Vino in the Valley 2017 Food and Wine Pairings

Amore Vineyards –

Week 1 – Roast pork loin with applejack pan gravy and red skinned mash potatoes – Vidal Blanc

Week 2 – Three-cheese meat lasagna – Red Rapture or Cabernet Dolce

Week 3 – Beef Burgundy and bow tie pasta – Cabaret Amore or Chambourcin

Week 4 – Chicken medallions and pasta Florentine, roasted red peppers, artichokes and mushrooms in a light garlic wine sauce – Rose Amore

Big Creek –

March 4 and 5

Homemade Tomato Bisque with Crispy Pancetta and Grilled Cheese Crouton paired with Seyval for the dry wine drinkers or its sister wine, Dulcinea, fro the sweeter tastes.

March 11 and 12

Melon and Prosciutto with Balsamic Glaze paired with our Joi’, an off dry Muscat

March 18 and 19

Crostini with Beef Tenderloin and Horseradish Cream paired with our dry red wines.

March 25 and 26

Brie in Puff Pastry with Raspberry, Pecans and Green Onions paired with our Dulcinea or Apple Raspberry wines.

Blue Mountain –

All food prepared by Nick & Nikki Sandt with The Culinary Experience.

3/4 and 3/5

French Onion Soup with Toasted Garlic Crostini paired with 2015 Sauvignon Blanc

3/11 and 3/12

Garlic Herb Cavatappi Alfredo paired with 2015 Riesling

3/18 and 3/19

Chipotle Pulled Pork Crostini with a Cole Slaw Shooter paired with 2016 White Merlot

3/25 and 3/26

Mini Fish Tacos paired with 2012 Chardonnay

We are also offering complimentary live entertainment each Saturday from 1- 5 pm.

Clover Hill –

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is proud to partner again this year with the K-Town Pub Taphouse & BBQ for our Vino in the Valley Food. This year passport holders will be treated to a Wings & Wine extravaganza! Each weekend will feature different wings and a vegetarian side dish perfectly paired with our wine.

March 4 and 5, 11 and 12

Chimichurri wings with a side of Vegetarian Baked Beans.  We will also be serving a new sangria.

Cayuga White will be paired with the Chimichurri wings – Chimichurri is an Argentina style sauce with parsley, cilantro and garlic

DeChaunac will be paired with homemade Vegetarian Baked Beans

March 18 and 19, 25 and 26

White BBQ wings with a side of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.  We will also be serving a new sangria.

Riesling will be paired with White BBQ wings – White BBQ is an Alabama style sauce made with mayonnaise, cider vinegar and sambal (and Asian chili)

Vidal Blanc will be paired with a K’Town Pub creation of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – corn, black beans and pasta with chili, lime and aioli

(Please note: a passport is required to take part in the wine and food pairings or you can purchase a pairing for $6 per person.)

Franklin Hill –

Franklin Hill Vineyards is partnering with their sister business Social Still in Bethlehem for an amazing food and wine pairing each weekend.

Week 1 - Short Rib Street Taco bowls, sweet onion, cilantro, pico de gallo and lime paired with our Trio.

Week 2 - Kiss will be paired with Korean Style Meatballs

Week 3 - White Jade will be paired with Mini Crab cakes finished in a celery root remoulade and peppadew sauce.

Week 4 - Venison Sloppy Joe Sliders and purple cabbage citrus slaw paired with Evanswood.

(Vegan option are also available all four weekends.)

Galen Glen –

Harvest of Land & Sea - a salad of smoked salmon with local vegetables and greens topped with dill, sour cream dressing and a rye toast point

Wine – Gruner Veltliner

Cuisine Partner - Chef Mark Muszynski, owner of farm-to-table restaurant Curious Goods at the Bake Oven Inn http://bakeoveninn.com/

Pinnacle Ridge –

Pinnacle Ridge will be teaming up with the Lehigh Valley's own Taza Egyptian Cuisine Food Truck. Each weekend they'll feature some of their delicious signature recipes, which have been garnering rave reviews since they burst onto the culinary scene.

