Six new wine releases at Clover Hill this summer

Our Winemaker John Skrip III has been busy and is excited to share six new Clover Hill wines with you. 2015 was a kind vintage to our red wines. We had great quality with our red grape varieties, but the trade off is we have very little yield. That means all of the 2015 vintages listed below are in limited supply. Taste them while you can! Tasting is complimentary for these wines at all Clover Hill locations.

• 2015 Dolcetto: a dry rosé that is light, fresh, and fruity with a green apple finish. This release of Dolcetto has just a slight bit of fizz. $13.99 
• 2015 Sangiovese: a medium bodied dry red wine. Sangiovese shows rich flavors of black cherry and ripe plum with toasty American (PA) oak undertones. $16.99 
• 2015 Pinot Noir: This vintage of Pinot a bit fuller bodied than previous years and it is truly a superstar! The wine is full of classic strawberry characteristics and soft oak notes. $16.99 
• 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon: This Cabernet is packed with rich oak flavors of vanilla and spice from French oak aging and ripe fruit flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cherry. $17.99 

These two wines are limited release and are available for sale at all locations while supplies last, but ONLY available for tasting at the Winery in Breinigsville on a regular basis. Due to the very limited nature of these wines, there are tasting fees.

• Sparkling Vidal Blanc: Welcome Clover Hill's newest sparkling wine. This bubbly is made from 100% Vidal Blanc with crisp flavors of lemon and grapefruit with soft, yeasty undertones. $16.99/bottle; $3 for a 1oz tasting fee 
• 2016 Vidal Ice Wine: Our Ice Wine is back! This Ice Wine was hand harvested in January 2016. The berries were dehydrated, frozen solid and rich in flavor and sweetness. The harvest was basket pressed and yielded 1,500 bottles of Vidal Ice Wine; or as we like to call it...liquid gold. The flavors are complex and rich including honeycomb, orange blossom and bright acidity. $32/bottle (187ml); $6 for a 1oz tasting fee

1st Tuesday Tours
The Winery in Breinigsville
Tuesday, August 2 at 2 p.m.
Reservations suggested; $8 per person (Tuesday special)
No charge for under 21.

Join Clover Hill Winery for a Tuesday tour. We will show you the Clover Hill way from the grape to the glass! Tours last approximately 1 ½ 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.

Harvest Flights with Bites
The Winery in Breinigsville
August 13, 14, 15 and 16, noon - 5 p.m. all days
Tickets required - $12 per flight

Purchase your flight ticket, pick your day you plan on attending, and choose between the winemaker (dry flight option) or the vineyard worker's flight (sweet flight option). Each flight will consist of four samplings of food each paired with a different wine. Check back for the menu. Please call 610-395-2468 or visit the Winery in Breinigsville for your tickets.

Wine lovers, are you ready for Wine on the Mountain this weekend?

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s annual wine festival, Wine on the Mountain, returns to Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe for its 13^th year on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

Wine on the Mountain features wine tastings and sales by the glass, bottle, and case from eight Lehigh Valley wineries, and light fare available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant. There is also live musical entertainment with Robert Michaels performing on Saturday and Kato performing on Sunday. The well-known venue offers panoramic views of Beltzville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck.

Local artisans will be displaying their wine-related arts and crafts in booths on the balcony of Penn’s Peak. This year’s artisans include:

·       Crystal Glass Designs – hand-painted wine and beer glasses

·       Anastasia Smith Art – hand-painted wine glasses

·       Serving Stone Creations – granite serving stones

·       JD Gourmet – oil, vinegar and gourmet pasta

·       Stray Dog Candles – wine bottle candles

·       Larona Jewelry – hand-crafted jewelry

·       Infinity Baskets & Gifts – hand-painted glasses and lights from recycled bottles, gift baskets

·       Reppert’s Country Glo Candles – hand-made scented soy candles

·       Rustic Country Wood Art – bowls and wine accessories

·       Top Shelf Specialties – touchstone crystal jewelry and wine t-shirts

Advance tickets are $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Tickets at-the-door the weekend of the event are

$30 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday. Advance tickets are now on sale online only: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-on-the-mountain-by-the-lehigh-valley-wine-trail-tickets-25609026287 Admission includes a commemorative logoed wine glass. Designated driver tickets are $8 each and will be sold at-the-door only the weekend of the event.

Wine on the Mountain is an adults-only event and attendees must be 21 years of age or older. It is a rain-or-shine event since it is held inside Penn’s Peak in air-conditioned comfort. For driving directions to Penn’s Peak, visit their web site – www.pennspeak.com. 

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a nonprofit 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 attending the event include:

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
• 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

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit the organization’s web site www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

Food Truck Friday, chocolate truffles, and more await summertime visitors at Galen Glen

Food Truck Friday
Friday, July 29 from 5 - 8 pm

You may know Peculiar Culinary chef Gene Philbin from his appearances on Restaurant Start Up on CNBC and other TV shows. Gene and his crew will roll into the winery serving up the comfort food with a twist, cooked from scratch using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. Check out their food truck menu: http://www.peculiarculinary.com/food-truck-menu/
The final Food Truck Friday is August 26.

