Mother's Day along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

Here is what our wineries have planned for Mother's Day Weekend, May 13 & 14:

Galen Glen
We toast all ladies with a complimentary wine tasting and a Galen Glen tasting glass. Also, Grab a snack from Buy the Farm – Specializing in homemade dips, salsas, hummus and our winemaker’s favorite – homemade pita chips, Aaron and Marisa also bring locally sourced surprises like sandwiches and baked goods.
Saturday — 11am – 5pm
Sunday — Noon – 5pm

Mimosas and Music at Vynecrest
$3 Mimosas both Saturday and Sunday for Mother’s Day and Mike Spangler playing the baby grand piano in the Vyneskeller on Saturday from 1-4 pm.

Blue Mountain
It’s Mother’s Day and what better way to say “Thanks Mom” or “I Love You Mom” than with Mimosas and a cheese and fruit plate. Available at the Vineyard in New Tripoli from 11 am - 6 pm on Mother’s Day. No reservations required. Plus, Sunday Blues from 2 - 5 p.m, $5 per person, includes wine tasting.

Special at Clover Hill
May 14 – noon-4 pm
It’s Mom’s Day and what better way to say “Thanks Mom” or “I Love You Mom” than with a glass of wine and a bottle to take home. Join us at the Winery in Breinigsville for discounted wine by the glass specials from noon to 4 pm.

Cupcake Pairing – Tolino
Celebrate the moms in your life with a a wine tasting and gourmet cupcake pairing. We will be offering pink berry slushies and live music on Saturday and Sunday. Cupcake pairing is $8 for 6 tastes, souvenir glass, and cupcake. No purchase in advance required.

MAMAste YOGA with Jackie at Tolino
10:30 am special yoga flow in the vineyard guided by Jacki Squarcia of Om-azing yoga followed by brunch, a cupcake pairing, wine tasting and souvenir wine glass and live entertainment. Bring your own mat. Call us at 610.588.9463 with questions.

Yoga in the Vineyard – Franklin Hill
As always our Yoga in the Vineyard Series kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 14. We’re honored to welcome back Silver Kim to lead us in an hour of rejuvenating and relaxing poses. Your ticket includes your practice, a glass of sangria and a light buffet style brunch.Full of Crepe’s food truck will also be here offering both sweet and savory crepe options that you’re sure to love. $25 per person

Pinnacle Ridge 2017 Open House Concert Series – Scott Marshall & the Hillbilly Souls
This summer, we’re going to have a ton of fun music in our rustic Bank Barn! We have a stage, tables and chairs, a bar, food trucks, and a crowd that’s always ready to dance it up. No reservations required. Please – no outside alcoholic beverages are allowed. We will have locally produced beer and cocktails made from locally distilled spirits. We will also have non-alcoholic beverages for sale.
FOOD TRUCK: Stuffed to the Grills

Spring Wine & Cheese Pairing weekend details announced

Taking place mid-spring, the Spring Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend features the pairing of cheeses with local wines at each of our nine member wineries. Each winery will select one of its fine wines to pair with the perfect cheese and will offer complimentary tastings of the pairing to wine lovers who will explore how the texture, acidity, fat and tannin compliment or contrast each other. Guests will also learn tips to help them skillfully develop their own pairings.

Event hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m.

(While the wine and cheese pairing samples at each winery are complimentary (limit one per person, per winery), most of our member wineries charge a fee for wine tastings. So be sure to ask what the tasting policy is when you arrive at each winery, or consult their respective winery page on this site.)

WINE & CHEESE PAIRINGS

Amore will serve a variety of Italian cheeses paired with wines appropriate to the nature of the cheese and the customer’s palate.

Big Creek will introduce its wine by the glass program and for the epicurious, an augmented cheese plate.

Blue Mountain will feature Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta paired with their 2015 Riesling (dry) or their 2015 Vignoles (Semi-Sweet). Cheese and wine will be available for purchase.

Clover Hill will feature Riesling paired with a Vermont Maple Sriracha Windsordale cheese, and Turtle Rock Red paired with Drunken Goat cheese.

Franklin Hill – will offer Cheddar, Bacon, and Bourbon Fondue served with pretzel bites prepared by our sister company, Social Still. They’ll pair it with White Jade, which was recently awarded the Best Dry White Wine at the Pennsylvania Wine Association Competition. For sweet drinkers they’ll offer Vidal Blanc as a pairing. Local vendors and specialty cocktails will also be available.