The Menu (everything is served with homemade pita chips):

March 4-5:

Garlicky Hummus

Baba Ghanoush - Smoky baked eggplant, pureed with homemade tahini and spices

Dry Option: 2016 Gruner Veltliner

Sweet Option: 2016 Vidal Blanc

March 11-12:

Gibna Beyda - Bulgarian feta mixed with spices, tomatoes, scallions, and olive oil topped with paprika

Marinated Eggplant - Lightly fried eggplant marinated with vinegar, fresh lemon and fresh pressed garlic

Dry Option: 2016 Dry Rose'

Sweet Option: 2015 Riesling

March 18-19:

Garlicky Hummus

Baba Ghanoush - Smoky baked eggplant, pureed with homemade tahini and spices

Dry Option: 2016 Gruner Veltliner

Sweet Option: 2016 Vidal Blanc

March 25-26:

Gibna Beyda - Bulgarian feta mixed with spices, tomatoes, scallions, and olive oil topped with paprika

Marinated Eggplant - Lightly fried eggplant marinated with vinegar, fresh lemon and fresh pressed garlic

Dry Option: 2016 Dry Rose'

Sweet Option: 2015 Riesling

Tolino Vineyards –

The Easton Public Market is a great place to drink Tolino wine and sample many different types of food. For Vino in the Valley, Tolino is brining the tastes of the market to the winery in Bangor. Each weekend we will feature a different vendor from the market, with live music every Saturday.

· March 3 and 4 –Chocodiem and live music Saturday by Gordon Ward. We will pair our Cabernet Franc with Chocodiem’s dark chocolate ganache tarts filled with an array of toppings including Himalayan sea salt, coconut flakes, nuts, cocoa nibs and more.

· March 11 and 12- Taza Stop and live music by George Baier. We will pair our Vidal Blanc with Taza’s Egyptian chili loaded with fava beans, ground beef  and lots of spices. 

·  March 18 and 19 - Barred and Broody Bake Shop and live music by Curious Dog. We will pair Papa’s Red with chocolate explosion cake, which is chocolate cake with buttercream icing, chocolate ganache and chocolate sprinkles.

·  March 25 and 26- More than Q and live music by Craig Sailer. Pulled pork from More than Q paired with Chardonnay.

Vynecrest –

March 4 and 5 - Stuffed to the Grills Food Truck

Pairing Stuffed to the Grills Smoked Gouda Bites with Vynecrest’s DiVyne Red wine. Using PA Preferred September Farms Smoked Gouda wrapped in puff pastry and deep fried with a DiVyne Red drizzle.

March 11 and 12 - Cibo Italian Food Truck

Domenico will be sharing two of his favorite pizzas all weekend, made fresh on-site from his food truck Cibo. He will offer a vegetarian pizza with peppers and mushrooms as well as a cheese pizza topped with bacon. Both pizzas will be paired with Vynecrest Red, and old favorite and perfect pizza wine.

March 18 and 19 - Stuffed to the Grills Food Truck

Pairing Stuffed to the Grills Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad with Vynecrest’s semi-sweet Riesling wine. Roasted eggplant, red onion, peppers, and garlic tossed with orzo, basil, green onions, and feta cheese in a lemon olive oil dressing.

March 25 and 26 - la bottega & dei PANINI

Domenico will be unveiling his new food truck for the first time here at Vynecrest all weekend and will be featuring a wide array of sandwiches, paninis and heroes.  Specifically, for the food pairing, he will be featuring his classic Italian hero, with ham, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and oil and vinegar. We will pair our Vynecrest White with this masterpiece all weekend.

Vino in the Valley 2017 Getaway Prize Packages

We've made a fun and exciting change to our Vino in the Valley passport event for 2017:

Instead of giving out small, individual gifts to passport holders as was done in past years, this year they will be entered to win one of 10 Lehigh Valley Getaway Packages! We've partnered with some of your favorite local inns, resorts, and bed and breakfasts to create these fabulous overnight packages in the Lehigh Valley.

