Last minute gift ideas from Galen Glen

Gift Cards

We have gift cards in any denomination you choose. Stop by to get yours or call and we can mail it to your recipient.

Bottles and Gift Baskets

We can help you make your selection during our extended hours this week:

Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday: 10 am - 3 pm
We will be closed on Christmas Day and will reopen on Saturday, December 26 at 10 am.

We Ship Wine

In PA order online; outside of PA, call our tasting room at 570-386-3682 during normal business hours to learn more. Please note we cannot ship sparkling wine or gift baskets, nor expedite overnight delivery or guarantee delivery dates.

Save the Date

Saturday, January 23
Noon to 3 pm
3rd Annual Chili Cook Off
All welcome
$1 to taste up to six chilis and vote for your favorite. Benefits the West Penn Fire Company.
Want to throw your chef's hat into the ring of fire? Complete our Cook Off Entry Form and return it ASAP. Only two seats remain.

Tasting Room Hours after Christmas:
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: 12pm to 5pm
Wine Wednesday: 10am to 6pm
Thursday: New Year's Eve - 10am to 3pm
Closed Friday - New Year's Day

Winter Hours (as of Saturday, January 2, 2016)
January through March 2016
Friday: Noon - 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am-  5 pm
Sunday: Noon - 5 pm

Clover Hill’s Top 3 Wine Choices for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is a great place to shop for premium wines and gifts for wine lovers.

Clover Hill’s Top 3 Wine Choices for the Holidays

Oak Vidal Blanc - this hearty, dry oak-aged wine is a delicious alternative to Chardonnay. Try serving it with scallops wrapped in bacon or with shrimp cocktail.

DeChaunac - This semi-sweet red wine is best served chilled and shows both fruity and earthy flavors.

Holiday - Welcome your guests with a warmed glass of Holiday wine. This is a sweet rose spiced with cinnamon, cloves and citrus.

Owner’s Selection:

For the month of December, Cayuga White is discounted 10% at all Clover Hill locations. Receive a 20% discount on Cayuga White when included in a case purchase.

This is a semi-sweet white wine with aromas and flavors of ripe melon, mango, and ruby grapefruit. Cayuga White has a soft, fruity finish. Try serving this wine with the Mango Ginger Stilton, found in our cheese fridge. Now only $9.45.

Beginner Wine Tasting Class
Saturday, January 23 at 2pm
Tickets required - $25 per person

This 1 ½ hour long class will teach you the basics of wine tasting, give you tips on wine and food pairing, and help to answer any wine questions you may have. This class is limited in seats. Must be 21+ years old to attend. Call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville to reserve your ticket.

Customer Appreciation Weekend at Vynecrest going on now!

Another great year is coming to a close and as our way of saying thank you from Thursday, December 10 through Sunday, December 13, Vynecrest will offer 25% off 12 or more bottles. Just mention the promotion when checking out to receive your discount. This discount is valid at the winery in Breinigsville or the wine shoppe in Kutztown only and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Beat the crowds and join us Thursday, December 10 and Friday, December 11 for extended hours. We will be open until 8 pm both days. Join us Friday evening for music in the Vyneskeller featuring Steve Myers playing Christmas tunes on the baby grand piano.

We will also have Steve Myers playing in the Vyneskeller Saturday & Sunday from 1-4 pm.

While you are visiting the winery don't forget to pick up a gift for the wine lover in your life. We have Cherry DiVyne packaged with chocolate (makes a great hostess gift), wine-scented candles, and many more gifts.

Tolino Vineyards has December filled with holiday events

PARTNERSHIP WITH JAINDL TURKEY FARMS

We are happy to be able to spend time at another local, family owned business during the Christmas holiday. Join us at Jaindl Turkey Farms and pick up your fresh and local turkey for Christmas and pick up some delicious Tolino wine at the same time. We will be at their retail location at 3150 Coffeetown Rd. in Orefield from December 18 through the 22.

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Live Music Series: We have live music every Saturday at 1pm until Christmas. Enjoy live tunes in our tank room with Blue Hearts Revelry (11/28),  George Baier (12/5),  Ernie Stadler Jazz Trio (12/12) and Toby Costa (12/19).

Paint and Sip with Anna K -December 12 at 6 pm
$35 per person fee includes all art supplies, instruction by Anna K, snacks and a glass of wine.

Ornament Painting and Santa in a Helicopter - Sunday December 13 at 2 pm
For $10.00 per child,  kids paint a Christmas ornament that is then gift wrapped to take home as a present for Mom or Dad. Santa arrives in a helicopter at 3pm and will stay for pictures. Parents are encouraged to bring a small gift for their child to be handed out by Santa. Cookies and juice for the kids, and wine for sale for the adults.

