It is no secret that the СŷƵ is a great wine destination.
Winemakers have been planting seeds in the area for over 50 years, and the region earned American Viticultural Area distinction in 2008.
Chambourcin, a red grape, and French-hybrid grapes grow especially well here, according to Elaine Pivinski, the owner of Franklin Hill Vineyard, which became the valley’s first winery in 1982.
“They just have a beautiful taste to them,” she said. “But again, we all make them different styles.”
With around 30 wineries featuring distinctive flavors and events, it’s overwhelming to know where to dive in first. This list is the perfect place to start.
Drink sustainably
, 2472 Black River Road, Bethlehem
Black River Farms is one of the newer wineries in the valley — established in 2009 — and is a sustainable-focused option powered by a solar field.
The winery partners with local caterers, food trucks and restaurants on weekends, sweetening the deal with live music throughout the year.
Tasting fee: $9 wine flights and $10 spirit flights
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday; 2 to 5 p.m. Monday
Contact: info@blackrivervineyards.com, 484-935-1011
Perfect pairings
, 7627 Grape Vine Drive, New Tripoli
Learn the ins and outs of grape growing and wine making on a tour of Blue Mountain’s grape field and end the experience with an expertly crafted cheese or chocolate pairing, all with a guide to answer your burning questions.
The lakeside winery also has deals throughout the week, including beer, wine and slushie days. It’s a great spot to catch a Sunday afternoon Eagles game, play a round of trivia and catch a band all year round.
Tasting fee: $50 for a wine and cheese pairing or a wine and chocolate pairing for two, includes a tour
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday; Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Contact: info@bluemountainwine, 610-298-3068
Sights, sounds and sips
, 7833 Franklin Hill Road, Bangor
A dog-friendly spot with great views of the Delaware River Valley and standout music acts that go beyond your typical acoustic sets, like reggae bands — what more could you want?
Along with creatively named cocktails and mocktails (give “SLAYYYYYY” a try), Franklin Hill has a small menu of shareable food to enjoy. A fan favorite drink is Sir Walter’s, a red wine named after the owner’s father, who worked in the shop.
Tasting fee: Five wines for $10, flights for $15
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 888-887-2839
European flavors
, 255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas
This winery has earned attention from national and local publications for its gorgeous views on top of a 1000-foot ridge and growing conditions similar to those in Germany and Austria.
With masterclasses allowing you to dive deep with comparative tastings and expert teachers, frequent food trucks and arts workshops, there is always something going on.
Tasting fee: $9 for a sampling of five wines
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Contact: wine@galenglen.com, 570-386-3682
Su-paw sips
1840 W. Allen St., Allentown
Located in Allentown’s West End theater district, Sleepy Cat Urban Winery is the purr-fert for a pre-show activity or if you are just looking for a change of scenery from the classic vineyard location.
The winery’s production room is located in the same space as the tasting room, offering meow-nificent views as the winemakers produce over 30 types of wine out of grapes sourced from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Chile.
Tasting fee: Traditional tasting for $7 or flights of three for $8, four for $10 and five for $12
Hours: 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday; 2 to 9 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Contact: sleepycaturbanwinery@yahoo.com, 610-351-2500
Unique events
, 280 Mt. Pleasant Road, Bangor
The Tolino family hosts many events on their sprawling 76-acre property, ranging from crafting to comedy. One highlight is their annual Halloween 5k, where runners can race through the vines and celebrate with live music, food and — of course — wine. Their picnic area is a great place to bring lunch on a warm-weather day.
Tasting fee: $10 wine flights
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday; Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Contact: 610-588-9463
Isabella Gaglione is a freelance writer.
СŷƵ Insider’s Guide is an occasional series on places to go and things to do and see. Have an idea for a topic or a place that we missed? Email us at goguide@mcall.com.
