Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Annual Harvest Weekend event celebrates viticulture, winemaking and farming

As summer winds down, harvest season begins at the nine locally owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. It’s the time of year when all of spring and summer’s hard work pays off for these farmers. The grapes they have grown are removed from the vine and their juices extracted for fermenting into the 2016 vintage.

On Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11, the wineries will celebrate the grape harvest with the Wine Trail’s annual Harvest Weekend event during which they will welcome wine lovers for a variety of different activities at each winery such as tastings, vineyard and winery tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment. They 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. (See below for a list of activities.) Visit www.HarvestWeekendLVWT.com for complete event details.

Event hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.  Harvest Weekend is a free event, however each winery sets its own fee policy for wine tastings, live music, and vineyard and winery tours. Please refer to each winery’s web site for details.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a nonprofit 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. For more information, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

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HARVEST WEEKEND 2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Amore Vineyards, Nazareth - will pair cheese tortellini in a tomato and basil sauce with Cabaret Amore.

Big Creek Vineyard, Kresgeville - will showcase locally grown fruit from Heckman Orchards as well as will have a cheese selection for tasting.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – now that fall is in swing, the winery will feature food and wine pairing ideas for the big football game. Culinary Experience Catering will offer homemade mac and cheese bites and mini meatball sliders paired with their 2015 White Merlot. On Saturday, Jordan White will perform live from 1-4 pm (no reservations needed; free). For Sunday Blues, the Sarah Ayers and James Supra Quartet will perform from 2-5 pm (reservations preferred; $5 admission). Guests are welcome to take a self-guided tour through the vineyard.

Clover Hill Vineyards, Breinigsville - Bleiler's Produce Patch will have a farm stand with a supply of farm fresh, organic produce for purchase. In addition, the winery will be celebrating its 31st anniversary and offering a 31% discount on all wines from September 8-11.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – will welcome back fall with the return of its spiced pumpkin wine Potion X to the wine list, and will also be releasing a brand new cinnamon hard cider called Fire. Pumpkin-Rumtini's featuring Potion X and Social Still’s brand new Spiced Rum will be available to sample or to enjoy by the glass. Kendra’s Buttercup Bakery’s brand new food truck will sell their fantastic baked goods. Other local products such as honey and apple butter will be for sale as well. Tours will be offered at noon and 2 pm all weekend.

Galen Glen, Andreas - will feature “Taste the Grape, Taste the Wine.” Experience the flavors of their featured grape and follow it up with a taste of the finished wine. Walking tours will occur both days at 1 pm. Plus, locally sourced gourmet cheese, honey, and fruit plates will be available for purchase.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - will partner with La Cocina Mexicana from Kutztown. Sal will prepare chicken chimichangas with either salsa verde or salsa rojo and sour cream and guacamole. This savory delight will be paired with either the winery’s newly released Dry Rose (75% Chambourcin and 25% Cabernet Franc), or its slightly sweet Traminette.

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor - will highlight their partnership with Two Rivers Brewing Company of Easton, a farm-to-table restaurant, and their squash bisque, which will be paired with their 2015 Lilly wine. A seasonal beer from Two Rivers will be for sale by the pint and free samples of beer brewed at Tolino Vineyards will be available to taste. The Chris Cummings Jazz Trio will perform on Saturday, and The Moon Dogs will perform on Sunday.  

Vynecrest, Breinigsville - Stuffed to the Grills, a PA Preferred food truck, will be at Vynecrest 11 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday with their delicious menu including brie bites with raspberry sauce. In addition, the winery will have samples of pumpkin whoopie pies paired with their Autumn Gold wine, and also available for purchase.

Taste the Grape, Taste the Wine this weekend at Galen Glen

It's harvest time. Have you ever thought about the grapes that make your favorite wines? Join us this weekend for a unique opportunity to taste a grape varietal being harvested this week along with the last vintage of the wine made from that grape.

Weekends during the harvest season, Galen Glen Winery is offering a unique tasting experience for their visitors.  On Saturdays and Sundays in late-September and early-October, the winery is inviting customers to "Taste the Grape, Taste the Wine" by sharing the fruits of their harvest with winery visitors.

Tasting Room Manager Kathy Matson notes, "often when drinking wine one does not think about the actual grape varietal that makes the wine. Not only are we giving our visitors the opportunity to think about the grapes, but we are offering the grape as part of the tasting."

Each weekend during harvest, the winery will offer a sample grape of the varietals being harvested that week along with a complimentary taste of the wine that is produced from that varietal.  

