The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a rich history in the creation and evolution of the United States, and also in grapes and wine. In 1740, a grape cross between v. vinifera and v. labrusca was discovered and named the Alexander grape, and in 1786 the Pennsylvania Vine Company became the country’s first commercial vineyard. Philadelphia was also home to one of colonial America’s greatest wine enthusiasts who created many memorable quotes about the fruit of the vine: Benjamin Franklin. To wit:
“The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.”
“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.”
“Wine is constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”
Today there are five AVA’s throughout the state: Lake Erie, Central Delaware Valley, Cumberland Valley, Lancaster Valley, and Lehigh Valley. There are also seven wine trails, and the 376 wineries are so geographically dispersed that you are never more than an hour away from a winery when you’re in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Winery Association promotes and protects the industry.
Armstrong Valley Vineyard and Winery, located in Halifax in central Pennsylvania, is where “casual elegance meets natural beauty”. In 1769, William Penn gifted the land to Robert Armstrong, after whom the valley and creek are also named. Overlooked by the Appalachian Trail, the 100-acre farm includes grapes planted in 2009 to make a variety of wines.
Mazza Vineyards is basically a multi-state beverage conglomerate which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and is Pennsylvania’s largest wine producer at about 500,000 gallons. The Mazza family also owns nearby South Shore Wine Company, and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars across the border in New York State, which also includes Five & 20 Spirits and Brewery. The ever-growing company also markets three smaller brands (Getaway Wines in cans, Perfect Wines, and Bare Bones Wines), with beverages to suit every taste and occasion. The Mazza family has also played leadership roles in winery associations like the Pennsylvania Winery Association and WineAmerica, where Mario Mazza serves on our Board of Directors.
Penn Shore Winery & Vineyards, established in 1968, is the oldest winery in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania amidst the largest contiguous vineyards east of California. Located right on Lake Erie, the tasting room, plus a patio and pavilion outside, offer breathtaking views as well as a very wide selection of wines from vinifera, labrusca, and other grape varieties. Owners Hannah and Scott Neeley also own KingView Mead, wine, and Hard Ciders, and Scott serves as President of the Pennsylvania Wineries Association
Great Grapes: Chambourcin
With origins in France’s Rhone Valley, Chambourcin grapes can produce wines with spicy aromas, fruity flavors and some herbaceousness if the fruit clusters are appropriately thinned. Due to low tannins, the wine can benefit from extended skin contact.