USA Truffle Treat
Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31

Get ready for red, white and blue at the Summer Olympics! We invite you to indulge in three decadent USA-themed chocolate truffles with a three-ounce pour of wine for $5. Our truffles are  handcrafted by Lancaster Chocolatier Steve Evans just for us. While supplies last, half-pound boxes of truffles will be available for splurging.

Flavors of Summer with Buy the Farm and The Easton Salsa Company
Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14

Relish the bounty of our earth with a cheese plate made from locally-sourced cheeses, fruits, vegetables, hummus, salsa and chips from our friends at Buy the Farm and Easton Salsa Company. Purchase a snack to enjoy with your favorite glass of wine while drinking in the beauty of the growing vines.

Walking Tour of the Vineyard and Wine Cellar
Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 at 1 p.m. both days

Enjoy a walking tour of the vineyard and wine cellar with one of our guides who will highlight our family's stewardship of this land for over 200 years. Walking tours are about one hour in length, meandering through our rocky terrain. Please wear appropriate foot gear. Our tours are complimentary with no reservations required, and are weather permitting.

Galen Glen Case Club
This month is a great time to join or renew your membership in our annual case club. We have some great events planned for our active case club members and as an new or renewed active member you'll receive an invitation. Our members enjoy many benefits annually, events are only the tip of the iceberg

Relax with local wine and live music on Friday nights at Tolino Vineyards

Keep your eye out for new releases this summer from Tolino Vineyards. Our 2015 vintage has been blended and is ready for bottling.  The ice on the tanks is from the glycol cooling system on the tanks, keeping the whites around freezing until they are put into bottles.

Summer Fridays

Friday nights at the winery are the best way to unwind after a long week.  Stop by after work from 5-8pm and enjoy live music, wine slushies, food trucks and a relaxing atmosphere for all ages.  

July 1: Peshi and the Egg Truck
July 8:  Erin McClelland and the Aioli Truck
July 15:  Sage, Family Flow Yoga (free) and food by Blue Mesa Tex Mex
July 22:  Tom Vicario and Blendlife Food Truck
July 29:  Gordon Ward and Defranco and Daughters Catering

August 5:  Pilgermayer and the Egg Truck
August 12: Peshi, Family Flow Yoga (free) and food by the Aioli Truck
August 19: Sage and food by Blendlife Food Truck
August 26: Erin McClelland and food by Defranco and Daughters

September 2: Music by Toby Costa, Family Flow Yoga (free) and food by Blue Mesa Tex Mex

Upcoming Events

Summer yoga series - July 16, Aug 13 and September 3 at 10:30 am. Enjoy an hour of flow yoga, wine tasting and snacks for $30.00.  The scenery is amazing, and the mind and body workout is the best.  

Paint and sip with Anna K - July 30th at 6pm

Summertime winery events at Clover Hill

Public Vineyard and Winery Tours
The Winery in Breinigsville
July 17 at 2 p.m.
Reservations required; $12 per person. No charge for under 21.

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 1.5 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.

Thirsty Thursday with Tastings and Tours
Clover Hill Winery and Vynecrest
K'town Pub and Saucony Creek Brewing
Thursday, July 14, August 18; September 15 from 1-6 p.m.
Reservations required and are limited in availability; $50 per person. Must be 21 years of age.

Join Tasting and Tours for a Thirsty Thursday wine and beer tour. Attendees receive a private tasting and mini tour at Vynecrest Winery and Clover Hill Winery, and a flight of local beer with hors d'oeuvres at both the K'town Pub and Saucony Creek Brewing. Tastings and Tours will provide your transportation and an awesome experience with insider information at each of the four stops. The first tour begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Grab some friends, pick your date and let's do Thirsty Thursday! Call Tastings and Tours at 484-274-2517 to make your reservation.

1st Tuesday Tours
The Winery in Breinigsville
Tuesday, July 5; August 2 at 2 p.m.
Reservations suggested - $8 per person (Tuesday special rate).
No charge for under 21.

Join Clover Hill Winery the first Tuesday of every month for a special tour. We will show you the Clover Hill way from the grape to the glass! Tours last approximately 1.5 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.

Sangria Sunday
The Winery in Breinigsville
July 10 from noon-4 p.m.

Visit us to enjoy a glass of seasonal sangria on our patio. Sangria will be available for sampling as well as for purchase by the glass. Recipes will also be available.

Harvest Flights with Bites
The Winery in Breinigsville
August 13, 14, 15 and 16 - noon-5 p.m. all days
Tickets required - $12 per flight

Purchase your flight ticket, pick your day you plan on attending, and choose between the winemaker (dry flight option) or the vineyard worker's flight (sweet flight option). Each flight will consist of four samplings of food each paired with a different wine. Check back soon for the menus. Please call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery for your tickets.