(All packages/getaways are subject to availability; prize recipient is responsible for booking/scheduling all components of the package they win. Prize recipient may also be responsible for taxes and/or tips.)

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Purchase a Vino in the Valley passport ($35) in person at one of our 9 wineries (cash or check only) or online via EventBrite.
2. Visit at least 8 of our 9 wineries during the four weekends in March and have your passport stamped at each one while you enjoy food and wine pairings.
3. At the last winery you visit fill out the contact information on the bottom of the passport; tear off the stub and turn it into the winery staff in order to be entered to win one of these great Lehigh Valley Getaway Packages!

Here are details on the packages that you could win:

Bear Creek Mountain Resort Getaway

Deluxe King Suite for two nights with Champagne, champagne flutes, and two pairs of slippers; breakfast delivered to your room and rose petal turndown at night

$200 Spa at Bear Creek gift card to be used toward the pampering services of your choice

$100 Grille at Bear Creek gift card for dinner

Crystal Springs Resort Getaway

Create-your-own getaway with a gift card that can be used for your choice of lodging, spa treatments, rounds of golf, and gourmet dining.

Hawk Mountain Bed & Breakfast Getaway

Two-night stay in a Jacuzzi room, plus transportation to the Blue Mountain Vineyards for a winery tour

Massage and manicure for two at Salon & Spa 309

Tickets for two to the Lehigh Valley Zoo

One-hour Allentown hot air balloon ride (shared) with end of ride celebration with champagne fruits and cheese

Dinner for two at Paese Mio

Blue Mountain Vineyards winery tour and cheese pairing for two - includes souvenir glasses

Couples Pampering Package Getaway at Glasbern Inn

Two-night stay for two at Glasbern Inn

Three-course chef-inspired dinner for two in the main dining room

Two 1-hour Swedish massages

Half-dozen chocolate covered strawberries

Chilled champagne in the room

A chef’s table breakfast for two

A breakfast for two in the main dining room

(Valid Sunday through Thursday nights only and based on availability)

Hotel Bethlehem Getaway

Two-night stay at Hotel Bethlehem in downtown Bethlehem

Dinner for two at Social Still in Southside Bethlehem

Sayre Mansion Getaway

Two-night stay at Sayre Mansion - $500 gift certificate

Friday evening dinner at Bolete - $200 gift certificate

Saturday lunch at Bamboo $50 gift certificate

Saturday evening “Picnic on the Green” at DeSales University outside theater with Wegmans $50 gift certificate (to pack picnic supper) and bottle of Galen Glen Riesling

Saturday evening tickets to Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Show at DeSales University $100 gift certificate

Glasbern Inn Getaway

Two-night stay in a deluxe room or junior suite, and dinner for two.

Shawnee Inn Getaway

Two-night stay at Shawnee Inn in the Sanctuary Suite, two breakfasts, one dinner (at River Room or Gem and Keystone), brewery tour, and beer tasting. (Includes all taxes and gratuity for two people.)

Lafayette Inn Getaway

Two-night stay for two people in a Premier Guest Room with whirlpool tub, fireplace and breakfast daily. Romance basket of treats in room.

Couples massage

Gift card for two tickets to a show of your choice at the State Theatre

Dinner for two at Maxim’s 22 restaurant

Kutztown Main Street Inn

Two-night stay at Kutztown Main Street Inn

Dinner with beer tasting and tour at Saucony Creek Brewery

Randall's on the Orchard restaurant gift card

Welcome gift basket filled with assortment of local food and beverages

$150 Uber Gift Card for Transportation

Personal tour and cellar tasting at Vynecrest with the owner

Vino in the Valley 2017 passport program introduces wine lovers to local wineries during weekends in March

The annual Vino in the Valley passport program introduces wine lovers to locally produced wine by encouraging them to explore all nine wineries that belong to the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail during the four weekends in March 2017.

