The Grape Escape
bit of oak . For more information , visit christianklaywinery . com .
THISTLETHWAITE VINEYARDS , Jefferson
This vineyard grows 10 varieties of French hybrid grapes on just over 5 acres . The smaller size allows the owners to have complete control over the quality of wine produced exclusively from their vineyard ’ s 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 red and white wines . Offerings include the dry red Chambourcin “ Reserve ” with hints of dark berries and vanilla , and Leon Millot , another dry red that ’ s been aged in a Pennsylvania white oak barrel . For more information , visit thistlegrape . com .
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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 idea for a winery . The owners began to cultivate quality hybrid vinifera grapes , and finally in the fall of 2007 , Greendance — The Winery at Sand Hill became a reality . The name comes from the delicate balance between the sun and the earth in agricultural life . Greendance produces estate wines crafted from its variety of berries , currants , and heritage variety apples , and includes an array of sparkling fruit wines , ports , rosé and sweet wines .
Thistlethwaite Vineyards
There are also dry and semi-dry wines like 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 dishes . Be sure to check the calendar for live music and other 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 business plan project was for a winery . The establishment that grew out of this “ project ” is a friendly place where customers are a part of the family . Besides tours , the vineyard and winery provide a beautiful setting for events , and you can check the schedule for live music and more . 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 . It launched in 2013 and is constantly growing and refining the visitor experience at the lodge , including the tasting room and gazebo that can be rented for events . The elevated deck overlooks the vineyard and gazebo , and there is live entertainment on several weekends . Woody Lodge also offers a wine club and has affiliated stores in Indiana and Smicksburg . In addition to a good selection of traditional and fruity wines , there is an array of wine and tea mixes , plus the ultimate in wine indulgence : the winery ’ s own Tipzy Cow Wine Ice Cream ! For more information , visit woodylodgewinery . com .
BELLA TERRA VINEYARDS , Hunker
This boutique vineyard and winery is the result of three members of the Bell family — Jay , Joanna and Jacque — combining their talents of horticulture , marketing / graphic design and event planning respectively . It was established in 2015 with the first planting , and four years later harvested the mature grapes for lovely , quality wine . The wines are
DeChaunac grapes , Ripepi Winery
available by the glass , by the bottle , and some in a can ! Offerings include dry and sweet reds and whites , plus wine seltzers , ciders and cocktails . There are three locations : in Hunker , Bedford and Allison Park . A great summer wine is the sparkling rosé Piquette , an Old-World-style wine with a slight fizz . For more information , visit bellaterravineyards . com .
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KAVIC WINERY , Carnegie
Michael and Patricia ( Fleck ) Kavic are second-generation Americans , with their families originating in Serbia and Italy . Their ancestors brought with them the art of winemaking , but also the joy of sharing it with family and friends , which sustained them during the hard times of the Great Depression . The Kavics have continued the tradition , making wine at home for years before deciding to go public with their production , establishing Michael Steven Kavic Winery . It uses only locally grown grapes and has a nearby vineyard . You can taste the fruits of their efforts at the urban winery , offering about 15 reds and whites , and a rosé called Deep Valley Blush . For more information , visit kavicwinery . net .
BLACK SHEEP VINEYARD , Adena , Ohio Residents west of Pittsburgh are discovering this quaint family-owned vineyard established in 2008 . In addition to the lovely location in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio , Black Sheep offers live entertainment and food trucks on many Saturday nights , a selection of cheese and cracker menu items , and fun activities and events . The wine list has a selection of 12 distinct wines , from dry to sweet . For a departure from the ordinary , try Blitzen , a sweet customer favorite made from blackberries . For more information , visit blacksheepvineyard . com . n
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