Busy summer of special events at Galen Glen

Food Truck Friday
Friday, June 24 from 5-8 pm

We welcome Harold and the crew from Atomic Hogs Pit BBQ, known for serving BBQ, Ribs and other Southern dishes at Penn State football games and local festivals. Purchase a snack or dinner to enjoy with your favorite glass of wine while drinking in the beauty of the growing vines. This event will be held rain or shine (indoor seating will be available). No reservations required.

Friday's menu includes: Oriental roast pork with orange vodka reduction, Angus beef brisket, Mexican grilled chicken, corn on the Cobb, baked beans, cole slaw, and cornbread.
Learn more about Atomic Hogs BBQ.

Bread and Oil Pairing - all day Saturday and Sunday

Savor a baguette baked on a firebrick lined coal oven from Padora's Italian Bakery and Seasons' Spanish olive oil with herbs for $5. Paired with your favorite glass of wine and our panoramic vineyard views, your European vacation begins here.

Back by popular demand the Jerky Treat

Did you know that Jerky is America's most under-appreciated charcuterie? It's a fact! So many of our guests this past weekend loved the Jerky Treat (3 different jerkies from 3 local butchers with 3 ounces of cellar red wine for $7), that we are bringing it back while supplies last on Saturday and Sunday.  Stop by and enjoy the amazing flavors of one of America's favorite foods.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, Sunday and Monday - July 2, 3 and 4
"Red, White & Blue" Wine Slushy Sundae

Saturday, Sunday and Monday - July 2, 3 and 4
Walking tours of the vineyard and wine cellar at 1pm

Holiday hours, Monday, July 4
11am to 4pm

Saturday & Sunday - July 9 and 10 from noon to 3pm

Meet New York Times' best selling author, David Joachim. Get his newly-released Grill School and have it autographed while sampling one of his favorite recipes. Learn more here.

Vynecrest winemaker's thoughts on all that goes into making a great red wine

August is a great time of year to come out, taste some wine, and enjoy the view of the vineyard. The grapes are just about ready to go through veraison, where they stop growing and start ripening. The red grapes will turn from green to red and the sugar levels start to rise. This change in color is also a signal for the birds the grapes are about ready to eat.

Just a reminder, the Vyneskeller is open seven days a week. So after you are done tasting you can grab a glass of wine and relax downstairs.

August Specials:
* Wine of the Month - Vynecrest Red - additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Bear Naked Chardonnay for $35

*available at the winery only

Aug 30 - Vineyard & Winery Tour, and Jazz Sunday

Vineyard and winery tour begins at noon. $5 per person. Tour should wrap up just in time to enjoy some live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm.

Glass Half Empty
by Malachi Duffy (left, pictured with Sam Landis)

When I have a glass of Lemberger I think about what went into making the wine that is in that bottle. Arguments over what to plant 4, 5, 6 years or more earlier. Remembering in 2008 we seriously considered ripping all of it out and not making it any more (thank goodness we didn’t follow through with that idea!). Wondering if the vines were going to make it through the sub-zero temps of the winter. Watching bud break and deciding how many clusters to keep. The awesome crew of guys in the vineyard who handle pruning, hedging, picking and everything in between. Prior to harvest, putting together the order for what yeast to use, enzyme and tannin additions, whether to cold soak or not. Tasting Lemberger on the vine when it gets close to harvest time. Arguing (again) over when to pick each lot of Lemberger. Finally picking and fermenting it.

Sam Landis and I having sand wedge contests over who can chip a golf ball into the fermenting red wine (the loser had to punch the caps). Sam punching the caps. Pressing the almost-dry wine and tasting the wine that runs out of the press as it is being crushed. Letting the wine sit for a few months before we put it on oak. Inevitably thinking that I have completely screwed up this vintage and I should have stuck with what I did last year. The following day retasting and not being so scared.

Oak additions to the wine a couple of months later: Some went to oak barrels, some went to Flex Tanks with oak staves and some with oak chips. At the end of the day (sometimes in the middle of the day) pulling samples and making sure everything is “progressing as it should.” That wonderful day when we have to come up with the final blend for Lemberger. Hopefully bottling before the current year runs out so we don’t have empty shelves. Grabbing a bottle as I head out the door to enjoy during dinner with the family.

It’s awesome to have a story about the drink you have in front of you. I am lucky enough to be involved in the process of producing that bottle. But hopefully you also have a story about Vynecrest wine. Maybe you had a great time in the Vyneskeller with friends and family, or you had Vynecrest wine at someone’s wedding. That’s the great thing about local wine, you don’t just go pick it up at the store, there is an experience associated with it. The wines are great by themselves (hopefully) but you can’t buy the moments off the shelf. The moments are what make that wine taste even better.

So, cheers to all the moments!

Stone Cellar Barrel 29 returns at Galen Glen

Stone Cellar Barrel 29 returns to the Tasting Room

It's back at Galen Glen! This dessert wine, reminiscent of the old word, with it's velvety aged Chambourcin is loaded with notes of coffee, dark cocoa and sweet dried cherries and is available to you for tasting on our wine bar and for purchase. It is the perfect ending to every evening, especially with dark chocolate. Get yours today for $24.99.

