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Narcisi Winery
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 , Italy . 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 very crisp , while retaining the traditional buttery finish , and a dry red and blush wine blend called Granato that has a smooth finish and easy drinkability . Narcisi has classics such as Cabernet , Riesling and Pinot Grigio , with about 25 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 from one owner ’ s love of the sport of running . The winery ’ s collection is in line with that theme — Endurance , Marathon , Night Run , Easy Run , Pace and Relay , to name a few . Long Run specializes in small-barrel vintages of red , white and specialty wines . Tastings are available during regular business hours or can be arranged if you have a small group . 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 originally learned about winemaking by his father ’ s side , but was able to get a firsthand look at Germanstyle 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 more than 40 varieties of handcrafted wines . One of the 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 .
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RIPEPI WINERY & VINEYARD , Monongahela
The grandson of Italian immigrants who settled in Monongahela , Richard Ripepi grew up with the tradition of winemaking , with his grandparents purchasing grapes from the Strip District . Years later , he decided to plant his own grapes , beginning with just a few rows of vines that grew into 10 acres . He opened Ripepi Winery in 1987 , and now his daughter Janelle is involved as an accredited sommelier . Ripepi offers several boutique wines , including Vidal Blanc Dessert Wine , which is aged in oak barrels and has bold aromas of vanilla , butterscotch , apricot , and baking spices . 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 , only becoming a possibility after 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 it inspired Skocik to try to make a batch of black raspberry wine himself . When he later suffered some health problems , he decided to leave his job , and the winemaking hobby quickly became a business . Skocik planted 10 acres of vines in 1997 and harvested his first crop in 2000 . His granddaughter , Lindsey , is helping to continue this family-run business . Plum Run offers more than 40 varieties , with several berry wines , fruit
Ripepi Winery & Vineyard
wines and blends . The winery is famous for its Pinot Noir , its Black Raspberry ( of course !), and wines known as Miracle in a Bottle and Candy in a Bottle . Plum Run is also one of the few wineries in southwestern Pennsylvania that makes an ice wine . For more information , visit facebook . com / PlumRunWineryInc .
WINSLOW WINERY , Perryopolis
Opened in 2015 , this winery and vineyard has several types of vines growing on the property , and the owners love to talk with guests about the different wine varietals . It offers small-batch , estate-grown dry red and white wines , along with semi-sweet and sweet , plus fruit wines . You can sample them in the tasting room , or just sit and relax on the patio overlooking the beautiful vineyard . Winslow has brought back Knot Starboard , fortified with grape brandy and offering a rich sweetness with a warm finish . If you ’ re in the mood for a full-body red , try the Petit Verdot , which has bold tannins and a black cherry finish . For more information , visit winslowwinery . com .
CHRISTIAN W . KLAY WINERY , Chalk Hill The multitalented founder of this winery , Sharon Klay , sadly passed away in January 2024 . But her resolute vision for a mountaintop vineyard in the Laurel Highlands lives on , along with the winery she and her husband opened in the mid-1990s , named for their son . The area is a wonderful escape , with the winery organizing tours , tastings , interesting events , and featuring a venue for private events . There are about 20 wines offered , ranging from dry to sweet , both reds and whites . 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
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