Galen Glen will feature its decadent Cannoli Dip (made with ricotta and cream cheese – recipe available) and a locally smoked cheese paired with their wines.

Pinnacle Ridge will team up with Camillo’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria on Kutztown whose chefs are preparing mini cheese pinwheels made with buffalo mozzarella and Camillo’s very own fresh dough. After baking, the pinwheels are sprinkled with garlic and Parmesan cheese. They will have two wines available for pairing: customers can choose either the smooth, full-bodied, French Oak-aged 2015 Chardonnay, or for a sweeter option, the 2016 Vidal Blanc.

Tolino will pair Mama’s Rose with Pastae, a Tolino family recipe. Pastae is similar to quiche and is made with hard Italian cheeses, eggs and pasta. This rich and decadent dish is a tasty side at any party. The touch of sweetness in the fruity rose is a perfect complement to the savory dish. Live music Saturday (and every Saturday) by Jeff and Karen.

Vynecrest will pair PA Preferred September Farms Mango Fire Cheddar with their seductive, spicy Traminette wine.

Mother's Day weekend events and specials along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

Several of our Lehigh Valley wineries have special events planned this coming weekend for Mother's Day. Some require advance reservations and space is limited. So be sure to call ahead to ensure space is still available.

Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain Vineyards is offering a 3 oz. glass of Victoria's Passion wine paired with two locally hand-made Victoria's Passion truffles from Sweet Finesse for $7 per person. Limited quantities are available, no reservations required.

Reserve a table for the Scott Marshall Band who is performing for our Sunday Blues from 2-5 pm. Reservations required. To make a reservation, visit https://www.bluemountainwine.com/sunday/scott-marshall-and-the-hillbilly-souls

Clover Hill 
Mother's Day Flights
May 7, 8, 9 and 10 from noon - 5 p.m. all days
Tickets required: $12 per flight

Let us help you celebrate all the beautiful Mothers at Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. We will offer a dry wine flight and a sweet wine flight. Please call 610.395.2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville for your tickets. (Note - the event is almost sold out for Saturday and Sunday. There are still plenty of spaces available for Monday and Tuesday.)

Franklin Hill
Yoga in the Vineyard - May 8

The event begins at 10 am with an hour of relaxing, rejuvenating and restoring yoga in the vineyard. Once we've found our Zen we'll head to the pavilion for a light brunch, complete with mimosas. A tour will be offered at Noon.

BYOM - Bring Your Own Mat
$25 per person (includes yoga, brunch, mimosa, tasting and tour)
Limited space is available.

Galen Glen

The winery will toast all ladies with a complimentary wine tasting and a special Galen Glen exclusive gift (while supplies last). Also, enjoy an individual mango-coconut cheesecake with a glass of Raspberry wine for $9. ($10 or $12 with other wines) (while supplies last).

Tolino Vineyards

Join Tolino Vineyards on Mother's Day Weekend for two great events,  cupcakes and yoga! All weekend enjoy a gourmet cupcake pairing by Sweet Girlz Bakery and premier tasting for $8. No tickets required. Cupcake flavors: Red Velvet, Peanut Butter, Lemon, Salted Caramel and French Toast.

On Sunday, start your day with yoga at 10:30 am, followed by brunch, a cupcake pairing, premier tasting and live music. Yoga is $30/ticket. Live music Saturday by Mike Pilgermayer and Sunday by Peshi. Brunch menu: cupcake, fruit, gourmet cheese, quiche, green salad, and a sandwich or wrap.

Vynecrest

Dan Harakal on guitar in the Vyneskeller 1-4 pm both days Saturday. On Saturday Trixie's Treats Food Truck with sell cupcakes and sweet treats onsite, and Sunday they will have croissants available and mimosas for $3 from 11 am-  1 pm. Free admission.

Mother's Day, wine slushies, and vineyard and winery tours this spring at Clover Hill

Mother's Day Flights
May 7, 8, 9 and 10 from noon - 5 p.m. all days
Tickets required: $12 per flight

Let us help you celebrate all the beautiful Mothers at Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. We will offer a dry wine flight and a sweet wine flight. Please call 610.395.2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville for your tickets.

