Get to know... Janet Gaston of Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery

1.Which winery do you work for and how long have you worked there?

I have been working for Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery since March of 2008.  I work at the winery in Breinigsville and manage the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market wine shoppe.

2. What is your favorite wine that your winery makes, and why? What do you like to pair it with?

1. My current favorite at Clover Hill is the 2014 Chardonnay. It has a vibrant green apple fruitiness that is delicious, followed by a buttery oak finish. It pairs nicely with an Oriental chicken slaw, a mild curry dish, or veggie based salads with lots of avocado.
 
3.What is the most popular question you get asked by visitors about Lehigh Valley wine or wineries, and how do you answer it?
         
People often have lots of questions about the area growing season. Even locals are unsure and curious about the timeline. I tell them bud break usually occurs late-April or early-May, followed by flowering and at last fruit. By late-August or early-September our wine maker will keep a close eye on the sugar content of the many grape varietal grown. As each reaches a level he sees fit, they are hand picked. It's usually a six week effort at Clover Hill as there are four vineyards in the Lehigh Valley and two in Berks County.        

4. What do you like most about local, Lehigh Valley wine and wineries?

One of my favorite things about wineries in the Lehigh Valley is the special attention given to the Chambourcin grape. The fact that most wineries are producing a Chambourcin wine is fun. You are able to visit and try everyone’s unique style of wine making.

5. What is the one piece of advice you offer to wine lovers traveling along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail?

Weekends are a fun time to visit wineries. Lots of people are out enjoying the trail. Keep in mind, many wineries have weekday hours as well so you can enjoy a quieter tasting experience if you prefer.