Tour Time

Join us Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm for a guided walking tour of the vineyard. Walking tours are about one hour and one mile in length. You will meander through the vines, to our crush pad and wine cellar and then return to the tasting room. Tours are complimentary and reservations are not required.  We do suggest sturdy footwear.  Tours are given weather permitting. Tours are complimentary, and no reservations are required.

Future tour dates -  October 3 & 4 and 10 & 11

Galen Glen Winery
255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas, PA 18211

Are you following on Facebook? Enter our "Fan Friday" contest by Saturday, September 26 to win a new Evolution of Wine T-shirt.  Winner and some big news to be announced on Sunday, September 27.

Vynecrest September wine specials, new wine releases, and harvest update

Harvest update - Traminette has been picked and is in the winery fermenting, and we’ve also finished picking the Pinot Gris and Cayuga. We picked Pinot Noir and crushed it to become a Pinot Noir Dry Rose.

What's new - We have recently released the 2014 Lemberger, Vynecrest White, Vynecrest Red and Riesling.

September Specials 

* Wine of the Month - Summertime Red, additional 10% off 

* Three pack of the month - 3 First Blush for $25

*at winery only, 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts.

September 27 - Vineyard & Winery Tour and Jazz Sunday

Vineyard and Winery tour begins at noon. $5 per person. Tour should wrap up just in time to enjoy some live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm.

Glass Half Empty by Sam Landis

We started our 39th harvest here at Vynecrest this week and let me tell you there is nothing so romantic, poetic and inspiring as picking, pressing and fermenting the first grapes from a new year's vintage....booooooring.....let's take a quick peak into what "harvest" really is.

Yes, of course there is some inner beauty of growing and producing a future wine right from your own soil. There is the change of seasons and the maturation of the vines from spring through fall. There is the reward of all the hours spent in trying to fine tune 25 acres of grapes each plot of vineyard needing its own specific blueprint. There is the marrying of minds between the Vineyard Manager John and the Winemaker Malachi. There are notes, numbers, graphs and data to ensure the when that stem is clipped and that bunch of grapes falls into our press we have done the best we can for that future wine.

Then there is the other 90 percent of harvest which entails doing the same thing over and over and over. Once all of the intellectual capital is expended harvest really is all about shutting your mind off and becoming a robot. Set up, pick up, lift up, stack up, clean up, repeat. Mind you, this is not that terrible a thing in the least. You would be amazed at how quickly 10-12 hours disappears when you are not tethered to your iPhone, iPad or laptop (which I am as guilty of as anyone). It's actually incredibly liberating and lends itself to the best eight weeks of every year.

When a telemarketer calls to try and set up a meeting I tell them "Sorry, it's harvest season." 

Trash night at my house... "Sorry, it's harvest season." 

Can you do a special free tasting for our club, you will get such great exposure... "Sorry, it's harvest season." 

Sam, you are up on this month's newsletter write up... "Sorry, it's harvest season."

60 percent of the time it works every time.

Tolino Vino Fall Fest and Fundraiser set for September 26 in Bangor

Tolino Vino Fall Fest and Fundraiser – an inaugural festival and fundraiser featuring Tolino Vineyards’ wine, spectacular live music and tasty treats from local food trucks – makes its debut on Saturday, September 26 from noon to 7 p.m. at Tolino Vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting, live music, and wagon tours, and purchase wine and sangria by the glass and food from the TÄZA Truck and the Aioli Truck. Take in the fall sights and sounds of the vineyard while stomping grapes barefoot.  

The musical lineup will start with the Cherry Hill Duo at noon, followed by Scott Marshall and Marshall’s Highway, The Brummy Brothers, Matt Wheeler and Vintage Heart, The Wallace Brothers  and ending with Tom Vicario. Each artist brings their own signature musical style ranging from bluegrass, to singer-songwriter, to rock n’ roll.

A percentage of all wines sales will be donated to the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley in the name of Anna Mae Becker. Mandy Tolino said "The reason we’re having the event is to honor Anne Mae Becker, our cousin who passed away from cancer. Anne Mae loved sharing a glass of wine with her family and would have loved this event.  It’s going to be a great day.”

Tolino Vino Fall Fest and Fundraiser tickets are now on sale starting at $10 per person and include a seven-hour music experience from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m, a wine tasting and hayride tour. Now through Friday, Sept 25, save $5 on all tickets purchased in advance. Guests under 5 years of age are free, and ages 5-20 and designated drivers are only $5. Advance tickets are encouraged as there will be an additional $5 charge on all tickets purchased on the day of the festival.