Spring Wine and Cheese Pairing Event with the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
May 21 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
May 22 - noon - 5  p.m.

Learn the art of pairing wine and cheeses together. We will offer a free sampling of two wines each paired with a cheese. We will feature Riesling paired with a Ghost Pepper Habanero Jack and our Catawba paired with Cotswold. Cheeses will also be available for purchase. Stop in the winery in Breinigsville for this free tasting.

Wine Slushie Weekend
May 27, 28 and 29 from noon - 5 p.m. all days
To kick off the summer season we will be offering a wine slushie for sampling and available for purchase by the glass.

Public Vineyard and Winery Tours
June 12 at 2 p.m.
July 17 at 2 p.m.
Reservations required; $12 per person. No charge for guests under 21 years of age.

Join Clover Hill Winery for a vineyard and winery tour. We will show you the Clover Hill way from the grape to the glass. Tours last approximately 1½ hours and we sample a few wines as we tour. Tour groups are limited in size, so please make advanced reservations by calling 610-395-2468. Please dress casually as comfortable shoes are suggested since this is a walking tour. Handicap accessible.

Wine & Cheese Pairings announced for mid-May Wine Trail event

We're already half-way through April and before you know it may will be here. So mark your calendar now and plan to join us May 21 & 22 at all 9 of our trail's member wineries for our next Wine Trail event - the Spring Wine and Cheese Pairing event.

Event hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Complete an event ballot to vote for your favorite wine and cheese pairing and be entered to win one of nine $25 Wine Trail gift certificates.

(While the wine and cheese pairing samples at each winery are complimentary (limit one per person, per winery), most of our member wineries charge a fee for wine tastings. So be sure to ask what the tasting policy is when you arrive at each winery, or consult their respective winery page on this site and look for the Tasting Policy header.)

Amore - will feature a wide array of cheese and crackers, paired with several different wines.

Big Creek - will pair Nouvelle Sunset Late Harvest with Brie or Apple Raspberry with Manchego.

Blue Mountain – their 2011 Merlot will be paired with a wedge of Prima Donna cheese on a cracker, and their 2014 Sauvignon Blanc will be paired with a skewer of watermelon and Sartori basil and olive Asiago cheese. Cheeses will be available to purchase.

Clover Hill – will offer a free sampling of Riesling paired with a ghost pepper habanero jack cheese, and Catawba paired with Cotswold. Cheeses will also be available for purchase.

Franklin Hill - will welcome Aioli Food Truck for Wine and Cheese weekend. They will offer pairings of their wines with a variety of cheese spreads from Klein’s Farm. All of their wines, as well as a special Summertime Sangria, will be available for purchase by the glass to enjoy on the deck. 

Galen Glen – will have their white wine with a skewer of mild local German cheese, a strawberry and a basil leaf, and their red wine with a wedge of local smoked cheddar on a pita cracker. Cheeses will be available to purchase.

Pinnacle Ridge - will pair goat cheese and apricot jam with Blanc de Blanc and 2015 Riesling. On Saturday, May 21, they will feature a performance in the barn from The Brosky Meyer Trio from 2-5 pm. Also, the Stuffed to the Grills food truck will sell gourmet sandwiches.

Tolino - will pair various wines with an assortment of cheeses from BaD Farm in Kempton. Tolino and BaD farms are both vendors at the new Easton Public Market. BaD Farm makes their cheese from raw milk that they produce.

Vynecrest - will pair September Farms Aged Gouda with their 2014 Lemberger.

Get to know... Karen George of Galen Glen

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

I’ve worked for Galen Glen for at least 15 years.

2. What is your favorite wine that your winery makes, and why? What do you like to pair it with?

That changes from year to year, season to season, day to day. My fave at the moment is Gruner Veltliner.  Or is it Gewurztraminer?  I just made one of my specialties the other night, smoked salmon pasta with GV. If I am heading out for Mexican or sushi, I choose  my best friend Gewurz.

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

How do I get your job? I am actually related to Galen, so I was coerced into working here! I have a very stressful real job, so this is my "fun" job. You meet the sweetest, sincerest, silliest people on the wine bar.