Also, our website may say "Sold Out" but Zweigelt is available this week. This fruit-forward style features abundant ripe cherries. A red wine shouldn't drink so easy. Stop by to enjoy this extraordinary red wine. We say, "Zwei not?"

Food Truck Fridays

Mark your calendar for upcoming Food Truck Friday Events:

• Friday, August 28 - Vince's Cheese Steaks
• Friday, September 11 - Stuffed to the Grills

Easton Salsa Company

Plan to Join us on Saturdays, August 8 and 15 from noon - 4 pm, and Sundays, August 9 and 16 from noon - 4 pm when we welcome Easton Salsa Company who will be onsite selling their famous salsas, sauces and home-made chips for you to enjoy with a glass of wine while you drink in the serenity of our vineyard.

Winemaker's Dinner at The Shanty on 19th
Wednesday, August 19 at 7 pm

The Shanty on 19th in Allentown will host a wine dinner featuring Galen Glen Wines. Call the Shanty at 610-841-0150 to make your reservation for this five-course meal. Tickets are $55, plus tax and gratuity.

Food trucks, vinyasa in the vineyard, and Pinot Grigio on sale at Tolino Vineyards this summer

New weekday hours - We have decided to change our weekday hours to 1 - 6 pm. Our weekend hours stay the same (noon - 6 pm). Vineyard and winery tours are held Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 pm.

FOOD TRUCKS

• July 25 -Taza Truck @ 2:30 pm
• August 15 - Geakers Tacos @ 1 pm
• September 26 - Taza Truck and Aioli Truck at the Music Festival
• October 10 - Bad Bones BBQ @ 1 pm
• October 17 - Trixies Treats @ 1 pm
• October 24 - Stuffed to the Grills @1 pm
• October 31 - Taza Truck @ 2:30 pm

VINYASA IN THE VINEYARD
Vinyasa in the Vineyard continues through the fall. Join Jackie of Om-azing Yoga for a 60-minute class suitable for all levels. Join us on August 15 and September 19 at 11 am for yoga followed by a wine tasting, cheese and snacks, and live music at 1 pm.

SUMMER PINOT GRIGIO SALE
Nothing tastes better than a crisp, cold glass of white wine on a summer day. Our 2012 Pinot Grigio is buy one, get one 50% off for a limited time. This light-bodied white wine is exploding with orange and grapefruit citrus notes, accentuated with a slightly sweet pineapple finish.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Call 610-588-9463 or visit our website for tickets and more details on the following events.

Saturday Music Series - 1 pm

July 25 - Erin McClelland
August 1- Supra Ayers Kilcoyne Kelly Quartet
August 8 - Peshi
August 15 - Tom Vicario
August 22 - Matt Wheeler
August 29 - Brummy Brothers

Paint and Sip
August 29 at 6 pm
$35

Sip wine and paint with your friends. Instructed by Anna Kaszupski. All supplies and a glass of wine are included.

End of Summer Sangria Sunday
August 30

Celebrate the end of summer with various types of sangria for sale by the pitcher or glass. Live music by the Cherry Hill Duo.

Dinner in the Vines
September 12 at 6 pm

The first dinner was such a success that we decided to do it again. Enjoy a full dinner, live music and a glass of wine nestled among the vines. $49.95

Inaugural Music Festival & Fundraiser
Sept. 26 from noon-7 pm
$10 in advance; $15 at door

Join us for the Brummy Brothers, Blue Hearts Revelry,  Matt Wheeler, Mike Pilgemayer and Tom Vicario. The Taza and Aioli trucks will be serving food, and a percentage of wine sales will be donated in the name of Anna Mae Becker.

FIND US IN YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT

We would like to thank our restaurant partners for carrying Tolino wines.

• The Mint Gastropub in Bethlehem
• Maxim's 22 in Easton
• Nectar in Berwyn

Summer Hashtag Contest and Yoga in the Vineyard return to Franklin Hill Vineyards

Franklin Hill's Summer Hashtag Contest is back! Win a free case of wine!

To enter, upload a picture of a bottle of Sir Walter's Red wine at your favorite vacation spot.
Upload it to our Facebook page or Instagram account, tag our Twitter handle, or simply email it to us at cheryl@franklinhillvineyards.com. Be sure to include the hashtag #FHVwhereswalter and you'll automatically by entered to win a free case of wine. Whether you're hitting the beach or your back yard, send in your photos to win. Deadline to enter is September 20, 2015. Winner will be picked September 22, 2015.

SUMMER SHIPPING SPECIAL
$15 flat rate shipping for the rest of the summer.
Ship a bottle or a case for just $15.
Expires August 31. Offer good for up to 12 bottles.

Yoga in the Vineyard
August 9 at 10 am

Our summer series continues with Silver Kim from Kula Heart Yoga leading us in an hour of relaxing and revitalizing yoga followed by a light brunch and mimosas. This is a sell-out event each month, so please call today to reserve your patch of grass. Our final Yoga in the Vineyard will be September 6.

Behind the Vine

Lots of people who come to visit us ask what we do all year while the grapes grow? Vineyards require tons of attention and lots of work year around.