To purchase tickets visit www.tolinovineyards.com/specevent.html, call 610-588- WINE, or visit Tolino Vineyards during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 1 - 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon - 6 p.m.)

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for lawn seating. In the event of rain, the event will be moved inside the tank room and under a tent.
 
Artist lineup:
• Noon:  Cherry Hill Duo - country/top40
• 1:10     Scott Marshall and Marshall’s Highway -  Americana/southern rock/country
• 2:20     Brummy Brothers - bluegrass
• 3:30     Matt Wheeler and Vintage Heart - folk/indie
• 450      Wallace Brothers - folk/country
• 6:00     Tom Vicario  - oldies/country/top40
 
Food truck vendors:
• TÄZA Truck -  Egyptian inspired cuisine
• Aioli Truck - American cuisine

Tolino Vineyards offers a unique setting for this outdoor festival with majestic views of the vineyard and mountains. The winery has won numerous awards for wine, including Double Gold and Governor's Cup at the Pennsylvania Farm Show for their Cabernet Franc. Parking is complimentary.

Get ready to stomp those grapes at Blue Mountain Vineyards!

The 2015 harvest is almost ready! You know what that means? It's time for the Picking Party and Grape Stomp at Blue Mountain Vineyards! 

The first dates for the 2015 Harvest Picking Party and Grape Stomp are scheduled. We offer a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, wine tasting, and a lot of fun! Pick grapes in the morning and stomp them in the afternoon.

There's no cost to participate. Great for groups, wine clubs, book clubs, parties, family time, and more. Starts at 9 am sharp. Dress in comfy clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

DATES:

• Saturday, September 19
• Sunday, September 20
• Saturday, September 26
• Sunday, September 27

Call or email the winery to schedule a reservation now. Phone: 610-298-3068. 

Email: info@bluemountainwine.com

Pinnacle Ridge to host Sparkling Wine Tasting Event for Case Club Members

Our 2013 Syrah will be the last vintage. So if it is one of your favorites come by and get a case while supplies last.

Case Club Sparkling Wine Tasting Event
Sunday, August 16 from 3-5:30 pm
Please call or e-mail to set up a reservation - 610-756-4481 or pinnacle_ridge_winery@yahoo.com

Sparkling wine tasting in the wine loft with the owner/winemaker Brad Knapp. Brad will be hosting a casual but informative wine tasting of domestic sparkling wines from the East and West coasts for the case club members who are not only thirsty for wine but for some wine knowledge. Topics of discussion will include production methods of sparkling wine and some comparisons of East coast and West coast sparkling wines. There will also be a preview of some Pinnacle Ridge sparkling wines, including the Cuvée, currently in process to give you some insight into the transformation of still wine into sparkling wine.

Live Music in the Barn
Featuring The Sterling Koch Band
Saturday, August 8 from 2-5 pm

Sit and relax on our couches in the barn or stand up and dance! We will be selling light food. Enjoy a bottle of wine starting at $12 or a glass of wine for $4. Visit The Sterling Koch band to check out their music.

Sterling Koch is an internationally recognized lap steel guitarist who performs a high energy mix of danceable, Texas style, roots/rock music containing both cover (from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s) and original songs. Sterling Koch’s music is informed by his influences of George Thorogood, ZZ Top, and the soaring slide guitar sound of Duane Allman.

(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.)

Live Music in the Barn
Featuring Brosky & Meyer
Saturday, August 22 from 2-5 pm

Lehigh Valley icon, Steve Brosky teams up with Jimmy Meyer Extraordinaire (honorably mentioned in “the rock n’ roll hall of fame” With corporate band “The Difference”.) From the very start they had “it”, call it chemistry, ying and yang or peanut butter and jelly… Steve brings that bluesy/gravely voice and Jimmy, well Jimmy brings “it” on the guitar! Hearing Steve’s song in this setting is like sitting on the writing session and saying they “cover” other peoples songs…it’s more like they wake em’ songs up and get outta bed! So what ya got here is your basic American roots music with a edge of entertainment, the way it was meant to be…from the heart and the head! Steve and Jimmy have have opened for B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Monty Montgomery, Leon Rusell, Robin Trower, and The DoughBoys.

Sit and relax on our couches in the barn or stand up and dance! We will be selling light food. Enjoy a bottle of wine starting at $12 or a glass of wine for $4.

(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.)

Upcoming Events In September

Blues in the Barn Weekend

September 5
Matt Roman and The Heard
Noon - 3 P.M.