Chris Cummings Jazz Trio Plays Peanuts soundtrack - Sunday, December 20 at 1 pm
Enjoy free live jazz music in our tank room. Relax a bit before the big day while sipping wine and listening to tunes from this classic Christmas movie.

Paint your Glass off with Erika - Saturday, January 16 at 2 pm
$35 per person fee includes art instruction, glass painting, glass of wine and snacks.  More details coming soon.

Pinnacle Ridge ready to introduce three new wines next weekend; hosting Customer Appreciation Weekends too

2015 has been a great year at Pinnacle Ridge. To all of our loyal customers - thank you! We love seeing your faces and introducing you to our new vintages, as they change from harvest to harvest.

New wines this month:

2014 is turning out to be an exciting vintage for us! All three of these wines are dynamic and memorable. Look for them on December 16.

- Naked Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Traminette

We are sold out of Traminette at the winery, but it is still available in area PA Wine & Sprits stores. Check Allentown, Hamburg, and Reading.  Also available at Wine & Spirits stores:

- Dry Vidal Blanc
- Dry Riesling
- Quaff
- Cayuga
- Vidal Blanc

Customer Appreciation Weekends
Dec 5-6 and 12-13
Noon - 5 p.m.

We'd like to thank all of our customers for making 2015 another great year at Pinnacle Ridge. Everyone is invited to partake in some free wine/food pairings on these two weekends. Check our Facebook page for updates on what we will be offering.

Dear Case Club Members...

We were just as sad as you when the Riesling and Traminette ran out a few weeks ago. Luckily, new vintages of both wines, as well as a new Naked Chardonnay, will be available in mid-December. We'd like to offer you the chance to try them at a private party thrown just for you.

Dec 16 and 19 from 6-8 pm
 Light snacks will be provided.
 Please present your Case Club card at the door.

Winter hours:
10 am to 6 pm daily
(Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

Black Friday Sale November 27 at Galen Glen

Black Friday Sale
Friday, November 27
10 am - 5 pm

Once a year we put the winery on sale. Enjoy 15% off all case purchases in-store only. One day only, in-store only, no exceptions. (Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Custom labeled orders, shipped orders & gift baskets are not included. )

Our Toys-for-Tots donation box will be onsite for donations. We will have a special gift for anyone who brings a donation.

Santa's Coming - Toys-for-Tots Drive
Sunday, November 29 from noon - 5 pm

Bring your family, your camera, your smile and a donation for our 7th annual Toys-for-Tots Drive. Our friendly staff will help you capture a lasting memory. We will have an ornament for every household who makes a donation of a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation. Plus, Santa will ensure your name makes it to the "nice" list.

Wine Wednesday Extended Holiday Hours

To assist you with your holiday shopping, we are extending our hours on Wednesdays in December by opening two hours early and closing an hour later.

December 2 - 10am - 6pm
December 9 - 10am - 6pm
December 16 - 10am - 6pm
December 23 - 10am - 6pm
December 30 - 10am - 6pm

Gift Ideas:

Custom Labeled Wine
Give the gift of wine. We offer many different types of holiday labels for your gift giving needs. When you purchase custom ordered labels, you become or renew your case club membership. Learn more about case club membership here.

Plan your visit enjoy a glass of wine while you select the perfect gift from our selection of gift baskets, candles, glassware and custom-labeled wine. We also offer gift certificates in any denomination you choose.

Galen Glen Gift Cards
Perhaps you would rather give a gift card. We offer gift cards in any denomination you choose. We will even mail the gift cards for you. Stop by or call the tasting room at 570-386-3682 during normal business hours to place your order.

Gift Baskets
Do you have a list of clients or staff and need an exquisite, memorable gift basket. We can help. Tell us your budget or items you want in your gift and we will create a basket that will impress any recipient. Please note: gift baskets cannot contain perishable items, nor be shipped.

Ship Our Wine to Someone
We can ship wine inside PA, as well as many other states. In PA order online. Outside of PA? Call our tasting room during normal business hours for details and to place your order. We ship wine in increments of 3, 6 or 12 bottles.

Vino in the Valley Passports
Vino in the Valley passports make excellent holiday gifts and are now on sale at our winery or online. $35 each

Upcoming Event:

3rd Annual Chili Cook Off
January 23, 2016

Are you the next champion? Do you think you have what it takes to win our third-annual chili cook-off in January? We are now accepting applications. Click here for an application. Space is limited to six chefs. The competition is open to professional chefs and home cooks. This year's chili cook off will benefit The West Penn Fire Company. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend and vote for your favorite chili recipe.