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

I think it is great that we are so lucky to have vineyards in our backyards. I am ALL about being sustainable and supporting local agriculture. It has also been great watching them grow. Look out Finger Lakes: PA is coming to get you! I have many people tell me they no longer travel to the Finger Lakes for wine. The wine here is better and they can save on drive time and drink local wine instead.

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

I always advise them to try the vineyard’s specialty, what they are best known for. I also advise trying something outside their comfort zone, outside the box. If you ONLY drink red, try a new white that you are unfamiliar with. You just might like it! If you ONLY drink sweet wines, try a bit drier wine since your palate might be maturing or changing.

Springtime full of wine events and activities at Tolino Vineyards

Friday Music Series Starts May 27
All summer join us for our Friday Music Series for a relaxing evening at the winery. Live music, wine slushies, food for purchase, family flow yoga, bonfire for s'mores, and yard games for the kids. A great way to spend a relaxing Friday night with the family.

Tolino Vineyards at the Easton Public Market opening April 15
Our spot at the Easton Public Market is nearing completion. Check out our video in anticipation of an April 15 opening.

3rd Anniversary Sale and Food Pairing
April 9 and 10 help us celebrate three great years in business! We will be offering 40% off all 2012 vintage wines, and 15% off the remaining vintages. Papa's Red will be paired with Italian Tomato Pie. Live music by Andrew Moses on Saturday.

Paint your Glass Off with Erika 

April 16 at 2 pm
$35

Ticket includes all supplies and instruction to paint your own wine glass, a glass of wine to sip on while you paint & delicious snacks. Music by Gordon Ward.

Paint and Sip with Anna K  
April 23 at 6 pm
$35

Sip wine, chat with friends and create a masterpiece! The class will be instructed Anna Kaszupski. Tickets are $35 per person and include all art supplies, snacks  and a glass of wine.

Mother's Day Weekend 
May 7 and 8

Join Tolino Vineyards on Mother's Day Weekend for two great events,  cupcakes and yoga! All weekend enjoy a gourmet cupcake pairing by Sweet Girlz Bakery and premier tasting for $8. No tickets required. Or on Sunday, start your day with yoga at 10:30 am, followed by brunch, a cupcake pairing, premier tasting and live music. Yoga is $30/ticket. Live music Saturday by Mike Pilgermayer and Sunday by Peshi.

Spring Wine Dinner by Widow's Tavern and Grille
May 14 at 6 pm
$49.95

Appetizers in the vineyard, dinner in the tank room. Our first dinner of the year will be catered by Widow's Tavern and Grille in Stockertown and will offer a spring inspired menu. Ticket price includes appetizer, dinner, and dessert with wines paired with each. Live music by Andrew Moses. Weather permitting we will stroll down to the vineyard for cocktail hour and appetizers. We will then return to the tank room to enjoy the rest of the meal and the live music.

Dinner in the Vines  
Saturday, June 11 at 5 pm
$49.95

DeFranco's Catering will provide a delicious Italian meal served family style at round tables in the vineyard. Ticket price includes one glass of wine, appetizers, dinner, dessert and live music by Peshi. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to dine among the vines, taking in the sights, sounds and smell of nature.

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.

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.

This weekend's winery events - live jazz, cupcakes and wine, and dinner in a vineyard!

This Sunday, May 31 at Vynecrest - Jazz Sunday: live music in the Vyneskeller from 1-4 pm. FREE.

May 30 at Blue Mountain Vineyards
Run The Vineyards 5K

Run the beautiful and scenic trail course through the vines of Blue Mountain Vineyards. The 5K is a course with chip timing and online results. There are awards for Top 3 Overall and Age Group winners. There is a tech shirt and wine glass for all participants. We'll also have food vendors on site. Enjoy post run live music and a tasting at the wine bar. Register online at www.GoodDayforaRun.com.

Wine and Cupcake event this weekend at Galen Glen

Saturday, May 30 - 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 31 - noon - 5 pm

Happiness Cakes from Las Vegas Chef, Natalie Morgan.  Natalie grew up locally in Palmerton and is now the Executive Pastry Chef at Portafino and Tom Colicchio’s Heritagesteak.  She will be in the tasting room for a meet & greet from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, May 30th.  Both days we will be selling her “Happiness Cake Pops” made from our award-winning Riesling wine paired with 3 ounces of Late Harvest (formerly Erin’s Auslese) for $3.  You may also purchase full-sized versions of the Happiness Cupcake and Natalie’s favorite, Lemon-Blueberry Cupcake for $2.50 while supplies last.

