Chocolate and Wine pairing weekends continue at Galen Glen and Tolino

If you missed Valentine's Weekend at our wineries, there's still time to enjoy chocolate and local wine pairings at two of our wineries this weekend and next.

Galen Glen -

Seduce your taste buds with a wine and chocolate adventure. The winery owners invite you to indulge in their Triple-Treat of three decadent chocolate truffles with a 3-ounce glass of wine for $3. Lancaster chocolatier, Steve Evans, has created more truffles with Galen Glen wine.

Tolino Vineyards -

Each weekend in February the winery is partnering with a different local chocolatier to offer a free chocolate and wine pairing with the purchase of a premier tasting. The winery also has free live music from 1 - 4 p.m. each Saturday.

Vino in the Valley

Also, just a reminder that Vino in the Valley online passport sales end next Friday 2/26. Supplies are getting low so place your order soon. Or stop by one of our wineries this weekend or next week and pick up your passport in person. (Note: Blue Mountain and Big Creek are sold out.)

Galen Glen introduces Late Harvest wine; continues Raspberry wine special

Introducing... Late Harvest

Late Harvest - it is the new moniker given to the 2014 vintage of an all-time favorite, Erin's Auslese.  This blend of Vidal Blanc and Riesling that was last to be harvested is sweet, spritzy and just crisp enough on the finish to make it dangerous. Stop in and be the one of the first to taste this new wine.

Before they are gone...

It is that time of year when current vintages sell out and are eventually replaced with new vintages.  Don't miss this opportunity to stock up on your favorites before they are gone.

Grüner Veltliner 2013, Stone Cellar Dry White
Philadelphia Inquirer Review:
"Believed to be the best Grüner in America ... powerfully expressive of grapefruit, mandarin oranges and honeysuckle." Sublime with pork schnitzel, rich seafood and all vegetables, particularly asparagus.

Crooked Stick Red 2013, Dry Red  
A combination of Chambourcin plus splashes of our other red wines. Fruit-driven with fresh cherry flavors, jammy red plum notes and subtle oak. Delicious with BBQ, sausages, bacon and cheese steaks.

Visit the winery or order online.

This weekend... Triple Treat

Enjoy three hand-crafted chocolate truffles from chocolatier Steve Evans with 3 oz. of Raspberry wine for $3.

Friday, noon to 5 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, noon to 5 pm

Raspberry Special
During the month of February we are celebrating our 20th anniversary with a special on our Raspberry wine. Purchase five bottles of Raspberry wine for $50. (This offer cannot be combined with additional discounts, however, these five bottles can be applied toward building a 12-bottle case for case club membership.)

Chocolate and wine pairings highlight weekends at Tolino Vineyards this month

The wait is over! Our newest vintage has been released. Our 2013 Pinot Grigio, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Papa's Red, Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc are all available to taste and purchase.

Chocolate Pairings 
February 14 and 15, noon - 6 pm

Valentine’s Weekend Tolino Vineyards will be offering Russian-style chocolates from Alexandra and Nicolay Chocolates in Portland, Pa. paired with Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Papa's Red.   Tastings of the traditional chocolates (milk, dark and white) are complimentary with the purchase of our premier tasting and for an additional $5 your tasting can be upgraded to include the famous "Fruits of the Czars" specialty chocolates made with Callebaut chocolate-coated apricots stuffed with almonds. We will also be offering our pink Berry Rosé Sangria for sale by the glass and will be giving away a fresh-cut flower to the first 50 customers who purchase a bottle of wine.

Chocolate Pairings from Chocolates on Broadway
February 21 and 22, noon - 6 pm

Simple and sweet, we will be offering dark chocolate covered lady fingers and pretzels from Chocolates on Broadway in Bangor paired with Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and Papa's Red.  Free with premier tasting.

Girl Scout Cookie Pairings
February 28 and March 1, noon - 6 pm

Girl Scout cookies are delicious and a great way to support the organization's goal to "build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place." We will be offering a few of your favorite cookies to pair with a few of our favorite Tolino Vineyards wine free with the purchase of a premier tasting.

Vino in the Valley
Purchase passports for $35 in our tasting room or online here.

What's your favorite part of your meal? Appetizer, soup, main course or dessert? During Vino in the Valley we will be offering wines paired with four courses of an Italian meal each weekend in March.

