words by Erin Farley
The end of summer and the beginning of fall are the perfect time for outdoor cookouts with friends and family, and nothing goes better with a freshly prepared meal than the perfect bottle of wine. Light blushes, dry whites, and fruity reds can compliment foods by heightening a unique blend of flavors, but choosing the right wine is not always easy. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail sets the standard for excellence in winery navigation and will most certainly lead thirsty adventurers on the path to the right wine choice. The non-profit organization lists nine local, family-owned wineries which offer a variety of experiences in wine culture. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail staff have mapped out a local trail for visitors to follow for the finest wine tasting adventures. The trail begins at Amore Vineyards in Bath, Pa., a small vineyard that prides itself on high quality plants, produce, and people. With farmland stretching over 100 acres, visitors can leave the vineyard with not only homemade wines, but fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, fresh cabbage and ripe tomatoes. Navigating on to the West End, Big Creek Vineyards in Kresgeville operates under a “wine is food” motto and suggests drinking wine just as you would eat; take slow, deliberate sips and savor the flavor of the craft. Blue Mountain Vineyards in New Tripoli stretches across 50 acres, and holds pride in their International Award winning wines. A view of exquisite mountain peaks, along with a beautiful tasting room and friendly service, define why this vineyard holds high acclaim among locals and frequent visitors. From the mountains to the valley, the trail leads to Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg. Known for their award-winning blushes and spumantes, the vineyard recently expanded their showroom to include a larger tasting bar. Dominic Sorrenti started the family business over a dozen years ago and guides the wine tours himself. “Wine tours have become very popular over the years“ he says, “and a lot of people enjoy coming to tastings to learn about food pairing options.” Breinigsville is home to two wineries along the route, Clover Hill Vineyard and Vynecrest Vineyards. Clover Hill, run by the Skrip family, recently celebrated over 20 years in the business with the opening of a brand new tasting room. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Vynecest Winery, who welcome many wine enthusiasts as well as first-time tasters. The tasting room, housed in a 19th century restored barn, provides an impressive view of their growing fields. Moving on to the slate belt region, Franklin Hill Vineyard in Bangor is one of the oldest operating wineries in Pennsylvania. Secluded behind vast acres of grape plants and rich farmland, the winery and quaint showroom is littered with awards. The famous “fainting goat” is tied outside to greet visitors and encourage them to hear his story and try the fainting goat wine he inspired. Galen Glen Vineyards and Winery, Andreas, Pa. features a brand-new European inspired tasting room, and landscaping ripe with old world romanticism. Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown holds several gold medals and best in show awards from wine competitions all over the east coast. Their extensive list of wines includes sparkling, red and white table and specialty wines. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail represents the finest in the Lehigh Valley Viticulture. Each of the wineries has something unique to offer, whether a live goat to greet you or a historic barn for tasting, any one of these wineries make for a perfect afternoon outing. Visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com for a complete listing of all nine wineries, directions, and tasting tips. Grab a group of friends or family members, map out your route, and hit the trail!
The end of summer and the beginning of fall are the perfect time for outdoor cookouts with friends and family, and nothing goes better with a freshly prepared meal than the perfect bottle of wine. Light blushes, dry whites, and fruity reds can compliment foods by heightening a unique blend of flavors, but choosing the right wine is not always easy. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail sets the standard for excellence in winery navigation and will most certainly lead thirsty adventurers on the path to the right wine choice. The non-profit organization lists nine local, family-owned wineries which offer a variety of experiences in wine culture. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail staff have mapped out a local trail for visitors to follow for the finest wine tasting adventures. The trail begins at Amore Vineyards in Bath, Pa., a small vineyard that prides itself on high quality plants, produce, and people. With farmland stretching over 100 acres, visitors can leave the vineyard with not only homemade wines, but fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, fresh cabbage and ripe tomatoes. Navigating on to the West End, Big Creek Vineyards in Kresgeville operates under a “wine is food” motto and suggests drinking wine just as you would eat; take slow, deliberate sips and savor the flavor of the craft. Blue Mountain Vineyards in New Tripoli stretches across 50 acres, and holds pride in their International Award winning wines. A view of exquisite mountain peaks, along with a beautiful tasting room and friendly service, define why this vineyard holds high acclaim among locals and frequent visitors. From the mountains to the valley, the trail leads to Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg. Known for their award-winning blushes and spumantes, the vineyard recently expanded their showroom to include a larger tasting bar. Dominic Sorrenti started the family business over a dozen years ago and guides the wine tours himself. “Wine tours have become very popular over the years“ he says, “and a lot of people enjoy coming to tastings to learn about food pairing options.” Breinigsville is home to two wineries along the route, Clover Hill Vineyard and Vynecrest Vineyards. Clover Hill, run by the Skrip family, recently celebrated over 20 years in the business with the opening of a brand new tasting room. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Vynecest Winery, who welcome many wine enthusiasts as well as first-time tasters. The tasting room, housed in a 19th century restored barn, provides an impressive view of their growing fields. Moving on to the slate belt region, Franklin Hill Vineyard in Bangor is one of the oldest operating wineries in Pennsylvania. Secluded behind vast acres of grape plants and rich farmland, the winery and quaint showroom is littered with awards. The famous “fainting goat” is tied outside to greet visitors and encourage them to hear his story and try the fainting goat wine he inspired. Galen Glen Vineyards and Winery, Andreas, Pa. features a brand-new European inspired tasting room, and landscaping ripe with old world romanticism. Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown holds several gold medals and best in show awards from wine competitions all over the east coast. Their extensive list of wines includes sparkling, red and white table and specialty wines. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail represents the finest in the Lehigh Valley Viticulture. Each of the wineries has something unique to offer, whether a live goat to greet you or a historic barn for tasting, any one of these wineries make for a perfect afternoon outing. Visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com for a complete listing of all nine wineries, directions, and tasting tips. Grab a group of friends or family members, map out your route, and hit the trail!