Dinner in the Vines event
Saturday, May 30 at Tolino Vineyards

Like to dine alfresco? How about in a vineyard? Tolino is partnering with DeFranco and Daughters Catering for a family-style Italian meal in the vineyard. Bring your friends and family and dine like you are in Tuscany. $49.95 per person includes two glasses of wine, appetizers, dinner and dessert. Purchase tickets over the phone, in person, or online.

Pinnacle Ridge's Second Annual Case Club Member Barrel Tasting
Sunday, May 31 starting at 3 pm

The case club barrel tasting event will feature a look at our new wines from the 2014 vintage prior to blending and finishing as well as the finished 2013 Veritas. You will also get a chance to taste the Petit Verdot prior to blending.

The 2013 Veritas is a Bordeaux blend that consists of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and for the first time ever Petit Verdot.

Owner/winemaker Brad Knapp will be leading the event to answer any questions you might have about the 2014 vintage. Case Club members will get a chance to purchase the 2013 Veritas before the general public at the end of this event.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail to debut new spring wine and cheese event next weekend

Spring is an important time in the vineyards at the nine wineries that make up the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. It’s when bud break on the vine occurs and the vineyards spring back to life after being dormant all winter. It kicks off the growing season along with all the promise that it holds.

To celebrate the season, the wine trail is hosting a new event, May 16 and 17. The Spring Wine & Cheese Pairing event invites guests to sample wine and cheese pairings at each member winery. The theme of this year’s event is “Local Wine with Cheeses from Around the World.” Each winery has selected a country whose native cheeses pair best with their wine as follows:

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – Italy - Mascarpone with Vidal dessert wine, and Provolone with Cabaret Amore

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville – Spain - Spanish Manchego from LaMancha with Moonlight White

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – France - Cantal cheese with Cabernet Sauvignon

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – Holland - Vidal Verde with Basiron Pesto (Pesto Gouda)

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – USA - Mozzarella cheese from Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery in Forks Township topped with a slice of fresh tomato and drizzled with sweet basil oil with Seyval Blanc or Katie’s Creek for our sweet drinkers. They will also offer cheese plates for sale. On Sunday, Full of Crepe from Bethlehem will be onsite with their Big Green Crepe Truck selling sweet and savory crepes as well as cheesy crepes all day.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Germany - Butterkase with either dry Riesling or half-dry Riesling, and Allgau Emmental with either Gewurztraminer or Crooked Stick White. The winery will have a cooking demonstration on fondue made with Gruyere & Emmentaler. Small bowls of fondue and bread with 3 oz. of Gruner Veltliner will be for sale for $5.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – Spain - San Simon smoked cheese with Dry Vidal Blanc

Tolino Vineyards, Bangor – Italy - Smoked provolone from Calandras Italian Cheese in Nazareth with 2013 Chambourcin

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – The Netherlands - September Farms Smoked Gouda Cheese with 2013 Estate Bottled Chambourcin

Some wineries will offer cheeses for sale so that guests can recreate the wine and cheese pairings at home. Attendees can also complete an event ballot to vote for their favorite wine and cheese pairing and be entered to win one of nine $25 Wine Trail gift certificates.

Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Note: while the wine and cheese pairing samples at each winery are free, many of the wineries charge a fee for wine tastings. Limit one wine and cheese pairing sample per person. For additional event information visit: http://lehighvalleywinetrail.com/springwineandcheeseevent/. 

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. Member wineries have been honored with numerous awards at state, national and international levels.

Vynecrest invites wine lovers to join them for Brunch and a Ballgame on April 19

The weather is finally starting to warm up. That means the dormant buds on the vine will begin to swell and eventually open, signaling the start of the 2015 growing season.

April Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Riesling, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 DiVyne Red for $25.

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

Upcoming Events

April and May - Vynecrest Piano and Wine Bar - Open every Saturday and Sunday, 1 - 5 pm. Free admission.


April 19 - Brunch and a Ballgame

Come out and celebrate spring as we showcase Food, Wine and the Phillies on April 19 from 11 am - 5 pm. Highlights include the following:

* Signature sangrias on special for $3 from 11 am - 1 pm.