An event that has become an annual tradition for many, it takes features wine and food pairings for passport holders at each of the wine trail’s member wineries. Passports are stamped at each winery, and after visiting at least eight wineries and collecting their stamps, the passport is turned in and entered into a raffle.

New for 2017 passport holders will be entered to win one of 10 Lehigh Valley Getaway Packages at a local inn or bed and breakfast that includes accommodations for two, dining, and other amenities.

How the Vino in the Valley Passport Program works:

1.     Wine lovers purchase a passport for $35, either at one of the wine trail’s nine member wineries, or online. (Passport program participants must be age 21 or older.)

2.     During the four weekends of March (Saturdays and Sundays), participants visit the member wineries to enjoy a food and wine pairing (tasting-sized) and have their passport stamped in the corresponding winery box on the front.

3.     Once stamps are obtained from at least eight of the nine wineries, they fill out their contact information on the bottom front side of the passport before tearing it off and turning it in at the last winery they visit in order to be entered to win one of 10 Lehigh Valley Getaway Packages in the Grand Prize Drawing.

Passports are now on sale for $35 each at all nine member wineries (cash or check only), as well as online via EventBrite.com (credit card only) - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vino-in-the-valley-2017-along-the-lehigh-valley-wine-trail-tickets-29267831873. Online orders for holiday gift giving must be placed by Friday, December 16 to ensure enough time for delivery of the printed passports via First Class USPS. Only 1,800 passports are printed, so wine lovers are encouraged to purchase them early since they may sell out in advance of the event.

Visit the wine trail’s web site to review group guidelines, tips for traveling the trail, passport program rules, and other event details: www.VinointheValleyLVWT.com (Note: each winery sets its own house rules, policies and procedures.)

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail member wineries are:

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

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. For more information, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

2016 Vino in the Valley Grand Prize Winners announced!

Congratulations to the following 30 Grand Prize Winners of the 2016 Vino in the Valley passport drawing.

You will receive in the mail in the coming weeks a $25 gift certificate to the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail to be used toward the purchase of wine only. Gift certificates are valid for one year only.

Thank you for participating in this year's passport event!

Gloria Ambolino - Quakertown
Ann Christman - Palmerton
Deb Cinamella - Palmerton
Dave  Furman - Wayne
Diane Granitz - Allentown
Sharon Gross - Collegeville
Ken Hanna - Bethlehem
Brian Hugo - Walnutport
Kendra Kachline - Bangor
Laura Karns - Palmerton
Stacy Kovacs - Allentown
Nicole Larrison - Nazareth
Carol Sue Miller - Bath
Kristy Molitoris - Whitehall
Denise Nolt - Fleetwood
Megan Papuc - Bethlehem
Michele Pierce - Easton
Lisa Rodriguez - Whitehall
Ashley Romanishan - Danielsville
Carla Rowland - Easton
Jim Scheirer - Bethlehem
Paula Schmelz - Saylorsburg
Carl Schumacher Jr. - Easton
Cathy Smith - Allentown
Tammy Smith - Palmerton
Allison Solley - Bethlehem
Michelle Sterner - Allentown
Andrew White - Allentown
Eric Whitters - Easton
David Williamson - Nazareth

Easter food & wine pairings from the wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

The owners of the nine family-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail understand how important the Easter meal is for gathering with family and friends, and offers the following food and wine pairing suggestions for this year’s dinner.

Amoré Vineyards and Winery, Nazareth - Pair Amore Pink Passion with ham, pork and sauerkraut or Rose Amore with baked ham. 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 great all-around wine for traditional Easter dinners. Both sweet and dry wine fans will enjoy the glass-filling aroma of this semi-dry rose. It 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 lots of flavor. It works as an aperitif, or with ham, turkey, or baked ziti.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – Winery owners Joe and Vickie Greff recommend their 2014 Pinot Noir to compliment a glazed Easter ham. For lamb, they recommend the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. If you’re serving a chocolate dessert, go with Victoria’s Passion or Harvest Moon, a late harvest Seyval Blanc dessert wine, with apple pie, custards, and carrot cake.