We are partnering with J. DeFranco and Daughters catering to offer sample sized portions of ricotta, gorgonzola, honey and apple crostini paired with our 2012 Pinot Grigio on March 7 and 8. March 14 and 15 we will be offering red pasta fagioli soup with our 2012 Papa's Red followed by chicken tetrazzini paired with our 2013 Vidal Blanc on the 21 and 22. Finally, on the last weekend we will be offering decadent dark chocolate cherry biscotti paired with 2013 Cabernet Franc.  

To celebrate the last official month of winter, we are starting to "think spring." A make-your-own sangria bar will be available in our tank room. You choose the fruit and we pour the wine. Each Saturday during Vino in the Valley we will have live music from 1-3 p.m. that will highlight artists who will be part of our summer music series starting in May and running through October.  What could be better than local musicians and local wine?
 
Unique Party Venue
Are you looking for a unique place to hold you next private party or business happy hour? Our tank room is the perfect place to gather your friends or coworkers and enjoy a glass of Tolino wine. We also offer mid-week event discounts. Call us to inquire about our tented wedding packages.

Food and wine pairing recommendations for your Easter dinner

Easter is a special occasion that brings families together for a day of egg hunting in the backyard, visits on the lap of an costumed bunny, and baskets filled with candy and treats. But the highlight of the day is the celebratory meal.

The nine family-owned and operated wineries of the LehighValley Wine Trail understand how important that meal is and offer the following food and wine pairing suggestions for this year’s dinner.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - Pair Amore Pink Passion with ham, pork and sauerkraut. After dinner, relax with a glass of Rapport or Vidal Blanc dessert wines.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Their Vin di Pasqualina is a favorite all-around wine for traditional Easter dinners. Both sweet and dry wine fans will enjoy the glass-filling aroma of this semi-dry rose. Vin is a blend of three grapes, but the bouquet and character come from Niagara, an aromatic white grape that can stand a little chill and still deliver a ton of flavor. It does very well as an aperitif or with ham, turkey, or even baked ziti.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli - The medium-bodied flavor of their Pinot Noir will compliment a glazed Easter ham. Their Riesling, non-oaked Chardonnay and White Merlot will also compliment the smoky flavor of ham.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - Clover Hill’s DeChaunac is a semi-sweet red wine with fruity and earthy characteristics that pairs nicely with kielbasa or Easter ham. DeChaunac is 10 percent off for the month of April at all Clover Hill locations. And try Clover Hill’s Holiday Ham Glaze on your Easter Ham.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - For traditional Easter Dinners serving ham or pork, their Kiss and Catawba are perfect pairings. Don't be afraid to think outside the box this year and consider Franklin Hill's Hard Cider. It's light and bubbly, and a fun option to offer guests.  

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Winery Owners Galen and Sarah recommend what they are serving at their own Easter celebration: their semi-dry Riesling with honey mustard glazed ham, their Stone Cellar Chambourcin with braised lamb shanks, and their Stone Cellar Vidal Blanc Ice Wine with cheesecake.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Their 2013 Vidal Blanc (a double gold winner in this year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition) is the perfect companion for traditional Easter fare. To make more of a splash, their Brut Rose sparkling wine (a silver medal winner) would be a festive choice.

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor - Enjoy the light, crisp pear and apple notes of their 2010 Chardonnay paired with Easter ham. Savor the full-bodied cherry and oak notes of their 2010 Cabernet Franc with a dark chocolate cherry cake.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – Celebrate the return of spring with Vynecrest's Estate-Bottled Sparkling Vidal wine. Made from 100 percent Vidal Blanc, this sparkling wine finishes slightly sweet which is perfect with ham with pineapple, turkey with cranberry, or lamb with mint jelly ($14.99). The chocolate in the Easter basket goes nicely with Cherry DiVyne, resulting in a heavenly sensation ($13.99).

February update from Blue Mountain Vineyards includes new wine release

Valentine's Weekend
February 15 & 16

Sweet Finesse Chocolates will offer samples of delicious chocolate paired with Blue Mountain wines. Of course, the chocolates will be available for purchase.

On February 15 we will have complimentary entertainment provided by Adam Motto from 1 - 4 p.m.  So bring that special person to the winery for a relaxing afternoon. Also, wine makes a great gift.