Right now our vines are growing like crazy, thankfully. We have 1, 2 and 3 year old vines that require a lot of training. Grapes would love to grow like a bush so to make them grow tall we have to train them by tying them up the poles and across the poles as they grow.

We're also cluster thinning which means we remove some of the clusters to create space between the other clusters allowing them to grow. This gives us the best fruit possible. All in all this season is going really well for us and 2015 has potential to be another amazing year at FHV.

Clover Hill celebrates ice wine release and Summer Flights with Bites event this weekend

SUMMER FLIGHTS WITH BITES AT CLOVER HILL WINERY

Soak up summertime and join Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery for Summer Flights with Bites on July 18, 19, 20 and 21 from noon - 5 pm each day. Call Clover Hill for your ticket, select what day you would like to come, and select the dry or sweet option. Each flight is $10.

If you are a senior (65+ years old), plan your visit for Tuesday, July 21 and flights are only $8. Please call 610-395-2468 for tickets or purchase tickets directly at the Clover Hill Winery in Breinigsville.

Each flight consists of four wines paired with four bites of food. Below are the menus options:

Dry Flight Option:

• Vidal Verde paired with Buche De Chevre
• Chardonnay paired with Herbed Mushroom and Swiss Focaccia with
• Merlot paired English Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
• Turtle Rock Red and Red Dragon

Sweet Flight Option:

• Riesling paired with Peach, Rosemary, Bacon and Goat Cheese Focaccia
• Vignoles paired with Mango Ginger Stilton
• Niagara paired with Pesto Gouda
• Concord paired with Red Dragon

Clover Hill Winery New Wine Release – Generations Vidal Ice Wine

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is proud to release the 2015 Generations Ice Vidal on July 18 and 19 at the winery in Breinigsville. This special wine was hand harvested in January 2015 on an icy, 8 degree day. It is hard to believe such a rich, voluptuous wine is the end result from grapes left to hang in frigid temperatures and harsh conditions.

This is a limited release, producing only 231 bottles. The flavors of this wine are a delightful blend of fresh, bright characteristics contrasted by rich, deep intensity. Expect aromas and flavors of honeycomb, orange blossom, raisins, honey and much more.

On July 18 and 19 from noon - 5 pm both days, at the winery in Breinigsville only, Clover Hill will be offering the first peek at the Vidal Ice Wine. There is a $6 fee to sample this wine. 187ml bottles sell for $30. For the release weekend Clover Hill will also be pairing the Ice Wine with a creamy blue cheese and appropriately there will be an ice sculpture.

Visit Vynecrest this month to celebrate Maizey's birthday and the winery's 41st Anniversary

July Wine Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Traminette - 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Summertime Red for $25.

*available at winery only

The Cellar Experience

A new addition in the winery is our Cellar Experience bar in the tank area of the wine cellar itself. We often get jammed with groups mid-afternoon on weekends at our regular Tasting Bar and have to turn away big groups. Now we have a special place to serve groups from 8-20 people who either call in ahead of time or just show up.

We created a new bar in the wine cellar to accommodate these groups. For $5 per person, a group will get a tasting of either six sweet or six dry wines with an experienced server - often one of the owners, away from the hubbub of the Tasting Room. We had fun making the bar top ourselves by slapping down old Vynecrest wine labels, some dating back to the early '90s. We can also use this bar for future barrel tastings, tastings at the end of a group tour, or any number of special occasions. We also spruced up the adjacent old bathroom which is now painted barn red. Come check it out the next time you visit!

Upcoming Events

July 10 - Maizey's Birthday Bash

Our beloved winery head honcho Maizey is turning 12 years old on July 10. As thanks for all of the crackers, cheese and other crumbs that she has eaten off the floors here for years, she wants to finally give back. On July 10, both Autumn Gold and Summertime Red (Maizey adorns both labels) will be 25% off all day from 11 am - 5:30 pm at the winery.

In addition, Vynecrest will be donating $1 from the sale of each of those wines on that day to the Sanctuary at Haafsville in honor of Maizey. In lieu of gifts for Maizey, feel free to bring in any pet food or supply donations as we will be collecting them for the Sanctuary.

July 16 - 19 - Receive 25% off a case or more and free shipping for online orders only.

July 18 & 19 - 41st Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we celebrate our 41st anniversary in conjunction with Christmas in July. We will have a tent set up in the picnic area, awesome food from the Fud Truck, and live music Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's live music features The Rotten Apples.

