REGION’S LESSER-KNOWN CHAMBOURCIN WINE GRAPE IS THE STAR OF THIS MONTH’S LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL EVENT

Wine drinkers know Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Grigio, but Chambourcin? The Lehigh Valley’s official wine grape may be lesser known amongst the more popular varieties, but it grows so well in the climate and soil of this region that it has become the only wine grape grown by all nine wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.

Local wine lovers can become familiar with it during the Chambourcin Weekend event on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. Each winery will feature its own activities such as wine tastings, live entertainment, vineyard tours, or food and wine pairings (see detailed list below). Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. (Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings, tours and/or entertainment.)

In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin that ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including nouveau, rosé, semi- sweet, sweet, dry barrel aged, sparkling and port.

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 www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND WINERY HIGHLIGHTS

Amore - will feature four styles of Chambourcin paired with rigatoni in red sauce.

Big Creek - will have its Regent (a European offspring of Chambourcin) ready to pair with treats from MMM Cookies.

Blue Mountain - On Saturday at noon there will be a chili contest where customers can sample chilis and judge which one is the best. They are also welcome to enter their chili into the contest. There will also be live music with Adam Motto from 1-4 pm (no reservations required).
On Sunday from noon – 5 pm is the Northampton County Open Gate Farm Tour, which will feature crafts available for children, and guided tours with the winemaker every half hour on the hour. From 2-5 pm is Sunday Blues with live music featuring the Octavia Blues Band. Advance reservations are required. $5 per person, includes wine tasting.

Clover Hill - will offer samples of two different Chambourcin wines - Turtle Rock Red and 2013 Chambourcin. In addition they will have samples and sales of freshly pressed Chambourcin grape juice (while supplies last).

Franklin Hill - will have a mulled wine bar with three varieties of mulled wine to sample and to purchase by the mug. Chef Phil from Social Still will be making his award-winning chili, which will also be available for purchase. They’ll have McCollians local honey for sale and Kendra’s Buttercup Bakery will be onsite with sweet treats as well as several other local vendors. Tours of our facility will be given at noon and 2 pm. Tastings of all of their wines, including the new Potion X Pumpkin Spice wine, will be available all day inside or outside under the new pavilion.

Galen Glen - will offer a complimentary pairing of their 2015 Chili Competition Winner, Brian Eager's Beef & Brisket Chili (recipe available) with a taste of Chambourcin or Cellar Red. Foodies who think they have what it takes to be the next celebrated chili champion can request an application to enter the third annual Chambourcin chili cook-off on January 16, 2016.

Pinnacle Ridge - will feature Windy Acres BBQ sauce made with the winery’s Chambourcin Wine drizzled over pulled pork and baked beans, paired with a choice of either the medal-winning Chambourcin Reserve or the Chambourcin Rose.

Tolino - will offer 2012 Chambourcin paired with vanilla bean bread pudding by Trixie’s Treats, whose food truck will be on site from noon – 4 pm for additional food purchases. Enjoy live music by Blue Hearts Revelry from 1-4 pm and wagon tours of the vineyard at 2 pm and 4 pm. On Sunday, Tolino will offer 2012 Chambourcin paired with Italian ring bologna and cheese from Communale’s Italian Market in Mt. Bethel.  Erin McClelland will perform live music from 1-4 pm and wagon tours will be at 2 pm and 4 pm.

Vynecrest - will partner with Vince’s Cheesesteaks, a Lehigh Valley tradition. They will pair their 2013 Estate-Bottled Chambourcin wine with a taste of “Mini Vinnies” steak sandwich. The meat in the steak sandwiches will be marinated in Chambourcin before they are grilled. The Vince’s Cheesesteak food truck will be at Vynecrest all day Saturday and Sunday with its full menu of chicken and beef cheesesteaks and other items for purchase.

Join us in 2015 for our six annual wine trail events!

We're excited to announce the following 2015 schedule of events. All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain and the Vino in the Valley Passport Program, which requires the purchase of a ticket and an event passport, respectively. Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m.