* FUD truck on site all day.

* Phillies vs. Nationals in the Vyneskeller starting at 1:35 pm.

* Patio will be open.

Pop on in, catch a few innings, grab a bite to eat and glass of wine, and kiss winter goodbye.

Sunday, April 26 - Jazz Sunday, Live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm.

May 16 and 17 - Spring Wine and Cheese Event

This event features the pairing of cheeses with local wines at each of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's nine member wineries. This year’s event theme is “Local Wine with Cheeses from Around the World.” Each winery will select one of its fine wines to pair with the perfect cheese and will offer complimentary tastings of the pairing to wine lovers who will explore how the texture, acidity, fat and tannin compliment or contrast each other.

Guests will also learn tips to help them skillfully develop their own pairings. Cheeses will be offered for sale so that guests can recreate the wine and cheese pairings at home.

Glass Half Empty
by Jim Hutchings

With the arrival of April, I look back on the busy month we leave behind. March is the true beginning of the year for me from a winery perspective. It’s when the vines start to awaken and the weather typically begins to turn from the blustery cold winter to the beautiful springtime.

Vino in the Valley is what brings many of our longtime customers out of hibernation as well. While I see many customers several times throughout the year, there are others who I look forward seeing on their annual pilgrimage each March. It’s a good time to reflect on what’s new on our wine list from their last visit and think about what’s in the works for the year to come.

This year we saw Cabernet Franc (a favorite grape of mine) taken off of the list but in its place is a real winner: No. 36, a Merlot-based blend which shows how great Merlot from the Lehigh Valley can be. Some of our Cabernet Franc has made it into this blend as well, so that old friend is not too far away.

The conclusion of March also officially kicks off our 2015 festival season - we’ll be setting up with some of our other winery friends this Saturday, April 4 at Bear Creek Mountain Resort for their Spring Wine Festival. That fun festival gets us chatting with our fellow winery workers and prepares us for the rest of the summer festivals including Split Rock in June, Penn’s Peak in July, and of course the many Lehigh Valley Wine Trail events hosted at each of the nine member wineries for the rest of the year. March is over, winter is over… we’re looking for the next new and exciting release out of our winery so bring on the summer and another fantastic growing season in the vineyard!

Franklin Hill makes plans to celebrate Earth Day, plus Yoga in the Vineyard

EARTH DAY 3K HIKE & WINERY TOUR - April 25

This Earth Day we invite you to join us on a 3K hike around the vineyard. As we walk we'll tell you all about the land, the vines, the grapes and all the ways we love the earth so it will continue to love us back. We'll end the tour in the winery and chat about the winemaking process and the benefits of drinking wine. You'll see that every step of the way, we put our planet first.

The hike will begin in the parking area at 2 pm. Each hiker will receive a six-bottle reusable wine tote to fill up with Franklin Hill wine. Wine tastings will of course be available all day as will some special Earth Day pairings and cocktails.

The $8 per person fee includes hike, wine tasting, reusable wine tote, winery tour, pairings, and a FHV logoed tasting glass. Call 610-588-8708 to register. Space is limited.

YOGA IN THE VINEYARD

We are proud to once again begin our Yoga in the Vineyards Series with Kula Heart Yoga's Silver Kim. As always we'll kick off the series on Mother's Day. Come celebrate and honor yourself and mom with an hour of relaxing and rejuvenating yoga. Afterward, we invite you to the deck to enjoy a light brunch and of course a cocktail.

The $20 per person fee includes yoga, brunch, cocktail, and winery tour at noon. Call us to register.

Crepes & Mimosa Sunday - May 17

Full of Crepe, located in Bethlehem, is pulling their "Green Machine Crepe Truck" into our parking lot. They'll be offering sweet and savory crepes for you to enjoy with a Harvest Berry Mimosa if you choose.

FRANKLIN HILL VINEYARDS - 2015 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

May 16 & 17
Taste of PA, York, Pa.

May 23 & 24
FlavorFest, Manheim, Pa.

June 6
Taste of Kutztown, Kutztown, Pa.

June 6 & 7
Blue Mountain WineFest, Palmerton, Pa.

June 20 & 21
Split Rock,  Lake Harmony, Pa.

July 25 & 26
Wine on the Mountain at Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, Pa.

August 1
Martin on Main, Nazareth, Pa.