Holiday gift ideas from Blue Mountain Vineyards

The holidays are coming soon, so start planning now to get a head start.

It's hard to believe it's the end of September already! We know nobody wants to hear it, but Christmas is only 15 weeks, away. Instead of waiting until Christmas Eve, why not get a head start? We have some great gift ideas for you.

Custom Labels

Our Custom Label program offers endless possibilities at an affordable cost. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a personalized gift, we can customize your label to fit your needs. Labels can be produced in black and white or color and can include any scanned image.

Adopt A Vine

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own vineyard?  Blue Mountain has made that dream a possibility! In August of each year you will be invited to a plaque ceremony. During the first ceremony, you will be given a plaque with your chosen inscription to place next to a vine of your choice. Starting the second year you will be presented a specially labeled bottle of wine at the ceremony for the next five years. The ceremony is followed by a wine tasting with entertainment and hors d'oeuvres.

Wine Club

The Connoisseurs Club at Blue Mountain Vineyards is a quarterly wine club aimed at giving our customers incredible value while adding a level of information and excitement. Be among the first to taste new releases, and have access to limited vintage that are not readily available elsewhere.

For more information about The Connoisseurs Club, email us at info@bluemountainwine.com or call us at 610-298-3068.

Last minute gifts for wine lovers available this week at Tolino Vineyards

With Christmas only days away, we would like to wish you the happiest of holidays from our family to yours. We hope that you have a joyful holiday season full of love and family.

Please note that our Christmas Eve hours at the tasting room are from noon to 5 pm and we will be closed on Christmas Day. New Year's Eve we will be open from noon to 7 pm, and closed on New Year's Day.

Stop by the tasting room today and tomorrow to purchase gifts for the holidays. We have mulled wine kits, gift certificates, gift bags, hand crafted wine racks, wine scented candles, wine totes, wine sippy cups, glasses, openers, and, of course, wine.

From now until Christmas for every $50 gift certificate you buy, we will give you a $5 gift certificate for yourself.

January Events  
January is a month of snow, ice and ice wine. Each weekend in January with the purchase of a premier tasting we will be pairing our newly released Sweet Frances ice style wine with a different food. Check our website to see which weekend we will pair Sweet Frances with blue cheese, nuts, fruit or an olive tapenade.

We are a vendor at the Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart every Saturday now through April 11 at 325 Northampton St. in downtown Easton. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has 30 vendors offering everything from wall decorations and mushrooms, to meat and 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.

New wine releases at Vynecrest this holiday season

New Wine Releases 

No. 36 - Vynecrest planted our first vines in the spring of 1974. No. 36 is a celebration of our 36th harvest and will be an ongoing series of dry red blends from the best of the best. Carefully choosing hand-picked vineyard sites and select barrels. A signature wine to showcase our terrior. 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Noiret.

Spiced Winter White - A perfect bookend to our ever popular Spiced Winter Red, this wine captures the holidays in a bottle. Aromas of cinnamon and vanilla give way to a wine that will make any cold winter evening come to life. Serve warm.

December Specials 
* Three Pack of the Month - 3 Spiced Winter Red for $25.00
* Wine of the Month - Traminette 10% off

Vino in the Valley 2015 passports are still available for $35 at the winery or can be ordered online here (fees apply).

Shantz Road is now open, so no more back roads or detours to get to Vynecrest.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem -  12/11 - 12/21
Thursday and Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm

While you are visiting the winery don't forget to pick up a gift for the wine lover in your life. We have Cherry DiVyne packaged with Chocolate (makes a great hostess gift), wine scented candles and many more gifts.

Holiday Hours (Breinigsville)
* Dec 1 - 23: 11 am - 5 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: closed
* Dec 26 - 31: 11 am - 5 pm
* Jan 1 - 4: closed
* Reopening January 5: 11 am - 5 pm

Holiday Hours (Kutztown)
* Dec 1 - 23: noon - 6 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: closed
* Dec 26 - 31: noon - 6 pm
* Jan 1 - Jan 4: closed
* Reopening January 5: noon - 6pm

Glass Half Empty by Sam Landis

My wife and I are moving. After all of the initial congratulatory messages and well wishes there has been a recent shift in tone as the actual move date is becoming more eminent. We are now met with groans and commiseration on the aches and pains of "actually moving." Everyone has their own horror stories of this and that and the general consensus is that "moving sucks." Besides all the packing (my wife has done 99.9%) and the paperwork and the meetings, sometimes you think it's easier to just stay in same place.