• Vino in the Valley – weekends only, March 7 – 29 – (formerly known as the March Passport Program) Customers purchase a $35 passport for access to wine and tasting-sized food pairings at each winery during the four weekends of March. Passports are stamped during each visit and are entered into a drawing for prizes. Passport holders also receive a wine backpack as this year’s gift. Passports are currently on sale at member wineries and online via Eventbrite.

• Spring Wine and Cheese Event – May 16 and 17 – Taking place mid-spring, this event has a “Wine and Cheese from Around the World” theme. Each winery will select one of its wines to pair with the perfect cheese from a different country and will offer complimentary tastings of the pairing to wine lovers who will explore how the texture, acidity, fat and tannin compliment or contrast each other. Guests will also learn tips to help them skillfully develop their own pairings.

• Wine on the Mountain – July 25 and 26 - Held at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, this wine festival includes wine sampling, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, light fare available for purchase, and live entertainment. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased in advanced at each winery or online, as well as at the door the days of the event.

• Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker – September 12 and 13 –The wineries proudly promote the state’s “Pennsylvania Preferred” program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities are featured.

• Chambourcin Weekend – October 17 and 18 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the “official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley,” the Chambourcin. It is the only wine grape grown by all nine of our member wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin, which ferment into 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile, and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including nouveau, rosé, semi-sweet, sweet, dry barrel aged, sparkling and port.

• Nouveau Weekend – November 21 and 22 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first wines from the new vintage. It’s also an opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner. 2016 Vino in the Valley passports go on sale this weekend.

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. www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com

Members include:
• Amoré Vineyards and Winery, Nazareth
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville
• Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli
• Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, Breinigsville
• Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor
• Galen Glen Vineyard and Winery, Andreas
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
• Tolino Vineyards, Bangor
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

The Lehigh Valley region is an official American Viticultural Area as designated by the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in April 2008. The Lehigh Valley AVA includes portions of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, Carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania. In order to receive the designation a least 85% of the grapes used to make local wines must be grown within the region. Wineries in the region are permitted to list “Lehigh Valley” as the growing region on their labels.

Blue Mountain celebrates fall with three themed events

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

October is, in our opinion, one of the most spectacular months of the year. Nature provides a fiery display of color. The greens and vivid colors of summer have been replaced with the rusts and orange hues of autumn. The vineyard is a beautiful place to visit in the fall months. There are plenty of activities to take part in or just relax and enjoy this cool, crisp, and beautiful month.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND
October 18 and 19

Celebrate Chambourcin Weekend, the grape known as the "Jewel of the Lehigh Valley," starting with a Chili Contest at noon on October 18. Come have lunch with us and judge the chilis while enjoying live acoustic entertainment with Adam Motto. Think your chili is the best? Call us at 610-298-3068 to enter your chili (details will be provided when you call).

On Sunday, October 19, enjoy our Sunday Blues with Billy Patrick from 2-5 p.m. ($5 Admission, includes tasting. Reservations preferred.) It's also the Lehigh County Open Gate Farm Tour on Sunday. There will be crafts available for the children and guided tours with the winemaker from noon - 5 p.m., every half hour on the hour.

HALLOWINE TASTING
October 25 from 5-9 p.m.

Everyone is invited to our Annual Hallowine Tasting. Come in costume to add to your fun. Prizes for best costumes and more. Enjoy our delicious wines while listening to live acoustic entertainment. Food such as chili, nachos, cheese, fresh baked bread and more will be available for purchase or bring your own snacks. Admission is $7.50 per person and includes a souvenir glass. Reservations are preferred.

ANNUAL GERMAN NIGHT
November 15 from 6-9 p.m.

Blue Mountain is alive with the sound of Germany! Join us in the celebration of German heritage. There will be authentic German food, music and dancing. Whether you can trace your family heritage back to Germany or you are looking for a fun night out, this event is sure to be a hit. Admission is $21.50 per person in advance or $25 at the door, and includes food and a souvenir glass. Reservations are preferred.

Tolino plans Halloween Happy Hour; white wine sale continues

It's that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and we are busy harvesting those glorious grapes. Pinot Grigio grapes were the first to be harvested this year.