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, Breinigsville - Riesling is a great option for Easter ham; the winery produces a dry Generations Riesling and a semi-sweet Riesling. Try making a Holiday Ham Glaze with 1 cup of Clover Hill Holiday wine mixed with 1 cup of brown sugar. Blend ingredients, coat ham, and baste frequently.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - Pair their Gold Medal award winning Hard Cider with the Easter meal. For a more traditional pairing go with Seyval Blanc, which just won at the East Meets West Wine Competition, which will compliment your ham or turkey beautifully. For dessert pair the winery’s sour yet sweet green apple wine named Envy with a slice of key lime pie, or pour a little Envy over vanilla ice cream in a blender and make adult Shamrock Shakes.

Galen Glen Vineyard and Winery, Andreas – Winemaker Sarah Troxell recommends setting the family table with one of their Rieslings alongside a glazed Easter ham or a roasted turkey. For dessert, enjoy a glass of Twilight, which is naturally sweet and perfectly paired with cheesecake.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Their Vidal Blanc is the perfect companion for traditional Easter fare. To make more of a splash, their Brut Rose sparkling wine would be a festive choice.

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor - Celebrate with the family by sharing a bottle of Pinot Grigio. This dry white wine has citrus notes that complement the ham and gives the meal a refreshing taste. For red wine lovers, try their bold and smoky 2013 Cabernet Franc to bring out the seasoning of the meat. Sunnyside, a sweet concord, is a special treat that pairs well with semi-sweet Easter Chocolate for dessert.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – Whether you go the traditional ham with pineapple route or do ribs and chicken on the grill, Autumn Gold is a sweeter wine that pairs well with either choice. It's made from Vynecrest's signature blend of estate-grown grapes, and is also the March Wine of the Month with 10 percent off the regular price of $9.99.

Vynecrest welcomes food trucks on weekends in March

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Vino in the Valley passport program event is underway. No worries if you don't have a passport; we are still open to the public for sales and complimentary tastings. If you do have a passport, come on in, head right downstairs to have your passport stamped and get your food pairing.

To escape the weekend crowds, don't forget we are open every day until 5 pm and open until 5:30 on Fridays. Fresh bread is available Friday through Sunday. Stop in Friday after work to pick up fresh bread, local cheese and local wine.

As a special treat in March, when tasting our Cherry DiVyne wine at the winery, you will be treated to a complimentary chocolate covered pretzel from Billy's Candies. Since so many people will be traveling the Wine Trail in March, we will have small bags of these delicious pretzels available for $5 to take along with you. We will also have boxes of Billy's Easter candy available for sale during March. They are a wonderful small candy company in Temple, Pa. that we are proud to have available here at the winery.

March Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Autumn Gold - 10% off
* 3-Pack of the Month - 3 Niagara for $25

(available at winery only, 3-pack cannot be combined with other offers.)

Upcoming Events

March 19 - Live music in the Vyneskeller - Steve Myers on the baby grand, 1 - 4 pm. Free admission.

March 19 and 20 - Stuffed to the Grills Food Truck - 10 am - 5 pm Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm Sunday

March 26 - Bob-B-Q Food Truck - 10 am - 5 pm

March 27 - Easter Sunday - CLOSED

April 2 and 3 - Bear Creek Spring Wine Festival - noon  - 6 pm both days

April 9 - Live Music in the Vyneskeller - Steve Myers on the baby grand, 1 - 4 pm. Free admission

April 17 - Brunch and a Ball Game - Stuffed to the Grills Food Truck will be dishing out some great food from 11 am - 5 pm and the Phillies will be taking on the Nationals at 1:35 pm.

Glass Half Empty by John Landis

When March arrives I think about St Patrick’s day, spring, Easter, NCAA March Madness and of course the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s Vino in the Valley event. This is the 16th year for the ticketed passport program event which features wine and food pairings at each of the nine wineries.

