LEHIGH VALLEY STYLE’S LOCAL GUIDE TO
2018–2019 Edition
An in-depth look at the local vineyards, craft vintners and urban wineries of the Lehigh Valley SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
In Style’s second annual guide to local wineries, we’re excited to highlight seven of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s top vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms while also sharing the stories of the individuals and, in some cases, friends and families behind their successes. Here, we invite readers to celebrate a local favorite or discover a new one. Hold on to this book for future reference to be sure you take advantage of all the sip-worthy spots that the Valley has to offer. Until then, pour a glass of your preferred grape varietal and enjoy!
Kristen Rinaldi Editor krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com
Lehigh Valley Style’s Local Guide to Wineries, part of the Little Black Book series, is a special advertising supplement to Lehigh Valley Style. Its contents are copyright © 2018 Lehigh Valley Style, a monthly publication of IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. Lehigh Valley Style and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. The magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in the USA.
Dominic Sorrenti was one of the pioneering winemakers of the region, opening the winery in 1981 when most people thought Pennsylvania winemaking was impossible. Since then, his son Nicholas has studied at UC Davis in California, perfecting his skills as a winemaker. He has refined the taste and elegance of Sorrenti wines, and has won more than 100 awards as a result. The oldest winery in the Pocono Mountains, Sorrenti's is nestled right in beautiful Cherry Valley, boasting some of the most breathtaking grounds in the area. Sorrenti’s offers wine tastings daily, and with a restaurant on the premises featuring Italian family specialties—including gourmet brick-oven pizza, pasta, wraps and more—their guests are prepared to spend the entire day at this fun local gem. Sip a glass of award-winning wine or freshfruit-filled sangria on their deck while taking in the panoramic views!
Sorrenti's
Cherry Valley Vineyards 130 Lower Cherry Valley Rd. Saylorsburg 570.992.2255 cherryvalleyvineyards.com
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Easton Wine Project Urban Winery
1247 Simon Blvd. Suite N103 Easton 610.438.2533 eastonwineproject.com
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The Easton Wine Project, the city’s first known urban winery, is housed in Easton’s quickly redeveloping Simon Silk Mill. With a common desire to become part of Easton’s evolution into a social destination, longtime friends Bo Trochym and Justin Fretz opened the doors to their hip and architecturally stunning tasting room in February 2018. The space boasts its original exposed brick walls and preserved stamped-tin ceilings while providing a looking glass into the winemaking process through clear garage doors. Although the winery is shiny and new, the source of its carefully handcrafted and sustainably produced juices, Vigna del Monte vineyard, has been humming for the last three decades. After 35 years of service to the home winemaker, Bo’s father-in-law, Jack Fulton, retired as its vintner in 2016. This provided Bo and Justin with a perfect opportunity to assume care of the vineyard and open an urban winery in Easton. Shortly after starting “the project,” they were joined by seasoned winemaker Dan Detrick, and thus began their production of delicious, artisanal wines. With a climate similar to that of
Bordeaux, France, the mature vineyard produces French varietals and hybrids, which are all available for sampling in the tasting room. Proud of its Easton heritage, visitors to the Easton Wine Project will be delighted with offerings for every palate, named after local points of interest, including Free Bridge White, Silk Mill RosÊ and Rover Red, named after Easton High School’s very own Red Rovers. In addition to their wines, the Easton Wine Project also serves Pennsylvania-crafted beers and liquors along with a lovely menu of chefprepared small plates and desserts. Come and visit the Easton Wine Project for a tasting, a glass of wine or a privately scheduled event. Cheers to Easton, and to drinking local!
Folino Estate
Vineyard & Winery 340 Old Route 22 Kutztown 484.452.3633 folinoestate.com
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Folino Estate sits on 54 acres of rolling hills, minutes from the Lehigh Valley, and provides a wining, dining and relaxing experience that equals an escape to Tuscany or the Napa Valley. The winery boasts awardwinning winemaker Michael Vorauer, who has helped launch Folino Estate into a premier vineyard and winery. Recently, Folino Estate has been awarded an array of medals from the International Wine Challenge: East Meet West Competition. Most notably, their Lorenzo Forte was awarded a gold medal. Specializing in dry red and white wine, Folino Estate is set to launch their new Black Label. This collection features handcrafted wines representing the age-old Italian style, traditions and skills of passionate winemaking. Artfully oaked in French barrels, each wine is an exclusive, limited release, and will age perfectly for a wine-lover's collection. In the Tasting Room, wine educators guide guests on a wine-tasting experience that engages all the senses.
Each month, visit the Tasting Room for signature food and wine pairings showcasing their growing portfolio. Pick up a favorite bottle or shop the wine accessories, tabletop dĂŠcor and snacks available in the Tasting Room Gift Shop. In addition to their winery and growing vineyard, Folino Estate has an Italian restaurant with a carefully crafted menu featuring new and classic Italian fare. EntrĂŠes include homemade pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza and delicious desserts. Folino Estate is a premier event venue for weddings, showers and private events of all sizes. They also host a variety of signature events that are open to the public. Most Sundays, guests can enjoy live music in the Folino Piazza or on the patio during warmer months. Like the flavors in wine, Folino Estate is an evolving business with a rich family history. The owners, Marco and Andrea Folino, invite all to experience a taste of Italy without the plane ticket. Salute!