We are now on Groupon offering discounted premier tastings and tours of the winery and vineyard. Learning how we grow the grapes and make the wine makes it taste even better. Purchase a groupon here.

Stop in to see us any day of the week. We are open Monday through Friday from 3 - 7 pm, and Saturday and Sunday noon - 6 pm. Visit us online at www.tolinovineyards.com or call us at 610.588.9463 for more information and to inquire about hosting your next event at Tolino Vineyards.

Harvest Season is here!
Harvest is by far the favorite time of year for the staff here at the winery. The weather has been cooperating and the grapes look, smell, and taste delicious. Harvest is the culmination after a long summer of pruning, and the satisfaction of cutting the vine to free the fruit, and watching it get pressed is unbeatable.

Upcoming Events

Northampton County Open Gate Farm Tour -  October 11 and 12, noon - 5 pm
Agriculture in Northampton County has many faces. Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to learn about local agriculture.  Bring your family, dress casually and enjoy the day talking with us and learning how your wine is produced. We will have  a small craft tent for the kids. 


"We love our School Staff Happy Hour"- October 17 from 3 - 6 pm
Join us in the tasting room and on the patio for school staff happy hour. 10% off bottles, $1 off glasses and light snacks with school employee ID. You can still join us if you don't work for a school, but you won't be eligible for the discount. 


Chambourcin Weekend - October 18 and 19

Stop by the winery on Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday from noon - 5 pm to celebrate the annual Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Chambourcin Weekend. We welcome wine lovers for tastings, vineyard  tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment. The Chambourcin grape is the official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley and will be celebrated all weekend. We will be offering food pairing with our Chambourcin, live music, cheese for sale from Klein's Farm in Easton, and tours at 2 pm and 4 pm.  


Halloween Happy Hour - October 24
Join us for some Halloween fun. We will be offering wine and candy pairings, bloody wine labels, spooky decor, and a fire pit.  Come in costume for a discount.          

White Sale

Our sale continues on 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.

LOCAL WINERIES TO CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL WINE GRAPE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY DURING CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND EVENT

The nine locally-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will introduce wine lovers to the region’s official wine grape during Chambourcin Weekend on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.  

Chambourcin is the only wine grape that is grown by all nine wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin that ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including Nouveau, Rosé, Semi- Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling and Port.

Each winery will feature its own activities such as wine tastings, live entertainment, vineyard tours, or food and wine pairings (see detailed list below). Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.

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 www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amore will pair beef ravioli with two styles of Chambourcin. Also, there will be family fun with hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, puzzle woods, straw pit with swings, and an array of fall fruits, vegetables and decorations for sale.

Big Creek will offer a taste of Milli's Famous Chili.

Blue Mountain - Celebrate Chambourcin Weekend, the grape known as the "Jewel of the Lehigh Valley" starting with a Chili Contest at noon on October 18. Have lunch and judge the chilis while enjoying live acoustic entertainment with Adam Motto. Think your chili is the best? Call 610-298-3068 to enter your chili (details will be provided when you call).

On Sunday, October 19, enjoy Sunday Blues with Billy Patrick from 2-5 pm ($5 admission includes tasting. Reservations are preferred.). It's also the Open Gate County Farm Tour on Sunday. There will be crafts available for the children and guided tours with the winemaker from noon – 5 pm, every half-hour on the hour.

Clover Hill will feature hourly wine and food pairing seminars at noon, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm both days. Join them in sampling an assortment of foods perfectly paired with our 2012 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (100% Chambourcin). Reservations are required for groups of 12+. Seminars will last approximately 20 minutes and samples are included.

Franklin Hill - Enjoy the beautiful colors and fresh crisp air of fall at their outdoor mulled wine bar. Wrap your hands around a glass of simmered and spiced wine on their deck while warming up with a bowl of chili from The Widow’s Tavern in Stockertown.  As always, complimentary wine tastings will be available in the tasting room. Tours of the facility will be offered at noon and 2 pm both days.  