The James Supra Band
4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

September 6
The BC Combo
2 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Franklin Hill makes its Evanswood wine even better

Same great look, great new flavor

We've re-created a classic! That's right. Evanswood may look the same but don't let that fool you - it's completely different. Out went the smokey and in came the spicy with notes of blackberry, fig and plum.

Evanswood is now a blend of Noiret, Merlot and Cayuga grapes all aged and oaked separately. No worries - it's still a complex, bold red that will stand up beautifully to any steak or stew.

Yoga in the Vineyard
September 21 at 10 am

We were disappointed to cancel our last Yoga event, so we decided to have one more. We again will join forces with Silver Kim, owner of Kula Heart Yoga in Bethlehem, to create this sell out event. Silver will lead us in an hour of restorative and empowering yoga amongst the beauty and peace of the vineyard.

Once we've found our zen we'll meet on the deck for a light buffet style brunch, as always, complete with cocktails. A tour will follow at noon for those interested. Call the winery today to reserve your patch of grass. 610-588-8708 Bring your own mat. $20 per person-includes yoga, brunch, wine tasting and tour.

Free Friday Happy Hour

Every Friday between 4-6 pm (at the winery between 3-5 pm) 

Every Friday at all of our locations we host Happy Hour. Stop by our Easton, Bethlehem, and Tannersville location between 4-6 pm and the winery 3-5 pm. Each week there is unique mixed drinks and food samples that we all can use at the end of a hard week. As always it is free. 

Vynecrest begins grape harvest

The grapes are coming in! Recently we picked Geisenheim that we use for our Riesling blend, as well as Vignoles and Seyval Blanc. The harvest has been great so far. Next week we will likely pick Pinot Grigio. We started off a little slow this year in terms of ripening but the weather is finally cooperating.

September Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Dry Riesling, additional 10% off
* Three pack of the month - 3 First Blush for $30

*at winery only, 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts

Upcoming Events
September 18 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

September 25 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

September 28 - Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm, and Vineyard and Winery Tour at noon, $5 per person

Glass Half Empty

Is summer over? Really over? It went by so quickly. 

It’s September, back to school and work, and around here that means Harvest with a capital H. And it’s already started. Yes, we harvested our Geisenheim grapes on August 28. Geisenheim who? It’s a German Riesling hybrid grape which, when blended with our Riesling, adds that necessary bit of acidity which gives our Dry Riesling and our semi-sweet Riesling wines a special added tartness and grapefruit taste.

Also, being one of the earliest grapes to ripen, it attracts those nasty black birds who come looking to spoil our harvest. So by harvesting this grape early, we hope to encourage them to go elsewhere to eat. Meanwhile the rest of the vineyard has a chance to ripen even more.

This is a very special time of year for us as we kick off vintage 2014! We hope to see you soon.

For more information, visit www.vynecrest.com

Winery in Breinigsville - Open seven days a week, 11 am - 5 pm
Vynecrest on Main in Kutztown - Open seven Days a week, noon - 6 pm

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

VINEYARD TOURS, WINE TASTINGS, AND PA PREFERRED PARTNERS COMBINE FOR ANNUAL HARVEST WEEKEND EVENT

Harvest season is when all of the spring and summer’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 2014 vintage to be unveiled later this fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, the nine winery members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the grape harvest with its annual Harvest Weekend event during which they 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. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.



HARVEST WEEKEND 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - The winery will pair Cabaret Amore with eggplant Parmesan.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Big Creek will showcase fresh fruit from its neighbors at Heckman Orchard along with a sampling of its owner’s favorite cheeses.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – Blue Mountain will partner on Saturday and Sunday with Sweet Finesse, which will offer samples of their unique and artistic handmade chocolate treats and baked goods, as well as items for purchase. Also on Saturday, they will have complimentary live entertainment by Adam Motto from 1 - 4 pm. For Sunday Blues, the acoustic duo Cheek 2 Cheek will perform from 2 - 5 pm ($5 admission). During their visit, guests may take a self-guided walking tour of the vineyard.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – The winery is proud to celebrate 29 years in business. As a thank you for your continued support the owners will extend a 29 percent discount on all wines for 29 years of business at all Clover Hill locations.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – Franklin Hill Vineyards will feature a Sangria Bar with a variety of their favorite sangrias from their Friday night Happy Hours. They will also have light snacks and cheese plates for sale as well as tours at noon and 2 pm.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Celebrate the beauty and bounty of the season. On Saturday the Happy Pita food truck will stop by. On Sunday the Love Hot Dog Co. team will offer their gourmet sausages and dogs, fantastic toppings and lemonade. Plan to purchase a snack to enjoy with a glass of wine while drinking in the spectacular autumn views.