New Release
2013 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc
Sugar at Harvest - 28.87 Brix
Residual Sugar - 12.1% by weight
Alcohol by volume  - 10%

The Vidal Blanc grapes used to produce this wine were left untouched on the vine until they were hand picked in early December.  The ripeness of the grapes concentrates the flavors of apricot and honey resulting in an intensely fruity, sweet wine. Try it with blue cheese, pears and spiced nuts.

February Wine Specials
2012 Riesling - $1 off
2010 Pinot Noir  - $2 off

Sunday Blues Wine Tasting
Enjoy live entertainment on our indoor deck with commanding views of the mountains and our vineyards. Gourmet cheeses and fresh baked bread available for purchase or bring you own snacks. Admission $5 per person. Please call or email for reservations.

(If reservations are made, we ask that you arrive by 2:15 p.m. If you are running late just call and we will hold your table. However, if we do not hear from you, due to demand we will release your table.)

2/16 - Billy Patrick
2/23 - Jake Kalegis & Mike Rauscher's Dynamic Duo

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail News

March Passports are still available. Call the winery to purchase yours. Don't miss out on the fun.

All our locations have been restocked with wine-related accessories just in time for Valentine's Day gift giving.

Valentine's Day Weekend along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

It might still be January but it's not too early to start making plans for Valentine's Day for you and your sweetheart. And of course we suggest taking him or her on a wine trail expedition. 

Since the holiday falls on a Friday this year, several of our member wineries are offering their specials and promotions all weekend long. And don't forget that passports to the upcoming March Passport Program event make a great gift!

Amore

Amore will be serving white chocolate with Strawberry Seduction, and dark chocolate with Blackberry Bliss to customers all Valentine’s Weekend.

Big Creek

Big Creek has several great wine choices for your Valentine celebration. Their semi-dry white "Joi" is a blend of Muscat and Seyval and goes very well with lobster. For sweeter wines they have La Brusca, which is great with chocolate-covered cherries, and Moscato, a wonderfully aromatic match for rick, dark chocolates. 

Blue Mountain

With its raspberry undertones, Victoria’s Passion brings out the best in any chocolate dessert. For something drier, try the award-winning Merlot grown at their Leaser Vineyard. Taste these and other wines February 15 and 16 along with a delicious chocolate sampling by Mary Dworski of Sweet Finesse from 1 – 5 p.m. both days. Her gourmet chocolates will also be available for purchase. Adam Motto will be providing entertainment from 1 – 4 p.m. on February 15.

Clover Hill

Bring someone you love to Clover Hill Winery to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They will be featuring chocolates from Premise Maid Candies paired with Clover Hill wines on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 from noon - 5 p.m. Linger and enjoy wine by the glass in the Chambourcin room. This is a free tasting, however wines, chocolates and wine by the glass are available for purchase.

Franklin Hill

Bring your sweetheart to any Franklin Hill Vineyards location for Friday Happy Hour to start your Valentine’s Day. From 4 to 6 p.m. on February 14, each store will have a different drink special paired with its perfect culinary partner. They'll keep it going all weekend long at all locations with brownies, chocolates, and more. All stores will offer complimentary tastings and tours of the winery will be available at noon and 2 p.m.

Galen Glen

On Saturdays, February 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, February 9 and 16 from noon to 5 p.m., Galen Glen Winery will host a complimentary pairing that will delight any chocolate lover. The winery will be offering their triple crown of chocolate, which includes something to enchant every facet of the palate. The treats being offered in this pairing are all locally and Pennsylvania-made. The largest gem in the crown is Galen Glen's own Chambourcin truffles. A recipe will be provided so that customers can make these indulgences at home. The pairing will include one of Galen Glen's dessert wines.

Pinnacle Ridge

Enjoy Valentine's Day with that special someone at Pinnacle Ridge. We will be featuring a "Wine Lovers" package - a bottle of bubbly, our Brut Rosé with a special pairing and two custom complimentary flutes. Reservations required - call for details: (610) 756-4481.

Vynecrest

For Valentine's Day Weekend, Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, Vynecrest will be featuring their 2013 PA Farm Show Bronze medal-winning Cherry DiVyne and Wilbur Buds gift set for $19.99. They will also be debuting their new adult sippy cups, a perfect gift for the man or woman on the go. Finally, they will have live Jazz in their Vyneskeller on Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m.

Galen Glen offers food and wine pairing for Valentine's Weekend

Celebrate romance with someone special on February 16 from 10 am - 5 pm and February 17 from noon - 5 pm. Enjoy a wine and chocolate pairing compliments of the winery.