Galen Glen - Join Galen Glen us as they commemorate the wines fermented from the Chambourcin grape. Enjoy a complimentary pairing of the 2014 Chili Contest Winner, Todd Keller’s recipe, with your choice of Chambourcin or Cellar Red. The recipe will be available so customers can recreate this winning recipe at home. Do you make a great chili? Throw your hat into the ring of fire and ask for an application to enter our Second Annual Chili Cook Off to be held in January 2015.  Information will be available at the winery during Chambourcin Weekend.

Pinnacle Ridge will feature a rich portabella mushroom stew made with a Chambourcin-based stock with your choice of their award-winning 2012 Chambourcin OR their newly-released 2013 Sweet Seduction.

Tolino will have live music from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday by Tom Vicario. They will offer tours of the vineyard at 2 and 4 pm. They will pair their Chambourcin with cheese from Klein’s Farm in Easton and will also offer small plates of Klein’s cheeses and crackers for sale.

  

Vynecrest will pair their 2013 Chambourcin estate-grown wine with wild rice and chickpea salad. This healthy big grain and bean-filled salad is made by Hereford Country Store at the Macungie Farmers Market.

In addition, the wine of the month for October is First Blush (10% off). During October, they will be donating to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition $1 for every bottle of First Blush sold.

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.

Celebrate the official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley this weekend

The eight locally-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will once again celebrate the region’s official wine grape during Chambourcin Weekend on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21. 

The Chambourcin is the only wine grape that is grown by all eight wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin which ferment into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile in the wine cellar and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including Nouveau, Rosé, Semi- Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling and Port.

Each winery will feature its own activities such as wine tastings, live entertainment, tours, or food and wine pairings. Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - will feature four styles of Chambourcin and will be serving cheese tortellini in a fresh tomato basil sauce. Enjoy their porches and patios with autumn vistas. Family fun includes hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn maze, puzzle woods and straw pit.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - will be slicing some of their family’s favorite cheeses for Chambourcin Weekend.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli - Saturday: Starting at noon there will be a cellar tour with owner Joe Greff. Enjoy music by Rob from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The featured food and wine pairing will be braised beef with tomatoes and herbs with 2010 Chambourcin. Or try Victoria's Passion with a chocolate dessert.

Sunday: The featured food and wine pairing will be kiffles by BabaNonna paired with 2010 Chambourcin. There will be cellar tours at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. There will be a supervised kids table so parents can enjoy some time to themselves. Hank Jones & Ellyot H. Ray will be the Sunday Blues entertainment from 2-5 p.m. - $5 admission for music includes a wine tasting.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - Chef Nathan Grube will make a return appearance to conduct cooking demonstrations to be paired with the new release, 2010 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (also made with 100% Chambourcin grapes). Chef Nathan will be cooking up an eggplant and risotto baked with homemade tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. Cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. both days.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - Chambourcin grapes are a standout variety whether you prefer dry oak-aged, medium smooth, or sweet fruity. They will be featuring baked ziti tossed with "Simply Red - Simply Delicious" marinara sauce and "Fainting Goat - Fainting Brownies" for dessert. Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck as Robert Michaels entertains with his music.  

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas - will pair Gary’s Gourmet Meatloaf drizzled with a Chambourcin bordelaise sauce and Stone Cellar Chambourcin or Cellar Red.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - will serve Filet Mignon Kabobs - beef tenderloin cubes with bacon, sweet onion, red pepper and portabellas on a bed of baby spinach. This dish will be paired with their 2010 Chambourcin Reserve or the 2011 Chambourcin Rose.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - will pair their 2011 Chambourcin Estate-Bottled wine with a Wild Rice & Chick Pea Salad with dried cranberries, a perfect autumn side dish. Recipes will be available. Art's Acoustic Oldies performs in the Vyneskeller on Saturday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Music is free of charge.

Plan ahead for three fall Wine Trail events

If you didn't make it to last weekend's Wine on the Mountain event at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, don't worry. There are still three more opportunities this fall to participate in a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail event. Here's a quick overview. Be sure to check our web site for more event details when each event gets closer.

Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker
September 8 and 9

When fall rolls around, it’s time to celebrate the kick-off of harvest season! At this event, the wineries proudly promote the state’s Pennsylvania Preferred program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities are featured.

Chambourcin Weekend
October 20 and 21

Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley, the Chambourcin. This versatile wine is available in Nouveau, Rose, Semi-Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling, and Port.

As you explore the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail during this event, be sure to taste each winery’s Chambourcin and see how the flavors vary within the same region. Or better yet, buy a bottle of each to take home with you a conduct a formal tasting of your own.

Nouveau Weekend
November 17 and 18

This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Nouveau wines are light, fruity and semi-dry to dry red wines. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner. March Madness passports also go on sale this weekend, so get them before they sell out.

Clover Hill Vineyards celebrates the completion of harvest season

The 2011 grape harvest at Clover Hill’s six vineyards is complete and what a year it has been. This harvest we battled the rain, wind, birds, bees and some days we battled each other, but we did survive!

The growing season was going picture perfect. We had dry, warm heat with brilliant sunshine day after day in mid to late summer. Then Mother Nature changed her tune and gave us wet, humid conditions day after day. We worked exceptionally hard to continue to ripen our fruit and keep it clean and clear of any disease. We finally made the decision to continue picking as quickly as possible in order to harvest the fruit intact. On September 30 we picked the last grape from our vineyards and celebrated the end of a difficult season with a glass of Sparkling Pinot Noir! Right now we are going to now catch our breathe from harvest, but we promise to write a detailed summary of the 2011 grape harvest and post it to our website in the very near future. 

The fall feeling is in the air and it is the perfect time of year to enjoy Spiced Apple warmed!  We also have posted some delicious fall recipes for you to enjoy.  Let us know on our Facebook page what your favorite fall wine is – we will email you a present for sharing! 

Enjoy the season and we would like to thank you for your support and choosing to drink locally grown and produced wines!  We look forward to your next visit.

Owner's Selection
Catawba lets you sip on the sweet, grapey, and candied flavors of this wine. Don't forget to sniff first to best enjoy the sweet aromas of grapes in the glass.

Enjoy a 10% discount on Catawba the entire month of October. Receive a 20% discount on the Owner's Selection when included in a case purchase.

Chambourcin Weekend
At the winery in Breinigsville, PA
Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 from noon - 5 p.m.

Cheers to the Chambourcin grape! Chambourcin is known as the grape of the Lehigh Valley and if you’ve ever tasted it you will agree it makes a wonderful glass of wine. Chef Nathan Grube will make a return appearance to do cooking demonstrations to be paired with our 2009 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (made with 100% Chambourcin grape). Cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. both days.

The harvest at Franklin Hill Vineyards and fall events

From Our Grapes to your Glass: Harvest continues at the Winery!   
 
Fruit is still rollin' on in at Franklin Hill Vineyards! Now is a great time to visit us at the winery since our equipment is still out and in use. Come on over and see the beginnings of the wine-making process. Meet our winery staff, have a conversation with our winemaker, Bonnie, or our assistant winemaker, Maria, and watch as the magic happens! Experience the cool crisp fall weather and the beautiful leaves changing color on our trees here at Franklin Hill. Now is a perfect time to visit us at the winery so you can see just how your favorite wine is made!

On the Road Again... Surprise! 

Our Festival Crew loves what they do so much that they are heading out to one more festival. See you at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie for the Bear Creek Harvest Wine Festival on Sunday, October 23. 

Winery Events:

Chambourcin Weekend
Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. and Oct. 16 from noon - 4 p.m.

Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday we will be featuring Pivinski's Premier Polish Prince's Pierogis for tasting, paired with our outstanding 2010 Chambourcin or Simply Red. You may also purchase Pierogis to eat at the winery or, better yet, we will have them for sale by the dozen to take home with a bottle of your favorite wine! While you enjoy the Pierogis, also enjoy the tunes as Penn's Peak performer Robert Michaels entertains with great acoustic guitar...maybe he'll even play a polka for us!  Come and enjoy the day!     