Segue into our business here. Years ago we vowed "no more new wines." We said once we hit 22 wines, we were not going to make anything new unless a wine came off the list. Making a new wine "sucks." New bottles, new labels, new wine lists, new equipment not to mention the unknown of how to make it, and at the end of the day how it will be received. It's so much easier to just make the same wines and make small improvements on those year in year out. Why would we want to go through all of that if we are selling out of all of our product? And we just don't need to go through any of the headaches.

Well fast forward to today, we have three new wines - Late Harvest Vidal, Spiced Winter White and No.36. We did not take any wines off the list, so we now have 25 wines. It was a pain, it was a hassle....and it was fun. We learned so much about our vineyard, our wine cellar, and our customers that those lessons will transcend across all of our wines and make them all better.

So my wife and I are moving… and maybe it won't be so bad after all.

12 Days of Deals now under way at Franklin Hill Vineyards

12 Days of Deals - now through December 24

Stop in any one of the four Franklin Hill Vineyards locations on the day your favorite product is listed below and save 20% on that item.

• 12/15 - Wine glass lanterns
• 12/16 - Wine canteens and flasks
• 12/17 - Animal and shoe bottle holders
• 12/18 - Sippy cups
• 12/19 - Bang candy simple syrups and chocolates
• 12/20 - Insulated wine clutches
• 12/21 - Wine racks
• 12/22 - Scentations candles, sprays and diffusers
• 12/23 - Franklin Hill logoed apparel
• Christmas Eve... to be announced. (P.S. - you won't want to miss this one!)

No coupons needed.


Customer Appreciation Party

Join us at the winery to enjoy appetizers and a glass of wine on us. It's our way of thanking you for supporting us throughout the season and throughout the years.

Christmas Eve, only at the winery in Bangor, from noon -3 p.m.

Annual Clover Hill Coat Drive happening this week; Ugly Sweater Party coming up next Friday

The holidays are upon us and we can’t think of a better time to pull the cork on a bottle of Clover Hill wine, pour a few glasses and enjoy the spirit of the season with good company.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together with my mom and my sisters to bake cookies. We bake, we laugh, we occasionally fight, and the whole time we sip Sparkling Pinot Noir. The hurried pace of the holidays quickly slows down as we enjoy the simple moments of time together as a family. Of course the glass of bubbles helps to make everything more enjoyable!

I would like to wish you a joyous holiday season and many happy, simple moments enjoyed with a glass of wine.

- Kari Skrip

P.S. Schantz Road is officially opened! No more detours trying to visit the winery in Breinigsville. Cheers to that!

Owner’s Selection for December

Save 10% on your purchase of Niagara. Take a deep whiff of this wine and you will experience an unmistakably fresh, grapey aroma. This sweet white wine tastes like you are eating the grapes right off the vine. Serve well chilled and enjoy with good company.

Now only $8.55. Receive an additional 10% discount when included in a case purchase.

Coat Drive at all Clover Hill locations
December 8-14

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery is hosting our annual coat drive. Give us your coat and we will give you a 10% discount on your purchase. We are collecting all size coats to be donated to The Caring Place in Allentown and Berks Women in Crisis in Reading. Coats can be donated at any Clover Hill location and as a thank you, we will give you a 10% discount on your purchase.

Ugly Sweater Party
December 19
The Winery In Breinigsville

Join us in wearing your favorite ugly Christmas sweater to the Winery in Breinigsville and you will be entered to win a $30 Clover Hill gift card. To help us celebrate, all wines by the glass will be only $4 (even if you are not wearing your ugly sweater).

Sparkling Wine Tasting at all Clover Hill locations
December 26-31

Stop in any Clover Hill location to sample any in stock sparkling wines. Why not pop the cork on a bottle of local bubbly for New Years Eve this year?

Beginner Wine Tasting Class
Saturday, January 10 and 25 at 2 pm
Tickets are required - $25 per person

Join us in a beginner wine tasting class. This 1.5 hour-long class will teach you the basics of wine tasting, give you tips on wine and food pairing and help to answer any wine questions you may have. This class is limited in seats and tickets are required. Tickets are $25 per person and attendees must be 21 years or age or older. Call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville to reserve your ticket. Tickets make a great holiday gift idea.

Lehigh Valley wineries celebrate the holidays with open houses, special events and new wine releases

The wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail are encouraging wine lovers to buy local this holiday season by inviting them to festive events, offering specials on wine, and helping them pick the right wines for their holiday meals.