Just for fun, I checked the Internet to see what else happens in March and I found that there are 113 “national holidays” in March including National Mulled Wine Day on March 3. Then there are another 100 state and local “days.”

So if you’re looking for some reasons to come to our winery and celebrate, there is always some special day available. For Vynecrest, March is also the time of year we start bottling some of our 2015 harvest as our 2014 wine supply diminishes. And, in March we will be releasing our No. 37 wine, which represents the best of the best of the reds from our 37th harvest (2014). Last year, No. 36 was predominately Merlot; No. 37 will be predominately Cabernet Franc.

The start of Vino in the Valley is just a few days away!

Our annual March passport program is starting this coming weekend, March 5 & 6 at all 9 of our wine trail's member wineries.

Online passport sales ended last week but a limited number of passport remain for sale at:

• Amore
• Blue Mountain
• Clover Hill
• Pinnacle Ridge
• Tolino 

Passports are $35. You can pick them up this week, or this weekend if there are any left by then. Call ahead before visiting one of these wineries to ensure they still have passport left to sell you.

Read the Passport Program Rules before heading out, as well as our Tips for Traveling the Trail here.  One of those tips is that we recommend you plan on visiting no more than three wineries a day so you can get the most enjoyment out of your experience without being rushed. DO NOT try to visit all 9 wineries in one day. You will be too rushed and need to allow for time to drive from winery to winery safely. And of course, remember to always have a Designated Driver.

Group Guidelines:

No commercial vehicles of any type (buses, limos, vans, etc.) are allowed at the 9 member wineries during weekends in March. If you are traveling by car with a group of 8 or more people, appointments, scheduled in advance, are required at each winery you plan to visit.

Food and Wine Pairings:

Review the list of what each winery has planned for its food and wine pairings each weekend here, and then plan which wineries you will be visiting each weekend.

Where to pick up your passport holder gift: 

On the top left corner of your passport is a passport number. It correlates to a chart entitled "Pick up your gift" on the front of the passport. Check the chart to find out at which member winery you are to pick up your gift.

10 Important Things to Know about Vino in the Valley

If you are new to this annual event, or even if you've participated in it in the past, check out our blog post offering even more tips and advice to make it a great experience.

FYI - We will be launching a redesigned web site this Friday that is mobile friendly to make it more helpful when you are viewing it on a smart phone.

Bring your friends for Ladies Night Out in April at Blue Mountain Vineyards

Ladies Night Out
April 8 from 6-9 pm

Join us for an evening of wine, chocolate, cheese, and relaxation. Grab your girlfriends, co-workers, daughters, mothers, and more and join us at Blue Mountain Vineyards. Live music will entertain you while you nosh on the three main food groups...wine, cheese, and chocolate!

Cost includes wine tasting, live music with Kendal Conrad, cheese, and chocolate. Other goodies will be available, too. Tickets must be purchased in advance. All ticket sales are final; no refunds will be issued. Once purchased, tickets will be held at the door on the night of the event. You do not need to pick up your tickets in advance. Limited tickets available. By law only Blue Mountain Vineyard wines can be consumed on the property. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

Sunday Blues

Join us every Sunday for music, fun and of course wine. Fast becoming a staple of Sunday activity in the Lehigh Valley, we attract the best musicians in the area. Let us help with the perfect way to "wine" down your weekend.

Please be aware that in the indoor room where the band is located seating is given to the first 50+ reservations, all other reservations will be seated outside or in the tasting room.

(No alcohol except for Blue Mountain Vineyards wine is permitted on the property or in the building. If found on your person you may be asked to leave.)

Reservations are required - (tickets need to be purchased at time of reservation). $5 per person (includes wine tasting). For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

• March 6 - Sarah Ayers and James Supra Quartet
• March 13 - Scott Marshall 
• March 20 - Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer

March Wine Special - $3 off Shiraz

Available in store and online. To order online, visit www.bluemountainwine.com and enter the code MARCH at checkout. Offer expires 03/31/2016

10 important things to know about Vino in the Valley Passport Program

Below are a few things to know about our annual Passport Program.