September Vineyard Tours: join the winery’s owners for a complimentary, enlightening walking tour of the vineyard and wine cellar. Tours depart from the tasting room at noon. Please wear sturdy footwear. No reservations required. Tours are held weather permitting.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - The winery will be featuring its 2013 Traminette paired with a local bratwurst with apple cranberry chutney. They will also feature the popular 2013 Quaff with a toasted baguette, local cheese and tomato herb bruschetta topping.

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor - The winery will have live music by Tom Vicario on Saturday from 1 - 4 pm and live music by Joe Benkovic on Sunday from 1 – 4 pm. They will offer vineyard tours at 2 and 4 pm both days. Food pairing will feature local produce from the Easton Farmers Market. They will also pair ginger gold apples with Chardonnay and various soft cheeses from Iron Stone Creamery will be paired with Pinot Grigio and Chambourcin.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - Vynecrest Winery will pair their newly released estate wine, Late Harvest Vidal, with slices of banana roll with cream cheese icing from Hereford Country Store, a fellow Macungie Farmers Market vendor - a Buy Fresh Buy Local market. There will be winemaker tours of the vineyard and wine cellars both Saturday and Sunday at noon, which are open to the public and free of charge.

Blues in the Barn to rock Pinnacle Ridge this weekend

Blues in the Barn Weekend

Pinnacle Ridge Winery will host the annual Blues in the Barn Weekend on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. On Saturday, beginning at noon, The James Supra Blues Band will take the stage to kick off the weekend led by the best harmonica player in the Lehigh Valley. For more information on the James Supra Blues Band and to hear some of their tracks, check out their website  www.jamessuprabluesband.com/

Later that day, Dugan Thomas will take the stage with their blues/jam band style. So, come on out and enjoy some of the Valley's best live performers and some award-winning loacl wines! For more information on Dugan Thomas and some of their tracks, check out their website  www.mikedugan.com/dugan-thomas-2/

On Sunday, we will pick right up where we left off with The BC Combo. This group of Lehigh Valley legends will bring years of performance experience and their signature blend of blues styles to our stage in the barn from 2-5 pm. We will also feature slow-cooked full pigs, compliments of Windy Acres BBQ from nearby Fleetwood, PA all weekend long. Parking will be limited, but there is additional parking available on Jay Ln. and alongside Old Rt. 22.

**Please Note: We have changed some of our policies for Blues in the Barn. This year, the Tasting Room will operate normal hours and with our normal $5 refundable tasting fee. However, for those wishing to stay and enjoy some wine on the property and check out the bands, we will have a $5 cover fee that will include a souvenir Blues in the Barn glass that will serve as your ticket to the event.

Case Club Members who show their Case Club Membership Card will have the $5 fee waived and receive a complimentary Blues in the Barn glass. Case Club Members are also invited to welcome guests to this special event weekend. *Limit four glasses for the Blues in the Barn Event*

New wine release

This month we will be transitioning into some new vintages of some of your favorite wines. We will be saying good-bye to the 2012 Naked Chardonnay and introducing the 2013 Naked Chardonnay this week. The 2013 is an excellent vintage and is displaying ample fruit notes.

Open House Concert Series

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting Serene Green on Saturday, September 20. The group will bring the mix of folk and bluegrass tunes to the barn from 2-5 pm. Come out and enjoy the show with some award-winning local wines. No cover charge. Call for details (610) 756-4481.

Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker
September 13 & 14

When fall rolls around, it’s time to kick off harvest season. The members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate with their annual Harvest Weekend event. The nine wineries will welcome wine lovers for tastings, as well as food and wine pairings.

The wineries will also proudly promote the state’s PA Preferred program by partnering with producers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. At Pinnacle Ridge, we will be featuring our 2013 Traminette paired with a local bratwurst smothered our Apple Cranberry Chutney. We will also be featuring our always popular 2013 Quaff with a toasted baguette, local cheese and our Tomato Herb Bruschetta topping.

Labor Day Weekend fun at Galen Glen

Tours, Additional Holiday Hours, Food and Wine

Saturday, August 30, 10 am - 5 pm
Food on the Roll with Ellen's Edibles will be at the vineyard offering menu items like mac n' cheese, flounder stuffed with crab meat, chicken piccata and shrimp scampi to name a few. Plan to enjoy a glass of wine and some lunch while drinking in our breathtaking views.

Want to see and know more about how your wine gets from vine, to bottle, to your home? We will be offering one walking tour of the vineyard and wine cellar each day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at noon.  Tours are complimentary, held weather permitting, and we suggest sturdy foot wear (sneakers, boots, etc.).

