WINE LOVERS TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINE ON THE MOUNTAIN EVENT AT PENN’S PEAK

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of its popular Wine on the Mountain festival on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from noon to 5 p.m. both days at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe.

Wine on the Mountain features wine samplings and sales from Lehigh Valley wineries, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, and light fare available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant. There is also live musical entertainment with the Billy Bauer Duo performing on Saturday and the Jake Kaligis Dynamic Duo performing on Sunday. The well-known venue offers panoramic views of Beltzville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck.

Vendors will feature everything from gourmet foods and dipping oils, to hand-made jewelry and scented candles. This year’s artisans include:

·  Country Glo Soy Candles - Soy container candles and accessories

·  Top Shelf Specialties - Wine-themed gifts and wine accessories

·  Princess and the Peony- Wine bottle hurricane lanterns and wind chimes that can be personalized for any occasion

·  JD Gourmet - Balsamic vinegar and olive oil blends

·  Larona Jewelry & Gifts - Crafted jewelry and art umbrellas

·  Randi’s Gourmet - Kitchen cutlery, salad dressings, BBQ and hot sauces

·  Watermark Glass - Original designs etched/carved into wine glasses, glassware and vessels (vases/bowls) using a sandblast process

Tickets are required for this event and are $15 in advance or $20 at the door the weekend of the event. They are on sale now at all Lehigh Valley Wine Trail member wineries as well as online: http://wineonthemountain2013.eventbrite.com/. Admission includes a commemorative tasting 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 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. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards at state, national and international levels.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit the organization’s web site www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com, connect with them on Twitter and their Facebook fan page, and read their “Taste of the Trail” blog.

Vineyard Tours, Wine Tastings and PA Preferred Partners Highlight Our Annual Harvest Weekend Celebration

On Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9, the members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the grape harvest with its annual Harvest Weekend event. The eight wineries will welcome wine lovers for tastings, vineyard and winery tours, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment.

The wineries will also proudly promote the state’s “Pennsylvania Preferred” program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Event hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon - 5 p.m.

*Please note: Harvest Weekend is a free event; however, each winery sets its own wine tasting fee policy. Please refer to the Wine Trail’s web site or each winery’s web site for details.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premier wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.

HARVEST WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - Will pair asiago and risotto bites with Cabaret Amore as well as assorted quiche with Chardonnay. In addition, their fall hardy mums and fresh home grown fruits and vegetables will be available at the roadside market as well as sweet corn, tomatoes, melons and peaches.

Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Will offer fresh, tree-ripened fruit from nearby Heckman Orchards.

Blue Mountain Vineyards, New Tripoli – On Saturday enjoy free live music from 1-4 p.m. and take a self-guided vineyard tour. On Sunday, take a self-guided vineyard tour, and join them for Sunday Blues from 2-5 p.m. ($5 admission) with The Large Flowerheads. Reservations are recommended for Sunday Blues.

Both days, try samples of kiffles and rolls including walnut, raspberry, apricot, Nutella, peanut butter and chocolate, and strawberry and chocolate. The samples of rolls will be walnut, apricot, and poppy seed.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – Will partner with Unique Pretzel Bakery, Inc., of Reading. Just as the winery is a family-owned and operated business, Unique Pretzel Bakery is family owned since the late 1800’s. Since Unique Pretzel Bakery’s last visit to Clover Hill they have grown and are producing new products that they will be sharing. Pair a Unique chocolate covered pretzel with a glass of Clover Hill Turtle Rock Red. 

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor – Will celebrate the beauty of their rolling countryside and the delectable fruits of their labors along with local favorites McCollian’s Pure Honey, Kachline's apples, Klein’s cheese and an array of snacks and wine. Take a leisurely tour of the winery at noon and 2 p.m., or kick back on the deck or picnic area and enjoy the sounds of Robert Michaels as he serenades guests.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – Will feature tractor and wagon tours of the vineyard and cellar, departing each day at 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. (weather permitting).  Enjoy lunch or a snack from Love Hot Dog Co (http://lovehotdogco.com) who will be selling gourmet sausages, dogs and chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick from their mobile restaurant.

Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Will hold its annual Blues in the Barn event. On Saturday, the Wallace Brothers Band will perform at 12:30 pm and the Mighty Manatees from Montgomery County will take the stage at 4 p.m.  On Sunday, the James Supra Blues Band entertains at 1 p.m., with the Kelchner Brothers taking the stage at 4:30 p.m.  Chef Ben will have pulled pork sandwiches and other goodies available for sale.

Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - Has invited their fellow PA Preferred Macungie Farmers Market vendors to set up booths in the winery’s parking lot both days from noon to 4 p.m. They include Bleiler's Produce Patch (organic produce), Mrs. McNabb’s Baked Beans (beans, macaroni salad, pierogies), and Hereford Country Store (quiches, cakes).

The winery will offer samples of Hereford Country Store’s lemon poppy seed pound cake paired with Blueberry Wine. Art’s Acoustic Oldies will be playing live in the Vyneskeller from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Go on a guided Winemaker’s Tour at 1 p.m. both days. Tours are open to the public and free of charge.