Laurel Highlands, PA, Wine Region
Enjoy a Wine Tour of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Autumn is nearly upon us, and the leaves are beginning to turn vibrant hues of yellow and red. It's also time for the grapes to be harvested at area vineyards. Grapes are generally harvested in late August until mid-October in Pennsylvania, based on the type of grape and the grape growing region. This makes the fall is a good time to take a drive to the countryside and visit a vineyard or two in the Laurel Highlands.
The Pennsylvania Wine Association reports on its Wine & Wineries website that Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the amount of grapes grown (including juice grapes). About 14,000 acres of grapes are grow in the state. The state also ranks eighth in the production of wine. In 2005, the industry created 5,200 jobs in the commonwealth. The industry also provided $661 million in total contributions to the state economy, according to the association.
More than 90 family owned wineries throughout the state produce wine varieties that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Reisling, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles, as well as several other types of fruit wines, such as Peach, Black Raspberry, Red Raspberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry. The Pennsylvania Wine Association reports that 340,000 cases of wine are produced annually in Pennsylvania.
Recent legislation now allows for Pennsylvania wine makers to sell their wine at farmers' markets, after obtaining a state permit. The bill allows for the sale of Pennsylvania wines at farmers' markets in the state, making the wine more accessible to consumers.
Most vineyards are open to visitors year round, and in September several vineyards are opening their doors and participating in "Pour & Tour," a month-long event in the Laurel Highlands. The celebration includes wine tastings at local vineyards, restaurants and hotels, as well as live entertainment and musical events. See the Brochures section of the Laurel Highlands website for more information and to request a Pour & Tour Passport.
Participating vineyards include:
Stone Villa Wine Cellars
1085 Clay Pike Road
Acme, PA 15610
(724) 423-5604
www.stonevilla.com
Christian W. Klay Winery
412 Fayette Springs Rd.
Chalk Hill, PA 15421
(724) 439-3424
www.cwklaywinery.com
Wine tastings and other events are also scheduled at the following locations - call for dates and times.
Caileigh's Restaurant
105 E. Fayette St.
Uniontown, PA 15401
(724) 437-WINE (9463)
Green Gables Restaurant
7712 Somerset Pike
Rt. 985 North
Jennerstown, PA 15547
(814) 629-9201
Harrigan's Cafe & Wine Deck
250 Market St.
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 421-3112
Mountain View Hotel
121 Village Dr.
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 834-5300
Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
1001 LaFayette Dr.
Farmington, PA 15437
(800) 422-2736