August 29 & 30
Seven Springs, Seven Springs, Pa.

September 12& 13
Gettysburg Wine Fest, Gettysburg, Pa.

Easter dinner food and wine pairing recommendations

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 & 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 – Their 2013 Pinot Noir (a silver medal winner in this year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition) is a dry red wine with fruity and subtle earthy notes will compliment a glazed Easter ham. Their dry 2013 Riesling, non-oaked 2011 Chardonnay and semi-sweet 2013 White Merlot, with their balanced fruitiness and silky acidity, will also compliment the smoky flavor of ham.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - Riesling is a great option for Easter ham and 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 - They suggest a blush like Kiss with ham, and a complex red like Evanswood for prime rib. For dessert, make a Jelly-Bean-tini to pair with your cake and pies. Three days before Easter pour a bottle of Vidal Blanc in a container and put 2 tbsp. of white, pink and yellow jellybeans in it. Once the wine is infused with the sweetness, pour in a half-cup of vodka and enough Passion, Desire or Bliss wines to give it color. Separate your infusion and drop a jellybean in the bottom of the glass for garnish.

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 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 your family by sharing a bottle of 2013 Vidal Blanc.  This dry white wine has a pineapple and tropical fruit body that goes great with ham and gives the meal a refreshing taste. For red wine lovers, pair Easter ham with their 2012 Cabernet Franc. The fruity notes pair well with the sweet glaze of the ham, and the subtle spice complements the seasoning of the meat. Their dessert wine, Sweet Frances, is the perfect after-dinner treat that boasts a mango, pineapple body with high acidity.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – Pair their Dry Riesling with Easter ham, lamb, or turkey. It's a dry expression of Riesling with a tropical nose and bold, crisp, acidic finish. And it’s the Wine of the Month for April with 10% off the regular price of $12.99.

Cheesecake & Wine for a Cure - Sixth Annual American Cancer Society Fundraiser at Galen Glen

On Saturday, April 18, Dr. Rosalee Rehrig and her Relay for Life Team will join with the staff at Galen Glen Winery on their sixth annual fundraiser for The American Cancer Society.

From noon to 4 pm, the team will sell slices of home-made cheesecake. The event is open to the public and no reservations are required.

Galen Glen is proud to partner with The American Cancer Society and support the scientists who search for a cure by donating $1 per bottle of wine sold during this event.

Galen Glen Winery is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Andreas Pennsylvania. The vineyard is on the family's double-century farm and full of history. Plan to spend some time enjoying the exceptional views and a glass of award-winning wine with locally-made cheeses or pack some light fare.

The staff looks forward to meeting you and helping you create unforgettable memories during the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration at Galen Glen.

A springtime full of special events at Tolino Vineyards

Easter Bunny visits in a helicopter
April 4
 
From noon - 6 p.m. there will be crafts for the kids and a jelly bean and wine pairing for the adults with the purchase of a premier tasting. The bunny will arrive via helicopter around 3 pm and will stay for photos. Flying the helicopter is weather dependent, but the bunny and the wine and jelly bean pairing will still go on.

Second Anniversary Sale
April 11 and 12, noon - 6pm

Celebrate two fantastic years in business with us! All bottles will be 10% off  and cases will be 15% off. We will also offer a seasonal food pairing with the purchase of a premier tasting.



Love the Earth Weekend
April 18 and 19, noon - 6 pm

In honor of Earth Day we will offer pruning demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and 4 pm in the vineyard in lieu of  our regular tours. A seasonal food pairing will be offered with the purchase of a premier tasting.

Saturday Music Series
May 2 through the fall

Join us for free music Saturdays. Listen to local artists from 1-3 pm while sipping wine and enjoying the view. Artists include Blue Hearts Revelry, Tom Vicario, Matt Wheeler, Mike Pilgemayer, Erin McClelland, Chris Cummings Trio, The Brummy Brothers, The Jayplayers and more. Sangria will be available, and often so will a food truck.

Flicksville Fermentation Company Release Party
May 23 and 24

Sample wines from our newly released second label named after our historic hometown. Try The 050, a sweet white, or Sunnyside, a sweet red. A food pairing will be available both days, and live music on Saturday.