Our decadent pairing of Galen Glen's Barrel 29 and a bite of Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bar drizzled with Barrel 29 chocolate sauce. A full version of the pairing is also available to purchase.

Chocolate Strata Cake - a Chocolate Lover's Indulgence

Classic Italian chocolate Torta layered with creamy mousse and topped with chocolate ganache and chocolate curls. Share a slice and a glass of wine with your sweetheart. Limited amount available to purchase.


Just in time for your Valentine toast - BLUSH IS BACK!
Both of our blushes are back - Vin Gris, our dry rose and Galah, our sweet blush.

Franklin Hill Vineyards fills February with wine events

Franklin Hill Vineyards After Dark presents - "Exposed" 

Grab your friends and take a stroll down memory lane with owner Elaine Pivinski. From Katie's Creek to Trio, you'll hear the story behind them all. You might even get a glimpse into what's up our sleeve for the future. Come experience Franklin Hill Vineyards like never before.

February 22 from 7-9 p.m. at

The Winery
7833 Franklin Hill Road
Bangor, PA 18013

Includes tour, tastings and light appetizers. Space is limited so get your tickets today. $20 a person. Tickets available at our Bethlehem location only or by calling 610-332-9463.

Love the wine you're with...
 
On February 16 & 17, bring your sweetheart to Franklin Hill Vineyards' Valentine's Day Weekend  for some Passion, Desire and  a Kiss. Buy a bottle of each and get 10% off all three (no substitutions). We will be featuring treats from our friends at Chocolates on Broadway, delicious dips from Robert Rothschild Farms, and The Broadway Pub in downtown Bangor will be creating a delicious pasta dish to enjoy with your Valentine. Tours will be offered at noon and 2 p.m. and, as always, complimentary tastings will be available.

February 10-16  - Week of Romance

Franklin Hill Vineyards (Bethlehem location only) will be offering 10% off when you buy one bottle each of Desire, Passion and Kiss. (Sorry, no substitutions)

Did you know our wines are offered throughout our area?

Stop in at Widow's Tavern for a glass of Trio. The Broadway Pub offers Sir Walter's Red, Trio and may be the first restaurant ever to offer a Fainting Goat Martini to enjoy with their terrific food. Apollo Grill pours our Cabernet Sauvignon and the Bethlehem Brew Works serves our Chambourcin and Seyval Blanc.

Traveling west? Hit Marley's Brewery & Grille in Bloomsburg. Great people, great food and Franklin Hill Vineyards wine. What could be better?

Valentine’s Promotions, Specials and Wine Recommendations

Amore 

For Valentine’s Day, it is Amore wine and chocolate. Our Blackberry Bliss and dark chocolate is the perfect combo for a Valentine surprise. If you like it on the lighter side, try Strawberry Seduction with white chocolate. If chocolate is not your thing, a bottle of Rapport (sweet and potent) and the hot tub are a perfect paring. For those who just want to celebrate, a bottle of Celebration (sparkling wine) will make for the perfect cork-popping celebration.

Big Creek

Big Creek has three great choices, depending on your particular tastes.  For a sweeter wine we have the ever popular Apple Raspberry, great with chocolate-covered cherries.  For the dry wine crowd we have just released our 2012 Frontenac, a deeply colored, full bodied red that can tame the richest chocolate around.  Our Vin di Pasqualina is a Rose' that sits gracefully between dry and sweet, great aroma, great taste, lighter body.

Blue Mountain

Wine lovers will enjoy a range of flavors this Valentine’s Day at Blue Mountain Vineyards. With its raspberry undertones, our Victoria’s Passion brings out the best in any chocolate dessert. For something drier you can try the award winning Merlot grown at our Leaser Vineyard. Sample these and other wines February 16 and 17 along with a delicious chocolate fondue. 

Clover Hill

Celebrate the Love in the Air with Wine and Chocolates at Clover Hill Winery

Saturday, February 16 from  noon – 5 p.m.

We will be pairing heavenly chocolates with our wines in celebration of Valentine’s Day. We have invited master chocolatier Moussey Mouse Chocolates to sample their artisan chocolates with premium Clover Hill wines. We will pair a Moussey Mouse Ravishing Raspberry Bonbon with Clover Hill’s big and bold Cabernet Sauvignon and a Luscious Lemon Bonbon, in the shape of a heart, with our sweet Vignoles. Moussey Moose Chocolates is a gourmet chocolatier right in our own back yard at 315 W. Broad, Quakertown (www.mousseymoosechocolates.com). They will be on-site with gift boxes of their chocolates.