Slow Roasted “Chambourcin” Lamb Sandwich
Pulled lamb shoulder with Chambourcin cherry glaze, fresh mint mayo and fresh arugula on a buttery brioche roll

The Vynecrest “Lemberger”
Fresh ground beef seasoned with Lemberger salt and #36 Smoked Pepper, local Pennsylvania Jack cheese and crispy onions on a buttery brioche roll

Fresh Crisp Falafel Pita
Fresh, crisp falafel with smoky golden babaganoush cut with Dry Riesling served in a pita with tender bibb lettuce

#36 12 Hour Pork Shoulder
Tender Smoked Pork (using #36 oak barrels) served w/zesty Carolina mop sauce and housemade garlic dill pickle slices

Grilled Shrimp “Ceviche” Wrap
Grilled shrimp tossed w/charred lemon & Pinot Grigio vinaigrette, grilled sweet corn salsa and peppery arugula

Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap
Crisp chicken, tender bib lettuce and Traminette pickled carrots and red onion

Cherry DiVyne” Funnel Cake Fries
Crisp funnel cake fries topped with powdered sugar and Cherry DiVyne syrup

Blueberry Cobbler Sundae
Fresh blueberry cobbler using Vynecrest 100% Blueberry wine with vanilla bean ice cream

For the little ones:
Hot dog with fries or chicken fingers with fries


July 24 - Glass Painting at Vynecrest on Main

Join us at Vynecrest on Main in Kutztown from 6 - 8 pm for "Painting with Wine." The cost is $12 per person which includes a glass to paint, a glass to drink, and all painting supplies. Appetizers are available for a nominal charge. Please call our Kutztown location at  484-641-5149 to make reservations. There are only 15 spots available so reservations are a must. This month's painting will be of a peacock.

July 26 - Vineyard & Winery Tour & Jazz Sunday

The Vineyard & Winery tour begins at noon and is $5 per person. Tour will end in time to enjoy free live Jazz in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 pm.


Glass Half Empty by John Landis

July means being outdoors as much as possible. Picnics, swimming, fireworks, ball games, festivals, and drinking summer wines on the patio. In July, we celebrate the Fourth, Maizey's birthday, our 41st year as a vineyard, and a trip to Maine for me and Jan.

In July I love to watch the explosive growth of the vines and the ripening of the grapes. So far, this year's crop looks great. Without tornados, hail or hurricanes, we'll be good to go! Keep your fingers crossed.

Pinnacle Ridge set to rock the barn in July with two concerts

Visit Pinnacle Ridge twice this month for two live concerts from great bands. Sit and relax on our couches in the barn, or get up and dance! We will be selling light food. Enjoy a bottle of wine starting at $12 or a glass of wine for $4.

Live Music in the Barn
Big & Bad Rockabilly Cats
Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 pm

The roots of rock n’ roll start with Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Rockabilly is the blending of the blues of the Mississippi Delta, honky-tonk country music, boogie woogie, and R&B with the Hillbilly of the Appalachian Mountains.

The birth of electric guitar bands started in the early 50s and changed the world forever. So let’s get together for a great time and dance a little bit to the bop.

Live Music in the Barn 
Mr. Z & The Nightshift
Saturday, July 25 from 2-5 pm

For the past three decades Mr. Z has been based in Berks County with his kickin’ rhythm n’ blues band, the Nightshift with Marcus on guitar, Mark Bonnes on drums and Ed Moran on bass.

The variety of music is great, paying respect to many of your favorite artists, and with original songs that have become crowd favorites.


*NOTE: We allow our wine to be enjoyed on the property by the bottle or glass, however, we do not allow any other alcoholic beverages on the property.

Two big announcements from Galen Glen Winery

Galen Glen Winery Awarded Double Gold, Chairman's Award, 

and Best in Class in the Riverside International Wine Competition 

Galen Glen Winery was awarded a Double Gold, Chairman's Award (a unanimous gold vote) and Best In Class for the 2014 Stone Cellar Reserve Grüner Veltliner at the Riverside International Wine Competition in California in May. For over 30 years this competition has been providing consumers and the wine industry with important information from blind tastings by professional wine evaluators. In addition to the medals above, the 2013 Stone Cellar Riesling won Silver, and the Stone Cellar Grüner Veltliner won Silver.

The Troxells are known for farming wine. About 90 percent of all grapes used in Galen Glen's wines are farmed on their family's historic farm. This is rare in Pennsylvania. They have been pioneers in the field for planting of Austrian varietals like Zweigelt and they began growing Grüner Veltliner in 2003 obtaining many other national awards, Philadelphia Inquirer reviews and two opportunities (2013 and upcoming 2015) to represent the United States in the by invitation-only Six Nations Wine Competition in Australia.

When asked about winning, Sarah Troxell, Winemaker responded, "Awards from one of the most esteemed competitions in the US are thrilling. Best in Class and Double Gold for our 2014 Stone Cellar Gruner Veltliner, recognizes the talent required to operate a farm winery in cool climate viticulture."

Galen Glen Winery Again Invited to Represent the United States 

in a Prestigious Invitation-Only International Wine Competition

For the second time, Galen Glen has been invited to participate in The Six Nations Wine Challenge. Six Nations is like the Olympics of wine, with only 100 wines representing each of the six nations participating in the competition in Australia. The countries involved are Australia, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and the United States of America. Six Nations was founded as Tri-Nations in 2003. The original countries were Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In 2010 Chile and Argentina were added. 2013 was the first year that the United States of America was included and Galen Glen was invited to represent the US that inaugural year. This is recognized as the only competition in the world where the entrants come from an invitation by the judge of each nation.

Winery news includes painting party, wine specials and awards, live music, and a new wine release

Franklin Hill 

Paint Party in the Vineyard
June 27 at 2 p.m.