 
Sunday, August 31 - noon - 5 pm
Come and enjoy a relaxing day at the winery. We will offer one tour at noon. You may purchase a glass of wine or cheese to enjoy while taking in the pre-harvest beauty of our vines. Or join our staff and other wineries at The Schuylkill County Wine Festival.

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day - 11 am - 4 pm
We will have special holiday hours on Labor Day. Enjoy one walking tour at noon, stock up for your end of summer picnic, or enjoy a picnic on one of our patios.

Crooked Stick Red is back
Have you missed this combination of Chambourcin with splashes of our other red wines? For those who have been asking "When is Crooked Stick coming back?" it has returned and is available on the wine bar for tasting this weekend. In 2013, Crooked Stick debuted in August and was sold out by December. Don't miss your opportunity to taste this ever-popular wine. This wine pairs well with grilled foods, BBQ, sausage, bacon, and cheese steaks.

In the news
Since being named Best Woman Winemaker by the International Women's Wine Competition in California, Sarah has been very busy, not just making wine, but meeting with various media outlets to discuss everything from her award to vineyard conditions. We would like to thank everyone who has visited and shared our story.

In case you are out of the viewing area, Sharon Gaeta from our NBC affiliate WBRE in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton stopped by to chat with Sarah. View that story here. We also welcomed Mary E. Young from The Reading Eagle.  You can read her article here. Keep watching the news because in mid-September Jennifer Glose's article will appear in Lehigh Valley Business.

Sarah is ever so humble and always credits the entire crew at Galen Glen for her success. We, the staff, never stop being inspired by her and Galen, their tenacity, strong work ethic and passion for creating internationally award-winning wines.

Summer white wine sale continues at Tolino; custom wine bottle labels now available

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with local wine and our new patriotic sangria recipe:

Red, White & Blue Sangria  
2 bottles of Tolino Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay
½ lb of strawberries
1 sliced pear
1 sliced plum
2 oz of triple sec
2 oz of vanilla vodka
24 ounces sparkling water
¼ cup of sugar

Harvest Weekend - September 13 and 14
Visit us at the winery on Saturday, September 13 from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, September 14 from noon - 5 pm to celebrate the annual Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Harvest Weekend event. We welcome wine lovers for tastings, vineyard tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment. We will also  promote the state's Pennsylvania Preferred program by partnering with producers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality.

Custom Wine Bottle Labels
We now offer custom labels. Use our graphics, or customize it with your own photo. We can print almost anything. Call us or email mandy@tolinovineyards.com for more details.

Summer White Sale Continues
Save on all 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase 1 bottle for 15% off, 6 bottles for 25% off, and a case is 50% off. What a great deal on delicious wine that is perfect for end of summer sipping.

Taste of the Trail video
It seems we have a YouTube star on staff at Tolino Vineyards. Nope, it's not the water-skiing squirrel, or the laughing baby. Its the owner, Carl, in the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Taste of the Trail video. Check it out here and learn about how we got started.

Easton Farmers' Market Weyerbacher Wednesdays
It is so much fun and so delicious to participate in Weyerbacher Wednesday at the Easton Farmers' Market. We are at the market from 4 - 8 pm through September in Centre Square. We love being a part of the local food movement. Hope to see you next week.

Weekend events and a winemaker's dinner coming up at Galen Glen

So Long Summer Slushies

Saturday, August 23 - 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, August 24 - noon - 5 pm

As the final full month of Summer is coming to a close, we must bid a fond adieu or Auf Wiedersehen to our famous wine slushies. This will be the final weekend to enjoy a complimentary taste of our Wine Glace slushy on the wine bar or purchase your own glass for $4 to enjoy while drinking in our spectacular views. Slushies will be served each day as supplies last. We will continue to carry the slushy mix so you can make this frozen concoction at any of your upcoming gatherings.

Food On The Roll with Ellen's Edibles Returns
Saturday, August 30 - 10 am - 5 pm

Ellen puts her special loving spin on comfort food. If you visited the winery in early August when Ellen first brought her truck to us, we're sure you have heard the rave reviews of the chicken wrap and mac 'n cheese.

Plan to join us that day and enjoy a walking tour at noon. Then grab a great comfort food lunch to pair with your wine and ponder the things you learned during the tour.

August 31
Visit us at the Schuylkill County Wine Festival, featuring local wines, a delicious variety of food and entertainment.