We also have all four sparkling wines in stock - Brut, Cuvee, Blackberry Sparkler and Sparkling Pinot Noir.

 

Franklin Hill

Bring your sweetheart to Franklin Hill Vineyards on Valentine’s Day Weekend 2/16 and 17 for Passion, Desire and  a Kiss.  Buy a bottle of each and get 10% off all three (No substitutions). We will be featuring treats from our friends at Chocolates on Broadway, delicious dips from Robert Rothschild Farms, and The Broadway Pub in downtown Bangor will be creating a delicious pasta dish to enjoy with your Valentine.  Tours will be offered at noon and 2 p.m. and, as always, complimentary tastings will be available.

Galen Glen

Galen Glen toasts cupid February 9 and; 10 and February 16 and 17 for our annual St. Valentine's Affair.  Celebrate love with our decadent pairing of Barrel 29 and Sarah’s favorite Chocolate Lover's Indulgence drizzled with a Strawberry Barrel 29 Reduction.  Desiring a little more debauchery? We’ll offer our pairing to purchase. Barrel Twenty-Nine is reminiscent of the old world, a velvety cask aged Chambourcin dessert wine. The perfect ending to every evening, especially with chocolate.

Pinnacle Ridge

What could be more appropriate for a holiday of love than our Sweet Seduction paired with chocolate? Or how about a glass of our Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine?

Vynecrest

Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate in the Vyneskeller

Friday, February 15 from 7-9 p.m.

• Live Music

• Splash of Sparkling

• Pairing of 5 wines and 5 chocolates

• Gift of chocolate for the ladies

• $25 per couple

• Call 610-398-7525 to make reservations with credit card (table for 2 or 4)

• Raffle for a chocolate house

In addition, we have chocolates from Sweet Indulgence by Christina to pair with our Sparkling Chardonnay, First Blush, or Cherry DiVyne. Our Piano Bar will be playing romantic music all weekend from 1-5 p.m. in the Vyneskeller.

Vynecrest owners introduce new chocolate bars to pair with their wines

The grapes are starting to come in. We picked our earlier ripening varieties like Pinot Grigio and Traminette over the last two weeks. Next week we will pick our mid-season varieties starting with Pinot Noir. Knock on wood, so far this year has been perfect for grape growing.

September Specials:

Wine of the Month - Pinot Noir, additional 10% off
Three pack of the month - 3 Vynecrest White for $25**
**at winery only, 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts

Upcoming Events:

September 15 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Jake Kaligis, 1:30-4:30 pm
September 20 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
September 22 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Brian Xander, 1:30-4:30 pm
September 27 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
September 29 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Arianne, 1:30-4:30 pm
September 30
* Jazz Sunday, Live jazz music in the Vyneskeller with Andy and Dan, 1-4 pm
* Winemaker Tour, 1pm, $5 per person, reservation recommended
*Lehigh Valley Harvest: A Celebration of Local Food and Farms
(Formerly Taste of the Lehigh Valley)
We are a member of Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley and will be participating in their Harvest Fest fundraiser at Lutron Electronics in Center Valley on September 30 from 1-4 pm. We have been a part of this event since its inception. Tickets and information call 610-703-6954 or visit www.BuyLocalGreaterLehighValley.org
October 6 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Billy Bauer, 1:30-4:30 pm

Glass Half Empty
by John Landis

I like chocolate. It started when I was a kid and walked to school and could smell the chocolate being made at the Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz, Pa. Every Christmas brought Wilbur buds under the tree.

When Jan and I started Vynecrest in 1989, I always wanted to make a wine to pair with chocolate. In 2004, we made Cherry DiVyne, which is a wine made from Montmorency sour cherries from Peter's Orchard in Adams County. The wine has won a PA Governor's Cup and boy does it pair well with dark chocolate Wilbur buds!

Then Jan got the idea of instead of creating wines to pair with chocolate, why not create chocolates that pair with wines? Hence, we now have five different chocolate bars from Sweet Indulgence by Christina which are designed to pair with specific Vynecrest wines.

Finally a chocolate lover's dream, to be a judge at the chocolate cake contest at the Great Allentown Fair and then to judge cakes at the Pa. State Farm Show in January. I sure do like chocolate!

