Vineyard Tours, Wine Tastings and PA Preferred Partners Highlight Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s Annual Harvest Weekend Celebration

Harvest season is when all of the year’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 2013 vintage to be unveiled later this fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15, the members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the grape harvest with its annual Harvest Weekend event. The eight wineries 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.

HARVEST WEEKEND 2013 HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - will pair chicken Caesar wraps with Cayuga White.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - The winery’s owner recently attended a very informative cheese and wine pairing demonstration using their current offerings and moderated by Tenaya Darlington (a.k.a. Madame Fromage) author of “The Di Bruno Bros. House of Cheese: A Guide to Wedges, Recipes, and Pairings” and hosted by Kinsley’s Shoprite of Brodheadsville. Inspired by the event, they will showcase their favorite pairings of Big Creek wine and BellaVitano cheese.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – will partner on Saturday and Sunday with Crystal Spring Farm.  A representative from Crystal Spring Farm will offer samples of their delicious ice cream and offer hand-dipped ice cream for purchase.  Also, on Saturday they will have complimentary live entertainment from 1-4 p.m.

They will also partner with Louie’s Sauces on Sunday only.  Louie himself will be cooking up something special with his delicious sauces.  They will have live entertainment provided by Billy Patrick on Sunday from 2- 5 p.m.; admission is $5. A self-guided tour of the vineyards will be offered both days.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – will partner with Klein’s Creamery of Easton and offer samples of a few of their delicious cheeses paired with Clover Hill wines. Also, for the third consecutive year they will have samples of pretzels from Unique Pretzel Bakery, Inc., of Reading. 

In addition, visit Clover Hill September 12, 13, 14 or 15 to take advantage of the Anniversary Sale. During these four days Clover Hill will say thank you for your dedication to Clover Hill wines and offer a 28% discount on your wine purchase for its 28 years of business as a winery. This is the best time ever to stock your wine cellar with Clover Hill wine. 

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – This year they will feature "Cruisin Cuisine by Christine." Christine will offer fried ravioli amongst other tasty treats for purchase, and several vendors will be set up to satisfy your urge to splurge and shop. They will offer walking tours of the vineyard and winery at noon and 2 p.m., where you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know from vine to vin and more. They will provide complimentary tastings and offer wine by the glass.  Please contact the winery for groups over 10 to make a reservation.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Pit Boss Wes, owner of Smoky Mutts Barbeque, will be selling authentic southern style BBQ. The winery’s mascot, Clemens the dog, gives Wes, his wife Lan, and all their mouth wateringly tender BBQ cuisine two paws up.  http://www.smokymutts.com/ Tractor and Wagon Tours will be offered departing at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. through the vineyards and down to the wine cellar. Tours are weather permitting and free.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - will be celebrating Harvest Weekend with their annual "Blues in the Barn." They will feature Mike Dugan and the Blues Mission from noon - 3 p.m. and The James Supra Blues Band from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the Sarah Ayers Band will perform from 2 - 5 p.m. Both days they will have barbecue prepared by Maison Blanc. Wine by the glass or bottle will be available along with soda and water. Come early to get a seat.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - will partner with Pappy’s Orchard of Coopersburg, a fellow PA Preferred vendor from Macungie Farmers Market and pair their Gala apples with a Sugar ‘n Spice Caramel Apple Dip mix (locally made and sold at the winery) with their semi-sweet Riesling. Riesling is their Wine of the Month for September and priced at 10% off. They will offer free Winemaker Tours of the vineyard and wine cellar Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.