Find your artistic side at Franklin Hill Vineyards - we'll bring the supplies, you bring your creativity!  Local artist Claire Lukas has created a one-of-a-kind piece for you to replicate as you take in the breathtaking views of the vineyards and of course, sip a glass of wine. Purchase your tickets here.

Vynecrest

The Vyneskeller is now open seven days a week from 1 - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday it is self service, and you can buy everything you need upstairs in the tasting room (wine, cheese, bread, crackers) and take it with you downstairs to the patio or out to the picnic tables. Saturday and Sunday it features our full staff.

Vynecrest June Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Chardonnay, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - 3 Niagara for $25.00

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

June 28 - Vineyard & Winery Tour & Jazz Sunday

Vineyard and winery tour begins at noon. $5 per person. Tour should wrap up just in time to enjoy some live Jazz music in the Vyneskeller from 1 - 4 p.m.

Pinnacle Ridge 

The 2013 Veritas is now available for purchase. It is a bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and, for the first time ever, Petit Verdot.

We are very excited to announce that we have won more awards for the following wines at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition:

Traminette
Gold Medal
(rated 90points out of 100)

Brut Rosé
Silver Medal

Naked Chard
Bronze Medal

Blue Mountain

Italian Night
July 11 from 5 - 9 p.m.

Our wine may be more French, and our heritage more German, but this event is all about Italia! Join us as we celebrate all things Italy. Featuring food from Giovanni's Gourmet Italian Catering and live music from Lucas Lasagna. Enjoy food, music, dancing, and your favorite wines. Space is limited to 125 guests. Tickets are $24.50 per person, includes wine tasting, dinner, live music, and a souvenir glass to keep (free to Wine Club members).

Summer Slushies, Wine & Food Inspiration, and Summer Flights with Bites at Clover Hill

Reminder - every Monday and Friday - all wines by the glass are $4 each!

Owner’s Selection for June

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

This semi-sweet Riesling is bursting with aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, and minerals with refreshing acidity. This wine pairs beautifully with spicy Thai food or Mexican food with a kick! Now only $10.35.

Upcoming Events

Wine & Food Inspiration
The Wine Shop at the Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmer's Market
June 20 - 10 am - 2 pm

Visit the Wine Shop for a special sampling of foods from Krystyna’s Polish Kitchen. We will be offering samples of jerky sticks and a soft Polish cheese both paired with DeChaunac, as well as Chrusciki (a fried dough that's similar to funnel cake) paired with Vignoles.

Summer Slushies at the Vineyard in Robesonia
The Vineyard in Robesonia
June 27 & 28 - noon - 5 pm both days

Join us at the Vineyard in Robesonia for wine slushies. We will be offering free samples of the slushies featuring our Cayuga White and also serving them by the glass.

Summer Flights with Bites
The Winery in Breinigsville
July 18, 19, 20 & 21; noon - 5pm
Tickets required - $10 per flight
Senior Special Tuesday July 21 - $8 per flight

Join us at the Winery in Breinigsville for a flight of wines paired with bites of goodness. Flights will consist of four wines paired with four bites of goodness. The best part is you can pick if you want to experience a Sweet Flight or Dry Flight. Tickets are required and are in limited supply for $10 per flight. Seniors, join us on Tuesday, July 21 for $8 per flight. For tickets, please call 610-395-2468 or visit the winery in Breinigsville.

Summertime events keep guests coming back to Tolino Vineyards

Join our Case Club and get 30% off your fourth case. We want to reward our regulars by offering them even more quantity discounts. The next time you are in the winery pick up a case club card and we will stamp it each time you buy a case.  Every fourth case is 30% off!

Saturday Music Series

Mike Pilgermayer June 20th @ 1pm

Wallace Brothers June 27th @ 1pm

Vinyasa in the Vineyard
June 20

Enjoy the peaceful serenity of the vineyard and start your day with 60 minutes of Vinyasa Yoga, wine tasting, snacks and a souvenir glass. Bring your own mat. All skill levels welcome. $35 per person.

Wallace Brothers Band
June 27

If you missed them in May, don't make the same mistake. The psychedelic-country/folk/rock and roll/bluegrass.

Weekend Vineyard Tours 
at 2 and 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Join us for our tours held on the weekends to learn about the wines and vines. Hear our family history and get your wine questions answered.

Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4th

Live music by Peshi and, of course, our famous red, white and blue sangria. A holiday-themed food pairing will also be offered.

Wine & Cheese Pairing this weekend at Galen Glen Winery

Wine & Cheese Pairing With Janet Derkits, Cheesemonger & Sarah Troxell, Winemaker
Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm

Join cheesemonger, Janet Derkits, and winemaker, Sarah Troxell as they lead your palate on an adventure with six wines and six cheeses. Janet, a true cheese enthusiast, had her own catering business on the Main Line near Philadelphia before moving to the Lehigh Valley. Her enthusiasm for cheese will have you booking your tickets to the countries of origin of every cheese you taste during this event.