Passports for the 2015 Vino in the Valley Program (formerly known as the March Passport Program) are now on sale for $35 each at all nine member wineries as well as online, and make a great gift for wine lovers.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Holiday Events and Specials:

Blue Mountain Annual Christmas Open House
December 6 from 6-9 p.m.

This free event is their way of saying thank you for all the support their customers continue to give. Guests can enjoy live music by Adam Motto and complimentary refreshments. Please bring a canned good to support a local food bank. (Wine tasting is $5 for five tastes, and the $5 is redeemable towards a purchase of a bottle of wine.) Call 610-298-3068 for reservations or book online.

Clover Hill Coat Drive at all locations
December 8-14

Customers who donate a gently used coat will get a 10% discount on their purchase as a thank you. They are collecting all coat sizes, which will be donated to The Caring Place in Allentown and Berks Women in Crisis in Reading.

The Breinigsville winery is also selling tickets to its Beginner Wine Tasting Classes on Saturday, January 10 and 25 at 2 p.m. This 1.5 hour long class teaches the basics of wine tasting, gives tips on wine and food pairings, and helps to answer wine questions. Tickets make great holiday gifts and often sell out before the end of this year.

Galen Glen Holiday Open House Weekends
December 6, 7, 13 and 14.

Customers can enjoy a pairing of Voodoo Ravioli and an award-winning aromatic white wine. They are helping Santa collect monetary and toy donations for Toys-for-Tots. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation and receive a gift.

Customers are also encouraged to eat, drink and dress ugly. Dig out that old, ugly Christmas sweater, wear it to the winery and take a selfie by the tree. Then post it to the winery's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts and show it to their staff to receive another gift. On December 15 they will announce an eat, drink and dress ugly grand prize winner.

Pinnacle Ridge is selling specialty gift boxes for wine lovers:

The Classic Selection - $51.76
2012 Cabernet Franc
2012 Pinot Noir
2012 Merlot

The Best of Both Barrels - $29.56
2012 Barrel-fermented Chardonnay
2013 Naked Chardonnay

Additional gift box options are also available at the winery. And its award-winning sparkling wines, Blanc de Blanc and Brut Rose are back in stock starting December 6.

Tolino Vineyards - White Wine Sale

The Bangor winery has a sale on 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase one bottle for 15% off, six bottles for 25% off, and a case for 50% off. The 2010 Chardonnay is now 70% off. From now through Christmas for every $50 gift certificate purchased, customers will receive a $5 gift certificate to keep for themselves.

Also taste the newly released ice-style white dessert wine, Sweet Frances, named for Carl Tolino's mother. This wine is now available for $28.99 a bottle.

Vynecrest is offering Spiced Winter Red as its three-pack of the month for $25, and is having a Customer Appreciation Weekend on December 13 and 14 with special discounts on wine. It is also releasing two new wines, Spiced Winter White and No. 36, a dry red reserve.  

Tolino releases new wine, Sweet Frances, and offers a holiday deal on winery gift cards

The grapes have been harvested, crushed and destemmed, pressed, and have made their way into stainless steel tanks or French oak barrels. The harvest frenzy has settled and we are preparing for the holidays. And for us, the holidays mean family.

Carl Tolino's mother, Frances, is the matriarch of the Tolino family. She is the glue that holds us together and she is also the beautiful bride on our newly released and highly anticipated ice style white dessert wine, Sweet Frances. This wine is now available for $28.99 a bottle.

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

The holiday season is here!

Stop by the tasting room to purchase gifts for the holidays. We have mulled wine kits, gift certificates, gift bags, hand-crafted wine racks, wine-scented candles, wine totes, wine sippy cups, glasses, openers and of course, wine. From now through Christmas for every $50 gift certificate you buy, we will give you a $5 gift certificate for yourself. We will also have warm mulled wine for sale by the glass on weekends.

Holiday Hours
We will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. On Christmas Eve we will be open from noon - 5 p.m.

Z Arch Barn Farm in Easton is a magical place. Real reindeer, Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and food are all inside a newly built bank barn owned by the Zarate family. We will be there right next to Santa's sleigh on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with wine samples, mulled wine by the glass, and wine for sale by the bottle.

We are a Vendor at the Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart every Saturday from December 6th through April 11th at 325 Northampton St. in Easton. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and will have more than 30 vendors, offering everything from wall decorations to mushrooms and meat to wine.