Winemaker's Dinner
Thursday, September 4 at The Broadway Grille in Jim Thorpe

If you missed the last dinner at The Broadway, don't feel bad, you have another chance to experience an evening of great wine, food and ambiance. Chef Zoraida Rivera and her staff have planned a very special menu and seats are filling fast. The Broadway is located next to The Historic Inn at Jim Thorpe and special wine dinner rates are available should you choose to make a night of it.

Grape harvest 2013 begins at Vynecrest

The grapes are starting to come in. Recently we picked Seyval Blanc and a grape named Geisenheim that we use for our Riesling blend. Now we are picking Vignoles, Chardonnay and Traminette. The harvest has been great so far. Soon we will pick Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.

It was a big week for Vynecrest at the Great Allentown Fair. Once again, John Landis was a chocolate cake judge, and then on September 1 we participated in the Great Grape Stomp along with Clover Hill Winery.

Our team was the politicians - Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Lehigh County Commissioner Percy Daugherty, Lehigh County Executive Matt Croslis, and Pa. Rep Gary Day, who stomped against Clover Hill's team of media representatives. It was a very close finish with the slight edge going to Clover Hill. It was all in good fun to emphasize the importance the impact of our local Lehigh Valley wineries have on Pa. agriculture and local business and industry in the Valley. The stomp was followed up by a cupcake tasting with our Cherry Divyne wine.

September Specials 

• Wine of the Month - Riesling, additional 10% off 
• Three pack of the month - 3 Vynecrest Red for $30

(at winery only; three pack can't be combined with other discounts)

Upcoming Events

• September 19 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• September 26 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• September 29 - Jazz Sunday - Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm
• October 3 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm

Glass Half Empty
by Sam Landis

Harvest.. September usually signals a lot of similar thoughts to many people. Back to school. End of summer. The beginning of football. But for me, for the last 30 years of my life, September has always meant one thing - harvest.

We began picking grapes recently, in what is now the 36th harvest at Vynecrest Winery. Some things have changed such as grape varieties, equipment, people, and vineyards. Some things have not changed such as paper, rock, scissors between Malachi and I to see who picks up the heavy lugs. Stupid fights with my dad over how to hook up hoses. Cold Miller lights at 7 p.m. as my mom brings us appetizers while we clean up.

But the biggest change at harvest at Vynecrest is that we are starting to look differently at what picking grapes really means. For years we would look at the grapes as grapes and see how we could grow the best possible grapes and then see how we could make the best possible wines from those grapes. Now, this is not the worst blueprint in the world, mind you, as it has served us well for many years.

But, recently in the last few years we have started working backwards. All grapes have their own identity (Ph, TA, Sugar, Tannin,), and that all stops once you make that final snip of the stem and they fall into the press. So we have started to work off the wine we want to make first as the determination of when we pick the grapes. Some of our wines are better served with higher Ph or lower acid or higher alcohol or lower alcohol, and these decisions are made in the vineyard and not the wine cellar.

There is still a lot to learn and we still make mistakes, but we are getting better and better every year and that is a pretty cool thing to be a part of and a very rewarding thing.

But I still like that some things never change. We are picking Chardonnay now so I am looking forward to a couple cold Miller Lights tonight at 7 p.m. with some snacks, waiting for the beginning of football... ah, harvest.

Pick and stomp grapes this weekend at Blue Mountain Vineyards

ANNUAL PICKING PARTY & GRAPE STOMP

September 21 and 22 and also 28 and 29 the fun begins at 9 a.m. with danish and coffee. Join us in the vineyard for a morning of picking grapes, taking pictures and just having fun. At noon we will gather at the winery for a wine tasting and you may choose a wine for your complimentary glass with your barbecue lunch.

After lunch we will show the classic "I Love Lucy" TV episode while you enjoy a make-your-own ice cream sundae. Then we head out to the deck for our grape stomp, complete with peasant dresses. (There is no charge for this event.)

Remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring work gloves too. This is an adults-only event. Call today to reserve your spot for this fun-filled day in the vineyard. We may also do it on October 5 and 6 if the is enough interest. Like us on Facebook for updates.

Join us for live entertainment from 2 - 5 p.m. every Sunday:

• Sept. 22      Scott Marshall
• Sept. 29      Jake Kalegis and Mike Rauscher's Dynamic Duo

Look for us at these farmers markets!

