When my Dallas soul sista, top blogger and general partner in crime, asked a few of us to come to her house to try some Pennsylvania wines, I was immediately intrigued. The Keystone State is named for its role in early America where it credited in helping hold together the states of the newly formed Union.
Pennsylvania Wines
Even with Pennsylvania’s designation as the fifth top grape grower (also includes grape juice) and the seventh largest wine producer, I just haven’t had the exposure to their wines. That all changed on a Thursday afternoon. Eight wineries including Allegro Winery (Brogue), Karamoor Estate Winery (Fort Washington), Blair Vineyards (Kutz Town — Berks County), Galen Glen (Andreas – Lehigh Valley) Waltz Vineyard (Manheim – Lancaster), Va La (Avondale – Brandywine Valley), Penns Woods (Chadds Ford – Brandywine Valley) and Galer Estate (Chester County – Brandywine Valley) sent over 50 bottles. Unfortunately, with not a lot of background, so the four of us were left to make some assumptions about blends, types of wines, etc.
The varietals in Pennsylvania are diverse according to the Pennsylvania Wine Association — Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles are all planted here on a dozen wine trails.
With more than 50 wines, we had our favorites that were pretty consistent across the board. You’ll see our favorites by producer. We do feel like one very well regarded winery that we were all excited about trying had something off with the bottles we tried and we missed the experience that had enchanted others we admired. Thanks to Michelle for all the great photos as a few of us ran out of time with work meetings and other life commitments.
It was a fun day for several of the Dallas Wineaux to experience the diversity of Pennsylvania.