White Wine Sale

Our sale continues on 2010 and 2011 White and Rosé wines. Purchase one bottle for 15% off, six bottles for 25% off, and a case for 50% off. And now the 2010 Chardonnay is 70% off. That is under $100 per case.

Holiday happenings and new wine releases at Blue Mountain Vineyards

Notes From the Wine Cellar

We have some exciting news! Red Horizon will be back in stock. Mountain Frost and Victoria's Passion are already back and selling fast. Shiraz, Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, and a new Pinot Noir will debut in 2015. We are currently getting low on our Mountain Spice and Bri's Blush, so stock up now.

New Releases: 2013 Riesling, 2010 Chardonnay Reserve, Sangria, Mountain Frost, and Victoria's Passion

Annual German Night
November 15 from 6-9pm

Join us as we celebrate the Lehigh Valley's German heritage. Enjoy authentic food, music, dancing and, of course, wine. Tickets are $21.50 in advance and $25 at the door. Includes food and souvenir wine glass. Reservations are encouraged. Call 610-298-3068 for more questions and reservations or order online.

Menu: Bratwursts, sauerkraut, spaetzle, German meatballs, hot German potato salad, Rotkohl (red cabbage), strudel, German apple cake, mulled wine, and more.

Annual Christmas Open House

Blue Mountain Winery wants to put you in the holiday spirit, so we are hosting an Open House on Saturday, December 6 from 5 - 9 pm. Come out and see the decorations, lights, gift ideas, wine and hors d'oeuvres, with music by Adam Motto and much more. Admission is a canned good or cash donation to support our local food banks.

Christmas is less than 60 Days Away! Have you started your shopping yet? Need a gift idea?

We have several unique gifts for that special someone who has everything or a wine lover on your list. Cork cages, wine racks, themed bottle holders, wine themed kitchen accessories, decanters, cheese serving sets, wine glasses, ornaments, t-shirts for men and women, candles, and more.

Blue Mountain Vineyards can also create custom wine gift baskets for friends and family with dozens of wine accessories from which to choose. Plus you can order customized wine bottles and host family or corporate parties in our tasting room or glass enclosed deck. Call the winery at 610-298-3068 or email us at info@bluemountainwine.com to ask about private parties and custom labels.

Christmas wishes from the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

We'd like to thank all of our loyal customers for supporting our wine trail this year. Our eight family-owned and operated wineries appreciate your patronage. We couldn't do it without you. And to everyone who just discovered our wine trail this year, we're glad to have you with us!

Please share your love of the wine trail and our wineries with someone you know and encourage them to explore it in 2014.  We hope to see many of you on the trail in March for our annual Passport Program.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year too!



P.S. - Forget to buy a gift for someone on your list? Order them a passport for our 2014 March Passport Program and slip an IOU into their card. We will mail it out this Friday and you can give it to them next time you see them!

Sign up now for a Beginner Wine Tasting Class at Clover Hill

Pull the cork, pour a few glasses of wine, cheers glasses with those around you and let the fun begin with friends and family this holiday season. When you visit any Clover Hill location, we welcome you to sample our wines and will help you find the perfect selection for your holiday occasions.

 For the month of December we have extended holiday hours:

The Winery in Breinigsville: 
Monday – Saturday 9 am - 6 pm and 
Sunday Noon - 5 pm
The Vineyard in Robesonia
: Monday – Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
 and Sunday – Noon - 5 pm

You can also find us at the Allentown Farmer's Market, the Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmer's Market open during market hours and online at www.cloverhillwinery.com. Also, some of our wines are stocked in the PA Wine & Spirit Stores.

In addition to finding wine in our stores, you can also find a great selection of wine racks, wine accessories and other gift ideas. Custom labeled wine is a fun way to personalize your gift giving and it is not too late to order (find out more information at www.cloverhillwinery.com/products). If you just aren’t sure about someone’s taste, we also have Clover Hill gift cards.

From everyone at Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. We are proud you choose to celebrate the holidays with a Clover Hill wine.

Owner’s Selection

Save on your purchase of a gift box with Vidal Blanc and Turtle Rock Red
 during the month of December. Now only $21.59.

Beginner Wine Tasting Class

Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12 at 2 pm

Tickets required; $25 per person


Join us in a beginner wine tasting class. This 1½ hour long class will teach you the basics of wine tasting, give you tips on wine and food pairing and help to answer any wine questions you may have! This class has a limited number of seats and tickets are required. Must be 21+ years of age or older. Call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville to reserve your ticket. Tickets make a great holiday gift!

