The Grape Escape
CHRISTIAN W . KLAY WINERY , Chalk Hill
Sharon Klay is a watercolorist and developed a passion for winemaking while living in New York City . After she and her husband , John , moved to Pittsburgh , she conducted a threeyear search to find the perfect spot in Chalk Hill for a vineyard and researched 100 grape varieties that would grow in the area . She was advised by a neighbor that grapes would not do well , and she should “ plant potatoes instead .” But Klay was resolute in her vision and cleverly planted the vines above the frost line . They now grow 45 varietals on 18 acres , establishing the first commercial winery in Fayette County ! Though it would be much easier to just import grapes from other areas , the winery uses its own grapes for all the wines , which are blended on-site . The area is a wonderful escape , with tours and interesting events such as “ Wine & Dine in the Woods ” and murder mystery dinner theaters . Lavender Mist is a bestseller , a sparkling , semi-sweet white infused with culinary lavender . For a great red , try Norton , a dry offering made from grapes of the same name , and a subtle bit of oak . For more information , visit christianklaywinery . com .
THISTLETHWAITE VINEYARDS , Jefferson
This vineyard plants 10 varieties of French hybrid grapes on just over five acres . The smaller size allows the vineyard to have complete control over the wine it produces exclusively from its own grapes . The first vines were planted in 2000 , but the farm itself has been in the Thistlethwaite family since 1892 . You can visit the tasting room and sample a wide variety of wines . The wines are reasonably priced , including the Chambourcin Reserve with hints of dark berries and vanilla , and Leon Millot , a dry wine that ’ s been meticulously aged in a Pennsylvania white oak barrel . For more information , visit thistlegrape . com .
EAST
GREENDANCE — THE WINERY AT SAND HILL , Mount Pleasant
Rick and Susan Lynn , and Rob and Amy Schilling , made the decision to purchase and restore an abandoned farm outside of Mt . Pleasant in 1982 . They acquired several thousand raspberry plants and established Sand Hill Berries . This berry farm grew to include a small dessert café and bakery and produced a surplus of small fruits , which provided the basis for the future winery . The owners cultivated quality hybrid vinifera grapes and finally , in the fall of 2007 , Greendance — The Winery at Sand Hill became a reality . The name Greendance was a nod to an 1848 Shaker hymn entitled “ Lord of the Dance ” and the delicate balance between the agricultural life and the earth . Greendance produces estate wines crafted from its own raspberries , blackberries , red currants , black currants , gooseberries , blueberries , strawberries , elderberries and heritage variety apples . It also offers an array of sparkling fruit wines , ports , rosé and sweet wines . This year , the winery will produce dry and semi-dry wines from Frontenac Gris — white , and Petite Pearl — red . For a traditional favorite , try Isabella , a rosé that ’ s sweet , lighter in alcohol , and will pair well with a plethora of summer dishes . Be sure to check the calendar for live music events ! For more information , visit greendancewinery . com .
GLADES PIKE WINERY , Somerset Be careful of the hobbies you decide to engage in ! Steve and Karen joined a winemaking club just for fun and wound up with a new business . When Steve was finishing up his MBA , his final project was a winery . The establishment that grew out of this “ project ” is a friendly place where customers are a part of the family . The winery produces from its own grapes , but also offers a nice selection of blends made from grapes grown in Erie . The bestseller is Bicentennial Blush , a perfect red blend of four grapes that ’ s semi-sweet . For something dry , try the Seyval Blanc , a great summer choice that ’ s crisp , with light notes of honeysuckle , toasty marshmallow , citrus and mild melon . For more information , visit gladespikewinery . com .
WOODY LODGE WINERY , Ashville
Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains , Woody Lodge Winery was founded by Margie Keller and John Gailey , Jr ., a disabled vet . It launched in 2013 and is constantly growing and refining the wine experience for visitors . The elevated deck overlooks the vineyard and gazebo , and there is live entertainment on the weekends in Ashville . There are also wine stores in Indiana and Smicksburg . In addition to a good selection of wines , there is an interesting array of wines mixed with teas and fruit juices , and the winery also offers the ultimate in wine indulgence — its own Tipzy Cow Wine Ice Cream ! For more information , visit woodylodgewinery . com .
Thistlethwaite Vineyards
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