NORTH
NARCISI WINERY , Gibsonia
This family-owned and operated winery has its roots in 1911 when brothers Raphael , Giovanni and Gabriele Narcisi immigrated to America from Guilianova , Italia . They brought their knowledge of winemaking with them — a tradition that has continued with their descendants . A true destination , Narcisi Winery has a restaurant , offers tours and has private tastings and events . It continues to innovate with its winemaking process , offering a Chardonnay that is not oak-aged , which helps to retain the fruit characteristics of the grape variety , and a dry red and blush wine blend called Granato that starts with a sweet note and evolves into a tart finish . Narcisi has classics such as Cabernet , Riesling and Pinot Grigio , with 23 offerings in all . For more information , visit narcisiwinery . com .
LONG RUN WINERY , Slippery Rock After making their own wines for years , this couple decided to go public with their winemaking skills in 2017 . They purchased 13 acres and planted their vineyard in Slippery Rock . Its name derives from a small stream north of the property called Long Run , but also the owners ’ love of the sport of running . The winery ’ s collection is named in line with that theme — Endurance , Marathon , Night Run , Easy Run , Pace and Relay . Long Run specializes in small-barrel vintages of red , white and specialty wines . Tastings can be arranged for small groups prior to a visit . For one of the most popular wines , try Easy Run , a sweet Fredonia for a relaxing glass of enjoyment . For more information , visit longrunwines . com .
STARR HILL VINEYARD & WINERY , Curwensville
Ken Starr learned winemaking from his father ’ s side of the family but was able to get a firsthand look at German-style winemaking while stationed in Europe in the 1960s . Though he made wines on his own for many years , he purchased land in 1994 , and by 1998 had more than 3,000 thriving vines of Concord , Niagara , Traminette , Foch and Leon Millot . Though he built a winery in 1998 , he did not go commercial until 2005 . Starr Hill now produces 40 varieties of handcrafted wines . One of his best sellers is Amore — a sweet wine with a raspberry and peach combination . Another is Guilty Pleasure , a sweet blend of raspberry wine with a white chocolate finish that won the 2015 Governor ’ s Cup for Best Fruit Wine . For more information , visit starrhillwinery . com .
SOUTH
RIPEPI WINERY & VINEYARD , Monongahela
Richard Ripepi is the grandson of Italian immigrants who settled in Monongahela . He grew up with the tradition of winemaking , with his grandparents purchasing grapes from the Strip District . Years later , Ripepi decided to plant his own grapes , beginning with just a few rows of vines that grew into 10 acres . His background as a chemistry teacher with a degree in geology gave him exceptional knowledge of the soil and winemaking process . He opened Ripepi Winery in 1987 and now has over 30 years of winemaking knowledge , along with his daughter Janelle , who is a certified sommelier . He crafts several boutique wines , including the newest addition , Vidal Blanc Dessert Wine , which is aged in oak barrels for nearly four years and has bold aromas of vanilla , butterscotch , sugar brule , and a hint of smoke . Another bestseller is Diamond , a crossbreed that is very similar to a dry Sauvignon Blanc , but there is also a sweet version . Hop on over for monthly Happy Hour events , which take place year-round and feature a live band and wood-fired pizzas . For more information , visit ripepiwine . com .
PLUM RUN WINERY , Brownsville
Plum Run Winery had an unlikely start when founder Joe Skocik made a hunting trip to Idaho and a friend gave him a bottle of homemade wine to try . It was the early 1980s and Skocik decided to try to make a batch of black raspberry wine , which he properly ruined . When he later suffered some health problems , he decided to leave his job , and his winemaking hobby quickly became a business . Skocik planted 10 acres of vines in 1997 and harvested his first crop in 2000 . Now 81 , he still makes wine in his basement from fruit in his vineyard . His granddaughter , Lindsey , is learning wine growing and making , and is set to continue this family-run business . Plum Run offers 50 varieties , with several berry wines , fruit wines and blends . The winery is famous for its Pinot Noir , its Black Raspberry ( which Skocik has since perfected ), a wine known as “ Miracle in the Bottle ,” and “ Candy in the Bottle .” Plum Run is one of the few wineries in southwestern Pennsylvania that makes an ice wine . For more information , visit facebook . com / PlumRunWineryInc .
WINSLOW WINERY , Perryopolis
Though this winery and vineyard just opened in 2015 , it has 18 varieties of grapes growing on the property , and the owners love to talk with guests about the different varietals and flavors they produce . The winery offers seven estate-grown dry red and white wines , and semi-sweet and sweet wines . You can sample them in the tasting room , or just sit and relax on the patio overlooking the beautiful vineyard . Winslow has new offerings , including a Pinot Gris , which is light and slightly creamy with peach and mineral
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BETHEL PARK ❘ SUMMER 2022 33