Get to know... Helen Donches of Amore Vineyards

1. Which winery do you work for and how long have you been there?

I have been employed by Amore Vineyards and Winery in Nazareth for more than six years. The vineyards are located on more than five acres. A beautiful tasting room offering a little bit of Italy in the Lehigh Valley is featured in a charming 200-year-old barn.                                          
2. What is your favorite wine that your winery makes, and why? What do you like to pair it with?

I have several favorites:

• Vidal – dry, crisp with a smooth finish, pair with cheese 
• Riesling – refreshing with lasting finish, pair with chicken or fish
• Red Rapture – simply delicious – versatile – enjoy by itself, with cheese, pasta, red meat
• Blackberry Bliss – flavorful fruit wine great with dark chocolate
• Rapport – enjoy after dinner also with dark chocolate

3. What is the most popular questions you get asked by visitors about Lehigh Valley wine or    wineries, and how do you answer it?

• Do you grow all your own grapes? - Yes, we grow all our grapes in our mineral-rich soil located in a narrow limestone belt of the Lehigh Valley. Our soil's rich array of minerals adds a unique complexity to our wine.
• How many wineries participate in Lehigh Valley Wine Trail? - We have nine participating wineries and we offer customers copies of the wine trail brochure to take along home with them.
• Why do Chambourcin wines taste different in other wineries? - It's due to the soil and how the wine is processed.
• Do we refer to other wineries and do all wineries participate in special events? - Yes, we offer directions to other wineries since each winery offers their own specialty wines, and again we offer them the wine trail brochure which describes the annual special events.     

4. What do you like most about local Lehigh Valley wine and wineries?

Wineries offer convenience, variety, and the ability to taste prior to purchase which you don't get in a state liquor store.

5. What is the one piece of advice you offer to wine lovers traveling along the Wine Trail?

I encourage them to visit all participating wineries, drink responsibly, and take their time while enjoying their tastings. For a great wine tasting experience, try to attend special events where food pairings are available and some wineries offer entertainment as well.

Three questions with... Gregg Amore of Amore Vineyards

This month we interviewed Gregg Amore, owner of Amore Vineyards in Nazareth.

1. How did your family get started in farming in the Nazareth area?

My grandfather bought the farm in the 1940s. It was passed on to my father and uncle. My father passed his share to me and I purchased my uncle's half, when he decided to retire. I also purchased seven acres at Rt. 512 and Steuben Road from my dad and uncle in the early 1970s to start building greenhouses.

2. When did the winery get started?

The vineyard is 5.5 acres and we grow nine different varieties of grapes and craft 30 different wines. Grapes were first planted in spring 2000 and we had our first harvest in fall 2002. The winery opened in spring 2003.

3. What is your favorite part of the spring season when it comes to the new growing season ahead?

The favorite part of the spring season is seeing all of the flower and vegetable plants growing in the greenhouses. It is gratifying to think about the pleasure, beauty and abundance they will bring or customers.

It is also very satisfying to see our field vegetables grow and bear fruit. Knowing our customers will enjoy our fresh fruits and vegetables also brings great satisfaction. More recently, the opportunity to grow grapes and share the fruits of that labor, in the form of personally crafted wine, has been great fun.

Taste of the Trail video - Amore Vineyards & Winery

Our latest Taste of the Trail video is now on our YouTube channel and web site. Visit Amore Vineyards and Winery in Nazareth and meet owner Gregg Amore.

Franklin Hill Winery wins more awards and announces August festivals

Franklin Hill Vineyards just won 3 more awards! 

The International Eastern Wine Competition awarded us a Bronze Medal for our Sir Walters Red, Pomegranate Peach, and Seyval Blanc!


Upcoming events:

Our festival staff will be having fun offering bottle sales and complimentary tastings at  "Martin on Main" in Nazareth this Saturday, August 6 from noon - 8 pm. This is a free, family-friendly event. Join us!

Visit our Bethlehem Wine Shoppe during Musikfest, August 5-14. We heard your requests all year long and are listening! We're bringing back complimentary tastings of our refreshing Fiesta Sangria only during Musikfest!

Follow our fun festival staff to Seven Springs Wine and Food Festival, August 27-28  from 11 am - 5 pm. Purchase tickets online or at door.