Best 5 Wineries in Lancaster PA: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Area

ByTony Parker Last Updated:

Lancaster, PA is known for its beautiful countryside, Amish culture, and delicious food. However, one of the hidden gems of Lancaster is its wineries. With over a dozen wineries in the area, Lancaster offers a unique wine-tasting experience that is sure to please any wine enthusiast.

From small family-owned wineries to larger commercial operations, Lancaster has a diverse selection of wineries to choose from. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites, and everything in between. Many wineries also offer food pairings and live music, making for a fun and memorable experience. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, a visit to one of Lancaster’s wineries is a must.

The Wine Culture in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is known for its Amish community and farmland, but it also boasts a thriving wine culture. The region has a long history of winemaking, with some of the oldest wineries in the country located in the area. The fertile soil and moderate climate make it an ideal location for growing grapes, and the local winemakers take full advantage of these natural resources.

The wine culture in Lancaster County is a reflection of the region’s rich history and culture. The area is home to many small, family-owned wineries that produce high-quality wines using traditional methods. These wineries offer visitors a unique experience, with tastings, tours, and events that showcase the best of the region’s wine.

Visitors to Lancaster can explore the wine culture by visiting the many wineries in the area. Some of the most popular wineries include Weathered Vineyards, Cullari Vineyards, and Wyndridge Farm. These wineries offer a range of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites, and visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the facilities.

The wine culture in Lancaster is also reflected in the local restaurants and bars. Many establishments feature local wines on their menus, and some even offer wine flights that allow customers to sample a variety of wines. The region’s wine culture has also inspired a growing number of wine festivals and events, such as the Lancaster Wine & Cheese Festival and the Wine Just Off The Vine event.

Top Wineries in Lancaster

Grandview Vineyard

Grandview Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in Mount Joy, Lancaster County. They offer a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can enjoy their wine in a beautiful tasting room with a stunning view of the vineyard. The winery also offers tours and private events.

Website: http://www.grandviewwines.com/

Address: 1489 Grandview Rd, Mount Joy, PA 17552, United States

Weathered Vineyards

Weathered Vineyards is a boutique winery located in New Tripoli, just outside of Lancaster County. They specialize in small-batch, handcrafted wines made from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy their wine in a cozy tasting room or outside on the patio. The winery also offers live music and food trucks on weekends.

Website: https://www.weatheredvineyards.com/

Address: 7670 Carpet Road New Tripoli, PA 18066

Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery

Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery is a family-owned winery located in Manheim, Lancaster County. They produce a variety of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Visitors can enjoy their wine in a beautiful tasting room or outside on the patio. The winery also offers tours and private events.

Website: http://www.waltzvineyards.com/

Address: 1599 Old Line Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, United States

Thorn Hill Vineyards

Thorn Hill Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Lancaster County. They offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can enjoy their wine in a cozy tasting room or outside on the patio. The winery also offers live music and food trucks on weekends.

Website: http://www.thornhillvineyards.com/

Address: 1945 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, United States

Nissley Vineyards

Nissley Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Bainbridge, Lancaster County. They produce a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy their wine in a beautiful tasting room or outside on the patio. The winery also offers tours and private events.

Website: http://www.nissleywine.com/

Address: 140 Vintage Dr, Bainbridge, PA 17502, United States

These are just a few of the top wineries in Lancaster County. Each winery offers a unique experience and a variety of wines to choose from. Visitors are sure to find something they love at any of these wineries.

Wine Varieties in Lancaster

Red Wines

Lancaster is known for its rich and full-bodied red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the most popular red wine varieties in the region. Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and complex wine with flavors of black currant, blackberry, and oak. Merlot, on the other hand, is a softer and more approachable wine with flavors of plum, cherry, and vanilla. Other red wine varieties grown in Lancaster include Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

White Wines

Lancaster also produces a variety of white wines, with Chardonnay being the most popular. Chardonnay is a full-bodied wine with flavors of apple, pear, and vanilla. It is often aged in oak barrels, which gives it a creamy and buttery texture. Other white wine varieties grown in Lancaster include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.

Sweet Wines

For those with a sweet tooth, Lancaster offers a range of sweet wines. These wines are made from grapes that have a higher sugar content, resulting in a sweeter taste. Moscato is a popular sweet wine variety in Lancaster, with flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. Other sweet wine varieties grown in Lancaster include Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Port.

Dry Wines

Dry wines are those with little to no residual sugar. They are often described as crisp and refreshing, with a clean finish. Lancaster produces a range of dry wines, including dry red and white wines. Dry white wine varieties include Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, while dry red wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tasting Experience

Tasting Rooms

Lancaster County boasts some of the best wineries in Pennsylvania, and many of these wineries offer unique tasting experiences for visitors. Tasting rooms are a popular way to sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process. Visitors can expect to find a range of tasting rooms, from rustic and cozy to modern and elegant. Some popular tasting rooms in Lancaster County include:

  • Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery
  • Weathered Vineyards Tasting Room
  • Wyndridge Farm
  • Deerfoot Downtown
  • Lancaster Tasting Room

Sampling Centers

Sampling centers are another way to experience the best wines that Lancaster County has to offer. These centers provide visitors with the opportunity to taste a variety of wines from different wineries all in one location. Some popular sampling centers in Lancaster County include:

  • Cullari Vineyards
  • Kog Hill Winery
  • Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate

Wine and Cheese Pairings

For those looking to take their wine-tasting experience to the next level, many wineries in Lancaster County offer wine and cheese pairings. These pairings are a great way to learn about the different flavor profiles of wines and how they can be enhanced by pairing them with the right cheese. Some wineries that offer wine and cheese pairings include:

  • Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery
  • Weathered Vineyards Tasting Room
  • Nissley Vineyards and Winery Estate

Events and Entertainment

Live Music and Concerts

Lancaster County’s wineries offer a great selection of live music and concerts throughout the year. Many of the wineries have outdoor stages and seating areas, making it a great place to enjoy live music while sipping on a glass of wine.

Some of the wineries, such as Weathered Vineyards in Ephrata, have a regular schedule of live music events. Other wineries, like Lancaster County Winery, host lawn concerts during the summer months.

Special Events

In addition to live music, many of the wineries in Lancaster County also host a variety of special events throughout the year. These events can range from wine tastings to food and wine pairings, to grape stomping parties.

One popular event in the area is the Wine Just Off The Vine event, which takes place in November. During this event, visitors can sample wines that have just been harvested and are in the early stages of production.

Weddings

Many of the wineries in Lancaster County also offer wedding venues. These venues often feature picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards, making them a great choice for couples looking for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

Some wineries, like Lancaster County Winery, offer all-inclusive wedding packages that include catering, decorations, and other services. Other wineries, like Nissley Vineyards, offer a more DIY approach, allowing couples to bring in their own vendors and decorations.

Overall, Lancaster County’s wineries offer a wide range of events and entertainment options throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for live music, special events, or a wedding venue, there’s a winery in Lancaster County that can meet your needs.