Veraison comes to Vynecrest

The year is flying by. It is hard to believe we will be picking grapes by the end of the month. We have some great music lined up this month with some of the Vynecrest favorites as well as a couple of new artists.



August Specials

Wine of the Month - Blueberry, additional 10% off
Three Pack of the Month - 3 Autumn Gold for $25
**at winery only; 3 pack can't be combined with other discounts

Upcoming Events

• August 9 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 -  7pm
• August 11 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Jake Kaligis, 1:30-4:30 pm
• August 16 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• August 18 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Connie Edinger, 1:30-4:30 pm
• August 25 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Valerie Borman, 1:30-4:30 pm
• August 26
• Jazz Sunday, Live music in the Vyneskeller, Body & Soul, 12:30-3:30 pm
• Tour of the vineyard & wine cellar with the winemaker, 1 pm, $5 per person
• August 30 - Macungie Farmer's Market, Memorial Park, 4 - 7 pm
• September 1 - Live music in the Vyneskeller, Mallon Hill, 1:30-4:30 pm

In The Vineyard

It's an exciting time in the vineyard. Veraison has started and the grapes are beginning to change color. While this change in color means harvest is getting closer, it is also a signal to the birds that the grapes are ready to eat.

So if you stop by the winery and see someone chasing after the birds on a 4-wheeler and yelling, we aren't crazy (yet), we are just trying to scare the birds away so we have something to pick next month.

Glass Half Empty

By Jan Landis

John and I go to Maine on vacation every year. This year, the sailing camp we go to twisted our arm to do a wine tasting. Usually we don’t mix business and pleasure, but agreed to do it on a small scale by mixing chocolates in to the deal.

As some of you know if you have visited the winery in the past few months, we now have wonderful chocolate bars available from Sweet Indulgence by Christina from Bethlehem. We have developed a flight of five chocolate bars paired with our wines. We took three of these to Maine, including a white chocolate with lemon to pair with our blueberry wine. Maine is known for lobsters and blueberries, so it seemed like a no-brainer to do a wine pairing with blueberry wine in Maine.

Everyone loved the fun idea of pairing the wine and chocolate. People naturally think of red wine paired with red meat and white wine paired with chicken or fish, but the idea of wine and chocolate is more unconventional, but a great treat!

I’m hoping to do a similar type of pairing here at the winery some Friday night this fall. The boys are all very busy in the fall with harvest, but I thought this is something I could do on my own once the weather cools down. So look for an announcement perhaps in the next newsletter about a fun event of a flight of wine and chocolate.

May is full of events for Franklin Hill Vineyards

This month, Franklin Hill Vineyards is supporting the community by participating in several Bethlehem-based events where its Christmas City wine shoppe is located. Which event will you be attending?

2012 Fine Art & Craft Show
Saturday, May 12 - 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, May 13 - 11 am-5 pm
Main Street - Downtown Historic Bethlehem
Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission presents the 47th Annual Bethlehem Fine Art and Craft Show - A Juried Exhibition

Visit our Bethlehem location during your stroll through the Mother's Day Weekend 2012 Fine Art & Craft Show on Main Street. During this weekend purchase one glass of Catawba and Mom can enjoy one on us!

Christmas City Wine Festival
May 19 ~ 1-7 pm
Historic Sun Inn Courtyard, 564 Main Street, Bethlehem

The Christmas City Wine Festival will feature PA wineries.  Entertainment is provided for your listening pleasure in the Historic Sun Inn Courtyard. Cooking demonstrations will take place in the side courtyard with pairings from participating wineries.

$10.00 - advanced ticket sales at Franklin Hill Vineyards - Bethlehem Location. $15.00 at the door
$5 - designated driver tickets. Proceeds benefit the Star of Bethlehem Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

The Sun Inn Preservation Association presents its 3rd Annual Chocolate Fest 
May 20 ~ 2-5 pm at the 1758 Moravian Sun Inn
564 Main Street, Bethlehem

A chocolate event featuring tastings of savory dishes using chocolate from around the world, chocolate appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktails, beer, martini bar & Franklin Hill Vineyards' very own Fainting Goat - a sweet Chambourcin wine with black cherry ~ a perfect pairing with chocolate! 