If you are new to this event, please take a moment to also read the five steps that explain how the program works and our tips for traveling the trail HERE.

1. The event takes place at all nine of our wineries weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in March. Winery hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sunday. HOWEVER: our wineries will all be closed on Sunday 3/27 for the Easter holiday. So the last weekend of the event is only one day - Saturday 3/26. 
2. Online passport sales close on Friday 2/26, so place your order soon! Passports are mailed out via first class USPS and need 3-4 days to arrive in the mail prior to the starting weekend of the event. You MUST have a passport to use for the event. Printing out an online receipt for your passport order will not work.
3. Passports can also be purchased in person (cash or check only please) at our member wineries. HOWEVER: wineries are starting to sell out of their supplies of passports. Big Creek and Blue Mountain are already sold out. So be sure to call ahead before going to a winery to buy passports just to make sure they still have some left to sell to you!
4. Write your name on your passport as soon as you get it and record your passport number somewhere in case you lose it at one of our wineries. This way we can return it to you!
5. Pick up your passport holder gift - a t-shirt and logoed wine glass - at the winery indicated by the number on the top corner of your passport. There is a small chart on the front of the passport that correlates passport numbers to wineries. It indicates which winery you should collect your gift at. 
6. Wine and food pairings at each winery are tasting sized, so they are small. They are just meant to be a sample of each. Please do not expect large portions or a small meal. Review the list of pairings HERE. 
7. Start at any winery and visit the rest in any order you wish. Consider planning out your visits in advance based on your favorite food and wine pairings each weekend. 
8. Get your passport stamped at each winery you visit. When you have collected at least 8 stamps, fill out the contact information on the bottom front of the passport, tear it off and turn it in at the last winery you visit. This will get you entered into a Grand Prize Drawing to win wine trail gift certificates. 
9. Please expect the wineries to be VERY busy! Saturdays are busier than Sundays in general, and the first two weekends of the event tend to be busier than the last two are.
10. If you will be traveling with a group, please be sure to review the Group Guidelines HERE before heading out.

2016 Vino in the Valley March Passport Event - food and wine pairings

Amore -

Week 1 – Three Cheese Meat Lasagna – Cabaret Amore

Week 2 – Italian Wedding Soup – Vidal Blanc

Week 3 – Grilled Italian Chicken in a Vodka Sauce over cavatelli pasta – Cayuga

Week 4 – Chicken medallions and pasta florentine, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and mushrooms in a lite garlic wine sauce – Chambourcin

Big Creek - will offer “Cuban Sopa de Frijoles Negros” paired with our Dry White Seyval.

Blue Mountain -

Week 1: Italian Pulled Pork made by Giovanni’s Gourmet Italian Catering paired with 2013 Sauvignon Blanc

Week 2: Penne Pasta in White Wine Sauce w/Goat Cheese & Cranberries made by Fenstermacher Catering paired with 2012 Chardonnay

Week 3 – Red Wine Pumpkin Chili paired with 2014 Chambourcin

Week 4 – Mushroom and Blue Cheese Napoleons paired with 2010 Merlot

Clover Hill - Featuring food from the newly renovated K-Town Pub Taphouse & BBQ who specializes in authentic Southern style BBQ.

Weeks 1 & 2

Duo of tacos with a side of homestyle mac & cheese. We will also be serving signature sangria.

Pinot Grigio paired with Brisket Taco ~ Texas-Style smoked beef brisket served on a flour tortilla with shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo and Cotija cheese.

Chardonnay paired with Pulled Pork Taco ~ Smoked and pulled port shoulder served on a flour tortilla with a mustard-vinegar BBQ sauce and apple slaw.

Weeks 3 & 4     

Duo of sliders with a side of homestyle mac & cheese. We will also be serving signature sangria.

Turtle Rock Red paired with a Turkey Slider ~ Smoked Turkey, sage aioli, cornbread stuffing, cranberry BBQ sauce on a brioche slide.