Galen Glen Winery 255 Winter Mountain Dr. Andreas 570.386.3682 galenglen.com
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Some of the best land for grape growing in the United States is found just outside the heart of the Lehigh Valley. Galen Glen Winery, located north of the Blue Mountain in Andreas, is striving to farm in harmony with nature. Their unique microclimate features moderate rainfall and ancient glacial soils, which results in ripe grapes with nuanced flavors. From bud break to harvest, many hands contribute to sustainably farming their wine. It is honest, hard work to be winegrowers, and everyone at Galen Glen is very passionate about it. New varieties of grapes, such as Grßner Veltliner, have been pioneered here and internationally renowned wines have been grown by them. Owners Galen and Sarah established the winery in 1995 when they purchased the Troxell family doublecentury farm from Galen’s father. Galen, a mechanical engineer and sixth-generation farmer, and Sarah, a chemist, traded in corporate careers to grow grapes
and launch the winery. Now beginning their 23rd vintage, the Troxells’ skill sets have undoubtedly found their niches, resulting in wine rock stars. Galen is an industry-leading mechanical wizard and vine whisperer. Sarah is a noted tastemaker and was nationally recognized as best woman winemaker. After studying and working in famous wine regions around the world (France, Germany, New Zealand and Napa), the seventh generation to farm their land, daughter Erin, has returned to Galen Glen. Erin is a momentous commitment to the future and will begin to leave her mark in the years ahead. Let Galen Glen share what they do exceptionally. Take a hillside vineyard tour, visit the 200-year-old stone cellar and taste the wines grown from their fossil-filled vineyards. Start a wine journey here and discover the secrets produced by this rugged, magnificent terrain.
Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery
John and Jan Landis got the "crazy" idea to plant grapevines in 1974. Forty-four years later, the oldest vineyard in Lehigh County has grown to over 25 acres, while the winery produces over 25,000 gallons of wine per year. While the "Big Red Barn" has been around since the mid 1800s, the winery has evolved with the growing demands of the public, and now sees over 40,000 visitors a year. Nestled in the once sleepy little town of Breinigsville, Vynecrest now boasts three tasting bars and a full-service wine bar to handle any and all wine lovers’ needs. Stop by and see what's new, open seven days a week. Here are just a few of the things you can experience at Vynecrest Winery: • Vyneskeller Wine Bar open seven days a week with light appetizers • Plan a private group tasting in the Cellar Experience Bar for up to 40 people (reservations required) • Live music every Saturday from 1–4 p.m. • Jazz Sunday every last Sunday of the month from 1–4 p.m. • Now open during the week until 6 p.m. • Outdoor picnic area open to the public • Private room available for baby/bridal showers (call for availability) 172 Arrowhead Ln. Breinigsville 610.398.7525 vynecrest.com Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m–6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Franklin Hill Vineyards Elaine Pivinski did not grow up in the Lehigh Valley, but she got here as soon as she could! Elaine grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and went to Woodstock in 1969 with her children’s father; afterwards, he wanted to live on a commune. Because Elaine doesn’t share well, is possessive and controlling, she was not made for communal life, but agreed to living off the land. One day, on a drive into Pennsylvania on Route 611, there was a listing on a realtor’s wall: 35 acres, house, barn, outbuildings, one-mile lane for $50,000.00. They bought the property and the adventure began. Elaine’s business plan was intuition. She believes that a person's “gut” will tell them if their dream is right or wrong. If someone has their health and is a risk-taker, then GO FOR IT. Franklin Hill Vineyards was the first winery in the Lehigh Valley; the vineyards started in 1976, and the winery in 1982. The business has grown from supporting Elaine and her two children to supporting 33 families. They are the number-one commodity in Pennsylvania because they support both agriculture and tourism. Wineries all have unique styles, but Franklin Hill Vineyards is doubling in size and introducing new products every year. Elaine loves change and new marketing challenges. Recently releasing Beach Bum, wine in a bag and canned wine and ciders, Franklin Hill is always changing. Just when Elaine was thinking about slowing down, her son Adam came to her with a new idea. In 2014, he wanted his own legacy and opened Social Still Distillery, the first distillery in the Lehigh Valley since Prohibition. Elaine is so proud of him, as he is supporting the farming industry while making hand-crafted spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and bourbon. He even restored the old bank on Third Street in Southside Bethlehem to distill and sell his spirits! 7833 Franklin Hill Rd. Bangor 610.588.8708 or 888.887.2839 franklinhillvineyards.com
Black River Farms 2472 Black River Rd. Bethlehem 484.935.1011 black-river-farms.com
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Black River Farms is a unique, family-owned and -operated estate vineyard. BRF encompasses 17 acres, nine of which feature vines carrying 14 varieties of grapes. Their offerings also include seasonal sales of garden-fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers and eggs. The sustainable farm has a significant negative carbon footprint due to a 200-kilowatt solar field that generates environmentally friendly power. Inside the tasting room, the fieldwork comes to life. Currently, BRF offers 14 handcrafted wines, including red, white and rosĂŠ options. The staff is very helpful, knowledgeable, fun and kind.
S U N DAY DINNER
Tomatoes from the farmers’ market and basil from your garden go best with a wine from down the road. Now that wine shops and grocery stores can proudly carry PA wines, it’s never been easier to pair your locally sourced masterpiece with a wine from just around the corner. Or, go straight to the source and pick up a bottle at one of our state’s 250+ wineries.
PAW I N E L A N D.CO M