Live Advent Calendar, hashtag contest, extended holiday hours, and more from Franklin Hill

Downtown Bethlehem's Live Advent Calendar
A different Downtown Business is featured nightly in the Live Advent Calendar. The door of the 1810 Goundie House at 505 Main St. opens at 5:30 p.m. and guests are entertained in a unique and festive way.

Franklin Hill Vineyards will be opening the door TONIGHT, December 17. Warm up with some hot mulled wine while you enjoy the Lehigh Valley Harmonizers singing your favorite carols in the street.

TABLEWINE # COMP
Want to win a FREE CASE of wine? Include a bottle of our wine on your beautifully set holiday table, take a pic, and put it on a social media site with the hashtag #tablewine. We will be judging your pics on creativity, beauty, wine placement and maybe even on how good it all looks. Have fun and good luck.

We Need Your Vote!
It's that time of year again and Downtown Bethlehem's Doors and Windows of Bethlehem competition is in full force. Our Bethlehem crew has created a door worth your vote. Stop by, check it out and then submit your vote.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS
Short on time this holiday season? Let us help. Our retail stores will be opening earlier and closing later. So whether we're your first stop or your last, we'll be there for you.

Tannersville & Easton
Mondays - Saturdays: 10 am - 7 pm
Sundays: 11 am - 5 pm

Bethlehem
Mondays - Thursdays: 10 am - 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 10 am - 9 pm
Sundays: Noon - 6 pm

The Perfect Holiday Martini
We've got a tasty way to impress your holiday guests with this cocktail:

First chill your martini glass.
Then add 3 parts Passion to 1 part Vanilla Vodka.
Dip the rim of your favorite martini glass in green colored sugar and garnish with a strawberry.

December update from the Wine Trail

Here are a few highlights from our wineries on what they are up to this month.

Now that the holidays are officially here, several of our members have extended hours at their wineries and/or their wine shoppe locations. So be sure to check their web sites or call ahead before visiting. Also, several of the wineries offer custom wine labels for wine you plan to give as gifts, but the deadline for ordering labels is nearing. Be sure to ask about it soon if you are interested.

Galen Glen's Annual Holiday Open House

Saturday 12/14, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12/15, noon - 5 pm

We welcome you to come in from the cold and warm up with some of Gary's Norwegian Shrimp Chowder. In Norway, fish, shrimp and potatoes are staples in a family's diet. Soup is great after a cold day of tree shopping, holiday shopping or decorating. Stop by the winery for our complimentary food and wine pairing. Let our staff help you make your holiday wine selections. We also will have gift cards, gift baskets, glass wear, dips, jellies, jewelry and candles available to help you with your holiday gift giving needs.

There's still time to visit Vynecrest's Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem booth for wine tastings and sales during your trip to Christmas in Bethlehem. 

Thursdays & Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm

Fridays & Saturdays: 11am - 8pm 

12/12 - 12/15 and 12/19 - 12/22

Clover Hill Wine & Food Inspiration

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Saturday, December 14 from 11 am - 4 pm

Visit our Wine Shop for a special wine and food pairing. We will be showcasing some holiday entertaining ideas that will include: 

- Smoked turkey from Mr. Bill's Poultry paired with Oak Vidal

- 'Krab Salad' from Heckenberger's Seafood paired with Cayuga White

- English Cheddar with orange and chocolate from Wittman's World Cheeses paired with Vignoles

Pinnacle Ridge: Need a special gift for that wine lover in your life this holiday season?

Check out our gift baskets full of artisan dips, sauces and all other sorts of wine goodies. Complete with award winning Pinnacle Ridge Winery wines, of course.

4th Annual Christmas Blessings Toy & Gift Drive at Blue Mountain
Sunday 12/15 at 2 p.m.

It's that time of year to spread Christmas cheer to those who need it the most. Bring a new toy and donate it to the Christmas Blessings Toy & Gift Drive. All toys and gifts will be donated to the children's hospital. Put a smile on their face with your donation and enjoy live music with Scott Marshall & The Hillbilly Souls.

Franklin Hill Vineyards recently won 3 medals from the Grand Harvest Wine Competition in Sonoma County, CA. This competition is the only wine competition in North America that is based on terrior.

RedHead, our newest edition to our wine list, is a dry red with a high vanilla oak, was awarded a Bronze Medal.

White Jade, a dry, lightly oaken white, was awarded a Silver Medal.

Fiesta, a fun, sweet, red made with 100% concord grapes with a citrus blend added to it making it like a Red Sangria, was awarded a Silver Medal.

Don't forget to get your Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wine tote this holiday season.