Oak Vidal Blanc paired with a smoked meatball, red wine BBQ sauce, onion marmalade, asiago, on a brioche slider. 

Franklin Hill -

Week 1 – Gourmet Crab Mac & Cheese paired with Seyval Blanc

Week 2 – Mini Short Rib Cheese Steaks paired with Evanswood

Week 3 – Seafood Chowder with Oyster Crackers paired with White Jade

Week 4 – Cashew Chicken Salad Croissant Sliders paired with Catawba

Galen Glen - will be sharing its enthusiasm for wine, food and conversation with guests.

Inspiration ~ The Dolomites, fusion of German & Italian cultures, where the land has changed hands countless times over the centuries

Suppe/Zuppa ~ Cream of Horseradish & Potato, hearty fare fit for a winter day

Wine ~ Gewurztraminer, born in this region of Northeast Italy circa 1000AD

Pinnacle Ridge - American Classics theme

Week 1 – Louisiana Classic – Jambalaya (vegetables, rice with sausage and other meats) paired with our 2015 Dry Vidal or 2014 Vidal Blanc.

Week 2 – pulled pork slider with our 2013 Chambourcin and 2014 Quaff.

Week 3 – Senate Bean Soup - a soup that has been offered in the Senate dining room daily since the early 1900s - paired with 2014 Chardonnay or 2015 Cayuga.

Week 4 – Mac and Cheese paired with 2014 Merlot or 2014 Quaff

Tolino - will have a taste of some of the best Lehigh Valley Food Trucks.

March 5 and 6 - pairing Papa’s Red with hummus, baba ghanoush or gibna beyda, (marinated eggplant) served with homemade pita chips made by the Taza Truck

March 12 and 13 - pairing Pinot Grigio with mini pierogies with bacon and cheese made by the Aioli Food Truck

March 19 and 20 - pairing white blend, Lilly, paired with Taza’s falafel bites with tahini sauce

March 26 - lemon bars from Trixies Treats Food Truck paired with Sunnyside, a sweet red

Free live music will be available on Saturdays: Robin and Jim on 3/5; Chris Cummings Jazz Trio on 3/12; Chuck Schubert on 3/19; and George Baier on 3/26. Also on Saturday, 3/26 the winery will welcome the Easter Bunny in a helicopter from noon  until 2 p.m. for pictures (weather permitting).

Vynecrest -

Week 1

Vynecrest will be working with the local food truck Stuffed to the Grills who will be featuring their Brie Bites with our 2014 semi-sweet Riesling. The Brie Bites are puff pastry wrapped brie, deep fried and drizzled with a raspberry sauce and powdered sugar which pairs exceptionally with the acid and slight sweetness of our Riesling.  The Stuffed to the Grills food truck will be on site all weekend as well with a full array of menu items for sale for passport holders and non-passport holders alike.

Week 2

Vynecrest will be working with the BOB-B-Q Food Truck who will be featuring their Pulled Pork with our 2014 Lemberger.  Bob's pulled pork is smoked 14 hours and rubbed in his "World famous seasonings" and even promises to have some Vynecrest Lemberger in the recipe.  The BOB-B-Q food truck will be on site all weekend as well with a full array of menu items for sale for passport holders and non-passport holders alike.

Week 3

Vynecrest will be working with the local food truck Stuffed to the Grills who will be featuring their Brie Bites with our 2014 semi-sweet Riesling. The Brie Bites are puff pastry wrapped brie, deep fried and drizzled with a raspberry sauce and powdered sugar which pairs exceptionally with the acid and slight sweetness of our Riesling.  The Stuffed to the Grills food truck will be on site all weekend as well with a full array of menu items for sale for passport holders and non-passport holders alike.

Week 4

Vynecrest will be working with the BOB-B-Q Food Truck who will be featuring their Slow Roasted Chicken with our 2014 Traminette.  Bob's chicken will brined in our Traminette and cooked "slow" and "low".  The BOB-B-Q food truck will be on site all weekend as well with a full array of menu items for sale for passport holders and non-passport holders alike.