunday the 15 there has been a change in the schedule and we will have Sarah Ayers and her band. On October 12 (date change), Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer will be returning to the barn to close out the season.
     
WINE ON THE MOUNTAIN AT PENN'S PEAK 

Join the wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail at Penn's Peak (Jim Thorpe) for our annual Wine on the Mountain. This is an indoor event with air conditioning featuring the eight wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. There will be live music and food will be available for purchase.

Tickets are available online and at each of the member wineries for $15 in advance and $20 at the door. More information is available at  www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com.
 
NEW WINES AVAILABLE
 
I am sad to announce that our 2010 Trio has sold out. The 2012 vintage Quaff, Concord, Cayuga and Sweet Seduction are now available.

We will be releasing the 2012 Pinot Noir, 2012 Cabernet Franc and 2012 Syrah later this year, so our selection of dry reds will be a bit broader towards the end of the year.

Wine Trail customer shares his experience with us

We love hearing from customers who have discovered our wine trail and its member wineries. Below is an email we recently received:

"A few years ago my wife was introduced to wine tasting at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pa. by Vynecrest Vineyards and Winery. Every year we try to get away for a few days to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  This year (our 36th) I planned a four-day excursion to nearby Berks and Lancaster counties to incorporate several of my wife's favorite things: chocolate, fabric and quilts, and, of course, beer and wine.

We started the weekend doing a wine tasting together at a winery not far from our home, the Manatawny Creek Winery in Douglassville. We were hooked.  We've also enjoyed the opportunity to sample local wines at a few growers markets in the area.

We enjoyed our anniversary weekend so much that we decided to focus our vacation this summer around the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, and, of course, a few fabric and quilt stores, and chocolate shops. It was a great vacation! We visited all eight of the wineries on the wine trail plus three more. Not only did we get to taste some great wines, but we also saw some beautiful scenery!

One of the most heartwarming features of the winery visits was how all of the wineries support each other.  Final count: we purchased 86 bottles of wine. I think we're going to have a party!

Thanks for a great vacation!"

Joe Evans

Clover Hill starts summer with four new wine releases

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery is bustling with activity. In the winery, we have bottled a few new wines to make tank space for the 2013 grape harvest which will commence in September.

Winemaker, John Skrip III, has the following new releases:

• 2011 Oak Vidal Blanc – this is a must-try if you love full, rich, toasty white wines. Oak Vidal is a wonderful alternative to a big Chardonnay. 
• 2012 Pinot Noir – medium bodied wine, but packed with rich flavors of strawberry, leather and violets.
• 2012 Chambourcin – toasty and spicy Pennsylvania oak characteristics mingle with berry and ripe cherry flavors.
• 2008 Merlot – a lovely example of how delicious an east coast Merlot can be showcasing complex berry flavors and Pennsylvania oak undertones. 

Visit any Clover Hill location for a sample of the new releases and let us know your thoughts.

The vineyards continue to grow and as of now, the vines look healthy and happy. The east coast currently is stuck in a stormy, rainy weather pattern which is less than desirable for the vineyards. We continue to use aggressive agricultural procedures to stay ahead of potential disease - shoot positioning, cluster thinning, and leaf pulling to allow for better air circulations and optimal ripening conditions. Grape harvest will be here before we know it.

The vineyard in Robesonia is now open seven days a week through December 31. Take a beautiful drive through Berks County and find your way to this tasting room. Robesonia is our largest Clover Hill vineyard and also hosts a charming tasting room. In addition to offering tastings and sales, we stock local cheeses and serve wine by the glass on the patio.

New hours at Robesonia are Monday – Saturday: 11 am - 5:30 pm, and Sunday: noon - 5 pm.
You can find all of our locations and the hours on our website.

Also, if you are planning a visit, please review our latest house policies. Enjoy the summer and we look forward to your next Clover Hill visit.

Owner's Selection for July 
Save 10% on your purchase of Cayuga White!
A semi-sweet, unoaked, soft white wine with mellow aromas and flavors that will leave your mouth coated with tastes of ripe melon, mango, and ruby grapefruit. Works wonderfully with lighter fish dishes or John Jr.’s favorite shrimp and rice dish.
Now only $9.45. Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase!

Wine and Food Inspiration - Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market
Saturday, July 13
11 am - 4 pm
Visit the Clover Hill Wine Shop for a special pairing featuring Johnny’s Fresh Meats. We will be serving the Pinot Grigio or the Riesling paired with an apricot pork loin roast. Paired with Pinot Grigio the flavors “pop” and make a delicious summer dinner. When paired with Riesling, it is as if your mouth is filled with apricots. Join our event on Facebook.