Yoga+Wine Fall Festival  (RESCHEDULED!)
Sunday, October 30 at the Winery    

Due to rainy weather, we have rescheduled the Yoga+Wine Fall Festival! Dalien from Kula Heart Yoga will return and take us on a journey into our hearts as we celebrate the Harvest with music, sound, yoga followed by wine and cheese at Franklin Hill Vineyards.

This event will fill fast, please call to register and reserve your space. 610-746-5852 (kula). Visit  www.kulaheartyoga.com to find out more!          

Pennsylvania Wine Stories: "There's a Story Behind Every Cork"

Do you love us? Let the Pennsylvania Winery Association know!  Send them your favorite story about visiting Franklin Hill Vineyards and enter a chance to win!

Win a Pennsylvania Wine Weekend Getaway or prize package. A story from each of Pennsylvania's seven wine regions will be selected as the finalists, and the grand-prize winner will be selected online via voting.
For every story submitted, $1 will be donated to the National Center for Family Literacy and a cork will be added to a sculpture created by a Pennsylvania based artist.

Submit your story here. 

Chambourcin Weekend details announced!

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will once again celebrate the region’s official wine grape during Chambourcin Weekend on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16.  

The Chambourcin is the only wine grape grown by all eight area wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin, which ferment into 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile in the wine cellar and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including Nouveau, Rosé, Semi- Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling and Port.

Wineries will feature wine tastings, live entertainment, food and wine pairings, and other activities. Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings. Check the Wine Trail web site for details.

CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - Amore will feature five styles of hand-crafted Chambourcin wine pared with an assortment of artisan breads, dipping oils and cheeses.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Big Creek Vineyard will pair a "Soupe Chanterelle," made with local Chanterelle mushrooms, with their 2010 Chambourcin.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli - Saturday: Di Bruno Brothers out of South Philadelphia will be sampling their cheeses to pair with Chambourcin. Rob will be playing as free entertainment from 1-4 p.m.

Sunday: They will offer winery tours every hour from 1-5 p.m. Join them for Sunday Blues from 2-5 p.m. featuring Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Souls ($5 admission to Sunday Blues; includes wine tasting).

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - Cheers to the Chambourcin grape! Chambourcin is known as the grape of the Lehigh Valley and if you’ve ever tasted it you will agree it makes a wonderful glass of wine. Chef Nathan Grube will make a return appearance to do cooking demonstrations to be paired with their 2009 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (made with 100% Chambourcin grape). Cooking demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. both days.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday Franklin Hill will feature Pivinski's Premier Polish Prince's Pierogis for tasting paired with 2010 Chambourcin or Simply Red.  Guests may also purchase pierogis to eat at the winery or for sale by the dozen to take home with a bottle of their favorite wine.  While you enjoy the pierogis, enjoy the tunes as Robert Michaels entertains with great acoustic guitar.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas - Fiesta for your taste buds. Zesty Taco soup prepared by charismatic Gary and Kathy, who are independent Pampered Chef consultants, will be paired with the winery’s Gold medal Chambourcin or Cellar Red.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Pinnacle Ridge will be serving tender beef French dip with their Chambourcin wine reduction au jus. For vegetarians they'll be serving sautéed vegetable French dip with Chambourcin wine reduction vegetarian au jus. Pinnacle Ridge 2009 Chambourcin, 2008 Chambourcin Reserve and Sweet Seduction (100% Chambourcin) will be their featured wines.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - Vynecrest Winery will be partnering with The Farmhouse, a farm-to-table restaurant, to present the following tasting menu to pair with samples of the winery’s Gold Medal 2010 Chambourcin Wine. Chef Javin Small will be at the winery at 1 p.m. both days and will be conducting a cooking demonstration on Sunday.

Saturday’s Menu: Mediterranean herby hummus with Rip Rap artisan crackers. Assorted grilled pizzas with seasonal toppings and manchego cheese with red and black currant jam on French baguette slices. Connie Edinger performs live from 1-4:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Menu: Chinese five spice hummus with Rip Rap artisan crackers, seared herbed lamb lollipops with fire roasted poblano pepper walnut pesto and manchego cheese with red and black currant jam on French baguette slices.