$35/person or $60/couple (Must be 21 years of age to attend this event.) For  more information, including ticket sales call:  610-866-1758 or visit:  www.SunInnBethlehem.org

Bethlehem Art Walk
May 26 at 4 pm

Stop by our Bethlehem location during the first Downtown Bethlehem Art Walk of the season. As usual, we will be participating in the annual Downtown Bethlehem Art Walk Wine Trail.
Upcoming Downtown Bethlehem Art Walk Series dates:

• June 30, 2012
• July 28, 2012
• August 25, 2012

From our grapes to your glass

Well, it's time to say goodbye to two of our oldies-but-goodies. Our Rose and Apple wines are selling out and will not be returning (at this point in time, anyway... you never know what the future holds...)  We're giving Rose and Apple fans a chance to grab 'em before they're gone - while supplies last! Here at Franklin Hill Vineyards we honor tradition and also love to keep things fresh and new. We can't wait to discover what's over the horizon and look forward to uncovering and sharing our new endeavors.   

Visit the Wine Trail for Valentine's Weekend

Since Valentine's Day falls in the middle of the week this year, spend this coming weekend, February 11 & 12, with your sweetheart on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Here's a list of specials, events and gift ideas from our wineries.

Amore Vineyards

Our Rapport is awesome with any chocolate or chocolate desert - the bolder the better.  Our Vidal Blanc desert wine is great with lighter deserts. And our pink sparkling wine Celebration is perfect for any holiday. If you are adventuresome, our Peach Mist is awesome for making mimosas.

Big Creek Vineyards

Saint Valentine’s Day is always a special day at Big Creek Vineyard and Winery. In celebration we are going to release a very limited bottling of our 2011 Muscat. Sweet as Aphrodite but as serious as Bacchus: aromas of honey, melon, ripe peach, orange and pears dance above the glass. When sipped, curiously and almost without exception, lips curl into a mischievous smile and the eyes twinkle. The 2010 vintage was extremely well received and sold out quickly. The current vintage is a little higher in alcohol, lower in residual sugar and fuller bodied. An Old World style dessert wine that all wine drinkers will delight in tasting.

Blue Mountain Vineyards

Blue Mountain is recommending Victoria’s Passion for a wine drinker who likes something sweet. Our newly released White Merlot, made with Merlot grapes grown in our Leaser vineyard is great for someone looking for something a little dryer. Over the weekend of February 11 & 12 we will have a chocolate fountain that guests can dip snacks in to pair with the Victoria’s Passion and White Merlot. On Sunday the Wow Brothers will be performing from 2 - 5 p.m. ($5 admission).

Clover Hill Winery

Which Clover Hill wines show the ‘look of LOVE’?  Sparkling Pinot Noir is back in stock and there is no other wine that is more loving.  From its pale pink color, to the fruity, light strawberry flavors it is a simple and elegant wine to serve with white chocolate dipped strawberries. Turtle Rock Red is a favorite of ours to make a romantic pairing with dark chocolates.

Franklin Hill Vineyards

Get "Kissed" this Valentine's Day Weekend at our winery!  Visit our winery for complimentary wine tastings featuring chocolate tastings from our friends at Chocolates on Broadway.  Complimentary appetizers include Meatballs served with Rothschild Chipotle Sauce, Tomato Pie and, customer favorite, Rothschild Habanero Dip.  While you're here, don't forget to get "Kissed." Enjoy 10% off a single bottle of our Kiss - Medium Dry Rose Wine. Wine & Chocolate available for purchase

Galen Glen Winery

Join us February 11 & 12 and again on February 18 & 19 at the winery for our annual St. Valentine's Day Celebration.  Celebrate romance with our decadent pairing of Barrel 29 and Sweet Street's Fabulous Chocolate Chunk Brownie. We'll also offer "Sarah’s Favorite Chocolate Lover's Indulgence" to purchase with a Glass of Barrel 29. Barrel 29 is “Reminiscent of the old world, a velvety cask aged Chambourcin dessert wine. The perfect ending to every evening, especially with chocolate.”

Vynecrest Winery

For Valentine’s Day, we will be featuring Cherry DiVyne wine (750ml bottle $13.99) with Chocolates from Sweet Indulgence by Christina from Bethlehem, PA. We will feature chocolates in wine glasses ($14.95), Cherry DiVyne with chocolate ($19.95), as well as any of our wines from our award-winning list. On Saturday, February 11, Jake Kaligis will be playing and singing in the Vyneskeller Wine Bar from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (no admission charge, open to the public)