• Bala Cynwyd - Thursdays 2:30 - 6:30 pm
• Ottsville - Fridays 4 - 8 pm
• Rittenhouse - Saturdays 9 am - 3 pm
• Saucon Valley - Sundays 9 am - 1 pm
• Emmaus - Sundays 10 am - 2 pm

September events at Galen Glen Winery

Tractor and Wagon Tours of the Vineyard and Cellar

Saturday & Sunday, September 14 & 15
Sunday, September 22
Sunday, October 6

Enjoy a tractor and wagon tour of the vineyard on each of the above dates listed. No reservations are required. Tours are weather permitting and depart the tasting room at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. As you ride through the vineyard to the cellar you will learn about the grapes, how we harvest, then once in the cellar, how your wine is created and goes from vine to bottle. You might even get a glimpse of our Hollywood connection. Be sure to ask Galen about it during the tour.

Our final walking tour of the vineyard will take place on Sunday, October 13. Walking tours are complimentary and don't require reservations. Walking tours give a more intimate view of the vineyard and time to speak with the winemaker. This tour will be given weather permitting and we ask that you wear sturdy foot gear.

Smoky Mutts - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Harvest Weekend - the Butcher, the Baker, the Winemaker 

Authentic Southern BBQ available for purchase on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 from  noon - 5 p.m.

Pitt Boss Wes and his crew from Smoky Mutts return with their fantastic, authentic southern BBQ and fixins. You don't want to miss this. Plan to stop by the winery and purchase a glass of wine to enjoy with lunch or an early dinner. In the past, Wes has served everything from pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and lamb. Come see what this weekend's menu features. Plan also to enjoy the cornbread and cole-slaw, more Galen Glen staff favorites.

Love Hot Dog Company & The Lemonade Brothers

Sunday, September 22 and Sunday, October 13, from noon - 5 p.m.

Jason makes his monthly pilgrimage to the mountains bringing his fantastic gourmet sausages and dogs. If you haven't come to the winery when Love Hot Dog Company is there, you don't know what you are missing. Jason serves everything from 100% beef to wild-game sausages and has the best home-made toppings. Be sure to ask about bacon jam. It's a Galen Glen staff favorite. All items are available for purchase while supplies last, come early so you won't miss out. Plan your visit now; you don't even need to pack a picnic on these dates!

Medals, Medals, Medals

Many of you may have seen the articles in the paper, spots on TV, and our Facebook and Twitter updates. Galen Glen has received many medals in the past month or so.

First there was the Riesling winning a double-gold and the Stone Cellar Riesling winning a Gold at Riverside. In addition we also received silver and bronze on the other wines entered. Then the Winter Mountain White won a Gold medal in the Finger Lakes competition. Again everyone we entered received either a gold, silver or bronze medal.

Last month Sarah received two silver medals for our Stone Cellar Chambourcin and Stone Cellar Cabernet Franc at the 2013 Women of Wine Competition in California. Later this month the Stone Cellar Gruner Veltliner will be judged at the Six-Nations Wine Competition in Australia. This is an invitation-only competition where a mere 100 wines from the US are selected. We are honored that one of them is ours. The results from that competition will not be announced until October.

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.

Franklin Hill Vineyards fills September with special events and festivals

Dinner in the Vineyard
October 11 at 6 p.m.

We are proud to be partnering with Valenca to bring you this extraordinary dining event. Valenca's top chef will be preparing a four course, candle-lit dinner for you to enjoy while surrounded by our beautiful vineyards. When you arrive you'll enjoy cocktails and light appetizers on the deck before entering the vineyard for an evening you'll never forget. $120 per couple. Call 610-332-WINE to make your reservations. Tables are limited. Call today.

Vegfest
September 7 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Calling all Vegans, Vegetarians and anyone else who is looking for healthy and delicious food options. Vegfest offers free admission, free food sampling, free presentations, and a great family friendly environment. Franklin Hill Vineyards will be there too selling wine by the glass.

Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival
September 7 and 8 from noon - 6 p.m.

We're all packed up and heading out to Gettysburg for one of our favorite festivals. Join us and over 25 other PA wineries, local artisans and musicians for a weekend of fun.

Cupcakes and Wine
September 21 at 3 p.m.

Come savor the flavor of these sweet and sinful pairings. Sugar Babe Cupcakes will be bringing their sweet treats to pair with our wines and we can't wait for you to experience how well they match up! Call 610-332-WINE to make you reservations today!

Practice for Peace
10-11 a.m.

September 22 is known as Global Mala. On this day people around the globe will practice together for a cause.  Please join us, and the world, as we practice Yoga in the Vineyard. The proceeds will be donated to "KulaCares", a non-profit group created by the amazing Silver Kim to provide yoga and wellness free of charge for those less fortunate in our community. $15 per person includes light snacks and an hour of Yoga led by Silver Kim