May 9 and 10 ~ Mother's Day Weekend

Treat the Moms in your life to an afternoon filled with wine tastings, sangria, a tour of the vineyard, live music by Peshi and more. A cupcake pairing from Sweet Girlz Bakery in Easton will be available for $8 that includes tasting six wines, one cupcake, and an etched Tolino Vineyards wine glass to take home.

May 30 ~ First Yoga in the Vineyard with OM-azing Yoga  

From 11 am to noon join Jackie for 60 minutes of Yoga Flow (BYOM), followed by wine tasting. $30 per person. Check our website soon for more details and to make a reservation.

May 30 ~ Dinner in the Vines

We are partnering with DeFranco and Daughters Catering to bring you a family-style Italian meal in the vineyard. Bring your friends and family and dine like you are in Tuscany. $49.95 per person includes two glasses of wine, appetizers, dinner and dessert. Purchase tickets over the phone, in person, or online.

June 13 ~ Painting in the Tank Room

Sip wine and channel your inner Van Gogh. Tickets are $35 per person and include all art supplies, light snacks, and a glass of wine. Purchase tickets over the phone, in person, or online.

Build your team with Blue Mountain's new "Wine Blending" event

Blue Mountain's "Wine Blending" event is the perfect team builder for any group that relies on teamwork and communication to be successful. The key to a great blend is balance. Each varietal working together with each other's characteristics and strengths to make an interesting yet unified wine. Most teams work in much the same way, with diverse personalities coming together in a way that will produce the most beneficial results. During our events your team will work together in a fun, relaxed environment that will promote:

- Goal setting
- Role clarification
- Problem solving with a focus on intrapersonal communication
- Environment creation (creating an atmosphere where disagreements or issues are discussed in an open, positive and diplomatic manner.)

It starts with a brief tour of Blue Mountain - from the amazing views, to the tasting room, and of course the tank room, where the magic happens. The team building starts with an understanding of what exactly goes into the process of producing our signature blend, the Blue Heron Meritage.

After tasting each component available, groups of 3-5 are created to work together through discussion, tasting, and compromise to create their own signature blend. Everyone has a different palette so finding the balance that the entire group can agree on requires great communication, teamwork, and patience. We will discuss issues that came up and how each group was able to work through them. Then on to the grand finale. We will do a blind tasting of each blend and decide as a group who created the finest. These blending events provide a fun, new way of integrating your team and giving them tools that they will be sure to bring in to the workplace.

The event features leadership development and team building expert Ken Altenbach, founder of Team Building US.

When: Tuesday April 28 - 9:30 am until approx. 2:30 pm

Where: Blue Mountain Vineyards
7627 Grape Vine Drive
New Tripoli, Pa 18066

Cost: $24.50 per person includes tour, tasting, team building seminar, and a light lunch.
 
Can you work together to create the next great Blue Mountain wine?

Join Blue Mountain's Dallas Drummond and Team Building US's Ken Altenbach as they create an event that will be talked about in your office for a long time.

This event is geared towards providing you and your employees a new, fun, and relaxed way to improve workplace interactions and develop problem solving skills.

Click here to learn more.

Save on Chambourcin and Traminette this month at Vynecrest

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail passport program 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 downstairs to have your passport stamped and get your food and wine pairing.

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

March Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Chambourcin, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Traminette for $30.00

(available at winery only; 3 pack cannot be combined with other offers)

Upcoming Events

March 29

Jazz Sunday - live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller, 1 - 4 pm

April 4

Easter Saturday - live music with pianist Steve Myers, 1 - 4 pm

April 4 - Bear Creek Mountain Resort Spring Wine Festival

Join us on Saturday, April 4 for the Spring Wine Festival. Guests will enjoy wine and food samples and live jazz music from noon - 4 pm. Each guest will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass, event program, free samples, and have access to the wine check service. Tickets are $30 at the door or $25 online.

Glass Half Empty by John Landis

March! It’s the month when spirits rise as the earth awakens from the cold and snow of winter. It’s the month when we see many old friends that hit the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail for our Passport Program. It’s the month that grass turns green, grapes get pruned, our 2014 vintage wines start to find their way into bottles, and our patio fills with wine lovers enjoying the outdoors. It’s the month of March Madness Basketball, and the eternal hope of every baseball fan that this is the year for their team, and yes maybe we can start to wear shorts and t-shirts.