When you purchase 6 bottles of wine or more at one of our 8 member wineries, you will receive this FREE wine tote! The bags are printed on both sides with pictures of our wine bottles. The bag is durable and able to securely hold 6 full bottles of wine. While supplies last.

Free shipping on online orders of 6 bottles or more from Vynecrest through Dec. 8

Free shipping on 6 or more bottles for online orders through December 8 at www.vynecrest.com. No coupon code is necessary; just be sure you have six or more bottles in your shopping cart.

Normal discounts still apply, 5% discount on 6 to 11 bottles, 10% discount on 12 or more bottles
This promotion is for online orders only. Phone-in orders will be subject to normal shipping fees
Free shipping does not apply if wine is sent to multiple locations. Order must be shipped to one location for free shipping offer to apply

Sorry, we can't ship to AL, AR, KY, MD, MA, MS, MT, NH, UT, HI, AK. Must be 21 or older to order. Adult signature required for delivery of wine. All wine will be shipped via FedEx.

December Specials
* Three Pack of the Month - 3 Spiced Winter Red for $25
* Wine of the Month - Vignoles 10% off

March Passports for the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's 2014 event are still available at the winery for $35 each or can be ordered online.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem - visit our booth for wine tastings and sales during your trip to Christmas in Bethlehem. Thursdays & Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm, Fridays & Saturdays: 11am - 8pm

• 12/05 - 12/08 
• 12/12 - 12/15 
• 12/19 - 12/22

Holiday hours at the winery in Breinigsville
* Dec 1 - 23: 11 am - 5 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: Closed
* Dec 26 - 31: 11 am - 5 pm
* Jan 1 - 5: Closed
* Reopening January 6: 11 am - 5 pm

Holiday hours at the wine shoppe in Kutztown
* Dec 1 - 23: noon - 6 pm
* Dec 24: 10 am - 2 pm
* Dec 25: Closed
* Dec 26 - 31: noon - 6 pm
* Jan 1 - Jan 6: Closed
* Reopening January 7: noon - 6 pm

Glass Half Empty
by John Landis

When I reflect back on 2013, what I am most thankful for are all the wonderful people we get to interact with throughout the year.

The friendly farm vendors at the Macungie Farmers Market; the other winery staff who attend wine festivals; the Kutztown University staff who partnered with us on the label for Bear Naked Chardonnay; the volunteers at Christkindlmarkt; Lehigh Valley Wine Trail members; our terrific neighbors who are so supportive; the vineyard crew who helped us harvest the biggest crop in the history of Vynecrest; our family of Vynecrest tasting room staff who interact with our customers; and finally, the customers themselves whose support makes our existence possible.

Jan, Sam, and Malachi join me in thanking you for your support and wish you all Happy Holidays and a healthy 2014!

Saying thanks while getting ready to shop!

At Thanksgiving we are reminded of how appreciative all of our eight member winery owners are for our loyal customers who not only purchase our wines but also advocate for our wineries and for buying local. It is thanks to your continued support that our wine trial continues to be successful. Thank you for coming back time after time and helping us spread the word!

Many of our wineries have begun extended holiday hours at their wine tasting rooms and wine shoppe locations. Be sure to call ahead or visit their web sites before heading out.

Here are a few highlights of what some of the wineries have planned for this coming weekend:

Galen Glen - Black Friday Sale
November 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Once a year, we put the winery on sale. 15% off case sales only. Custom label orders and shipped orders are not included. All wine must be purchased at the winery day of sale.
ONE DAY ONLY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Blue Mountain - Black Friday specials
at the winery and all locations

$2 off  all rhinestone shirts
$2 off all rhinestone aprons
$1 off all T-shirts

Clover Hill - Shop Small Saturday

Saturday, November 30

All Clover Hill locations and at www.cloverhillwinery.com

Eat, Drink and Buy Local! Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery would like to thank you for choosing to "Shop Small’ and supporting our family owned and operated winery. Please enjoy 10% off any 6 or more bottles and 20% off 12 or more bottles on Shop Small Saturday only. Go ahead, stock up for the holiday and thank you for Shopping Small. 

Blue Mountain Christmas Open House
December 7
5 - 9 pm

Please join us for some Christmas Cheer! This event is our way of saying thank you to our customers. Enjoy our delicious wines accompanied by hors d'oeuvres while listening to live entertainment in our beautiful glass-enclosed deck kept warm and cozy by our fireplaces.

Galen Glen - Santa Visits

Saturday, December 7

We will again be collecting for Toys-for-Tots, so please bring an unwrapped toy or a monetary donation to help those less fortunate.  Bring your camera for a photo with Santa too.