Learn about protected areas and the animals who produce the milk, all while having fun in a social setting with other wine and cheese enthusiasts. Reservations are required. $10 per person due at time of reservation.

Make your reservations by calling our tasting room Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Also this weekend at the winery:

Triple-Treat Repeat (with a twist)
Enjoy three chocolate truffles: Raspberry Champagne, Chambourcin (made with our Chambourcin) and Double Dark, plus 3-oz of wine for only $3 (while supplies last).
Half-pound boxes of the new Chambourcin truffles are available for purchase too.

Every Saturday & Sunday in June
Enjoy Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Santisi Imports and a baguette from Padora's Italian Bakery for $4.

Happening soon:

Sunday, June 21st, noon - 5 pm
"I Love You Man!"

Celebrate the men you love - fathers, brothers, sons, grandfathers, boyfriends...
We will offer complimentary wine tastings to all men and Frank & Tony from The Red Castle in Lehighton will be here selling their famous Polish sandwiches. Don't let it go to his head, but they will also have complimentary samples of two of their beverage menu items.

We are now on Pinterest.

Food trucks, vineyard tours and sangria, oh my!

Clover Hill 2015 Vineyard and Winery Tour Series
The Winery in Breinigsville

Saturday, July 11 at 1 and 2 pm
Monday, July 13 at 2 pm
Sunday, July 19 at 2 pm
Monday, August 10 at 2 pm
Sunday, August 16 at 2 pm
Saturday, August 22 at 1 and 2 pm

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery is proud to be celebrating our 30th Anniversary! Join us for an inside look at our vineyard and production facility. Let us show you our winemaking process from the grape to the glass and sample our premium Pennsylvania wines. The tour is approximately 1 ½ hours. Reservations are required and space is limited. Under 21 is free and we are handicap accessible. For reservations please call 610-395-2468. Tour tickets are $12 per person, under 21 is free.

Food Truck Fridays at Galen Glen this summer
                                 
Mark your calendar now and plan to join Galen Glen Winery for one or all of these rare, Friday evening events in the vineyard. Plan to purchase a great dinner to pair with a glass of wine. The event is held rain or shine (we have indoor seating). No reservations are required and all are welcome.

Friday, June 26 , 5-8 pm - Full of Crepe - savory and sweet crepes and sandwiches

Friday, July 24, 5-8 pm, - Bob-B-Q Sliders & Sides

Friday, August 28, 5-8 pm, Vince's Cheesesteaks

Clover Hill Sangria

Ingredients:
~ 1 bottle Clover Hill Concord
~ 8oz. Cherry Juice
~ 5oz. Cranberry Juice
~ 1 Lemon
~ 1 Orange
~ 1 Lime

Cut lemon, lime and orange into thin 1/4" wedges or slices. Add to wine. Add cherry and cranberry juice to desired taste. For additional variation, add orange juice or other fresh fruit.

Tolino wines win more awards; winery plans summertime live music and food trucks events

2010 Cabernet Franc receives a Double Gold at the Pennsylvania Wine Competition AND Double Gold at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition!

Like us, our reds only get better with age! The '10 Cabernet Franc is one of our most awarded wines. Stop by and buy a bottle while they last.

Our '13 Pinot Grigio, '13 Chardonnay, '13 Cabernet and '13 Papa's brought home bronze medals from PWA. From the Finger Lakes, Sweet Frances won Silver, and 13 Pinot Grigio, '13 Chardonnay, '13 Cabernet and '13 Papa's Red and '13 Vidal won Bronze.

Mother's Day

On May 9 and 10 join us to celebrate the Moms in your life. Treat the ladies in your life to an afternoon filled with wine tastings, sangria, a tour of the vineyard, live music by Erin McClelland from 1 to 4 pm and a food pairing. 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. No reservations required.

Saturday Music Series

Starting May 2 see the talented Jazz musicians of the Chris Cummings Trio at 1 pm.  Every Saturday at 1 pm we will feature a different artist. Sangria will be available to purchase.

Saturday Food Trucks

We are filling up our calendar with food trucks to be available for our guests on select Saturdays. May 23 and June 13 from 2-  4:30 pm we welcome the TAZA truck that serves delicious authentic Egyptian cuisine. Check our calendar for more food truck dates

Dinner in the Vines - May 30

Grab your friends and dine under the open sky in our beautiful vineyard. Tickets include a family style dinner by Defranco and Daughters, two glasses of wine, and live music for $49.95.

Yoga in the Vines - May 30

At 11 am enjoy the peaceful serenity of the vineyard and start your day with 60 minutes of flow yoga followed by a wine tasting and live music. Yoga dates are 5/30, 6/20, 7/11, 8/15, 9/19 for $30.

Flicksville Fermentation Company Release Party - May 23 and 24

Sample wines from our newly released second label named after our historic hometown. Try The050, a sweet white, or Sunnyside, a sweet red. A food pairing will also be offered.

Painting in the Tank Room - June 13

The class will be instructed Anna Kaszupski. She will design a summer-themed painting. Tickets are $35 and include all supplies, one glass of wine and light snacks