Public Tours at Clover Hill Winery 
Saturday, July 13 at 1 and 2:30 pm
Monday, July 15 at 2:30 pm
Saturday, August 10 at 1 and 2:30 pm
Monday, August 12 at 2:30 pm

Spend the afternoon sipping and touring Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery. We will share with you our grape growing and winemaking process from start to finish. Please expect to spend 1.5 hours at the winery for the tour. Weather permitting we will go into the vineyard and casual attire is recommended. $12 per person and advance tickets are required.

Clover Hill Night at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center with The Craig Thatcher Band
1151 Mosser Road, Breinigsville, PA
Friday, July 26
Craig Thatcher Band in the Velo Plaza 6-7:30; races start at 7:30 pm
Admission is $5 ($1 will be donated to the Jimmy Fund for Cancer Research)

Join us for Clover Hill Night at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. The Craig Thatcher Band will be busting the gates open at 6pm with live music. Come early and enjoy LIVE music, wine specials and delicious food and stay late for the professional bike racing action! $1 on every ticket for the races this evening will be donated to the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for cancer research and care. So come early, grab a wine and enjoy the music! Join our event on Facebook.

Cooking with Wine Contest at The Great Allentown Fair
17th and Chew Streets, Allentown
Registration deadline: August 3
Live judging on Friday, August 30 at 7 pm

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery and the Great Allentown Fair invite you to a culinary challenge taking place at the Great Allentown Fair. Clover Hill is sponsoring a "Cooking with Wine Lasagna Cooking Contest." Whether you love to cook for family and friends or like to try your spoon at creating new recipes or are interested in pursuing a culinary career, take this first step and join us for fun and rivalry by entering our cooking contest. Simply create an original lasagna recipe including a Clover Hill wine as an ingredient to enrich your newly crafted lasagna. You pick whether it be a meat, meatless or vegetable lasagna. To get started and learn more details just download the entry form. You can also get more details at http://www.allentownfairpa.org/

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.

Vynecrest celebrates Christmas in July

Christmas in July
It is that time of year again: July 18-21 mention this blog post and get 25% off the purchase of 12 or more bottles.

For customers who can't make it to the winery, we are offering free shipping on six or more bottles during the same time period. No discount code needed at checkout, you just need to have six or more bottles in your cart. (This discount applies to online orders only; phone-in orders will be subject to normal shipping prices.)

New Releases 
2012 Cabernet Franc

July Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Sparkling Vidal - additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - DiVyne Red or Niagara, any combination $25
*available at winery only

Upcoming Events

• July 6 - Vynecrest Winery will be conducting a wine tasting at Evergreen German Club in Fleetwood at 7 pm. Open to the public, $10 per person, includes six wine tastings accompanied by cheese and meat, and one glass of wine. Email mthdmom@comcast.net for reservations.
• July 11, 18 and 25  - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• July 27 and 28 - Wine on the Mountain, Penn's Peak  - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's annual wine festival. Tickets in advance (sold at the winery and on line at www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com) $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Noon to 5 pm both days. Air conditioned venue, live music, local artisans and vendors. All eight Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries will be there!
• July 29 
• Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1- 4 pm 
• Vineyard and Winery Tour with the winemaker, 1 pm, $5 per person
• August 1 and 8 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

Glass Half Empty by Jan Landis

No Farms, No Wine

As a kid coming back from the Jersey shore, stopping at a farm stand on the way home was part of the vacation experience, almost like picking up souvenirs - tomatoes, corn, peaches, etc.

In the past 20 years, in the name of progress, we seem determined to pave over and develop every acre of farmland. However, the farm-to-table movement has now become popular and small truck farmers gather in local farmers' markets to sell their produce.

For the past five seasons, we have been fortunate to be a part of this groundswell at the Macungie Farmers Market every Thursday from 4-7 pm in the Macungie Memorial Park. It's a terrific group of farmers and vendors, all offering local foodstuffs - from freshly picked vegetables and fruit in season, to quiches, cupcakes, baked beans, and of course wine!

Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley is a grass roots country-wide organization promoting local farm products. It promotes various farmers markets in the Lehigh Valley, as does the PA Preferred program. When our family goes to Maine in the fall, we always visit the local Brunswick Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Fridays, but unfortunately they don't have wine.

Come out and support these local markets, and bring home souvenirs from your staycation this summer. Believe me, you and your family will benefit by eating these wonderful, fresh, local products. Now that's progress!