As Grapes Ripen, Looking Ahead To Harvest Season at PA Wineries

While summer gives us beautiful, long vacation days to get into our cars and go visit some of the more than 151 wineries located in all corners of Pennsylvania, it is difficult not to now look ahead to the excitement of fall and early winter in our state’s wine country.

First, there is the grape harvest itself, the culmination of many months of work in the vineyards.  Harvest usually begins in late August and runs into late October in some years, depending on the grape variety and the winery’s geographic location.  This is the time that the smell of fermenting grape juice is in the air, as welcomed as the first yellow leaves and chilly evenings – perhaps the best time to visit the wineries.

Then there is the fun holiday of Halloween, a time for kids and kids at heart to enjoy the spooky events held at many wineries.

Finally, there are the winter holidays beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing with Christmas and Hanukkah when wineries often hold parties and open houses and will wrap up their best bottles for gift-giving.

Looking ahead, here is just a sampling of what you can expect at PA wineries this fall:

• The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail in Chester County will be holding its 11^th Annual Harvest Festival the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October featuring its charity fund-raiser, “Stomp for a Cure” – your opportunity to take off your shoes and jump into the crush vats.
• Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars in New Tripoli will be holding its annual “Hallowine” costume party.
• Open houses are popular over the December holidays, including a special event held by members of Lake Erie Wine Country – their “Holiday Week at the Wineries” between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Begin planning your trips to fall festivals and activities at the wineries now, then check in periodically with your local wineries and wine trails for updates and additions.

To find out more about individual wineries and the 12 wine trails located throughout Pennsylvania, log onto www.PAWineLand.com.  The site also has maps and contact information for the more than 150 wineries spread across the state as well as wine tips and wine information.  And if you’re on the road, find nearby wineries by using the mobile website at m.pennsylvaniawine.com.