Best 8 Wineries in Lehigh Valley PA: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Region
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania is home to a number of wineries that have been producing quality wines for years. These wineries offer a variety of wines that are sure to please any palate, from dry whites to full-bodied reds. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the wineries in Lehigh Valley are definitely worth a visit.
One of the oldest wineries in Lehigh Valley is Clover Hill Vineyards, which has been producing wine since 1985. They offer a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, and have won numerous awards for their wines. Another popular winery in the area is Franklin Hill Vineyards, which is known for its stunning location and delicious wines. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting while taking in the beautiful views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.
History of Winemaking in Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley has a rich history of winemaking, dating back to the colonial era. The region’s fertile soil and temperate climate make it an ideal location for vineyards. In the late 1800s, there were over 20 wineries in the area, producing primarily sweet wines.
However, Prohibition in the 1920s brought an end to the flourishing wine industry in Lehigh Valley. It wasn’t until the 1970s that winemaking made a comeback in the region, with the establishment of the area’s first winery, Franklin Hill Vineyards, in 1976.
Since then, the region has seen a resurgence in winemaking, with over a dozen wineries now operating in Lehigh Valley. In 2008, the region was designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognizing its unique climate and soil conditions that produce exceptional wines.
Today, Lehigh Valley wineries produce a wide range of wines, from traditional sweet wines to dry reds and whites. Visitors can explore the area’s wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, which features nine-member wineries and offers a variety of events and tastings throughout the year.
Top Wineries in Lehigh Valley
Vynecrest Vineyards
Vynecrest Vineyards is one of the founding wineries in Lehigh Valley and has been operating since 1974. They offer a wide variety of wines, including dry white wines like Traminette and Chardonnay, and dry red wines like Cabernet Franc and Lemberger. Visitors can also enjoy their sparkling wines, dessert wines, and fruit wines. Wine tastings are available daily, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the vineyards.
Website: http://www.vynecrest.com/
Address: 172 Arrowhead Ln, Breinigsville, PA 18031, United States
Black River Farms
Black River Farms is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their own estate. They specialize in dry red wines like Cabernet Franc and Merlot but also offer dry white wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: https://black-river-farms.com/
Address: 2472 Black River Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
Franklin Hill Vineyards
Franklin Hill Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Lehigh Valley and has been operating since 1981. They offer a wide variety of wines, including dry white wines like Pinot Grigio and dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and live music on weekends.
Website: http://www.franklinhillvineyards.com/
Address: 559 Main St #124, Bethlehem, PA 18018, United States
Stony Run Winery
Stony Run Winery is a small family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their own estate. They specialize in dry red wines like Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin but also offer dry white wines like Pinot Gris. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: https://www.stonyrunwinery.com/
Address: 150 Independent Rd, Breinigsville, PA 18031
Clover Hill Vineyards
Clover Hill Vineyards is one of the founding wineries in Lehigh Valley and has been operating since 1985. They offer a wide variety of wines, including dry white wines like Chardonnay and dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: http://www.cloverhillwinery.com/
Address: 9850 Newtown Rd, Breinigsville, PA 18031, United States
Weathered Vineyards
Weathered Vineyards is a small family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their own estate. They specialize in dry white wines like Chardonnay and dry red wines like Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: http://weatheredvineyards.com/
Address: 7670 Carpet Rd, New Tripoli, PA 18066, United States
Galen Glen Winery
Galen Glen Winery is a family-owned winery that specializes in dry white wines like Riesling and dry red wines like Cabernet Franc. They offer wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also enjoy picnics on the winery grounds.
Website: http://www.galenglen.com/
Address: 255 Winter Mountain Dr, Andreas, PA 18211, United States
Tolino Vineyards
Tolino Vineyards is a family-owned winery that offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their own estate. They specialize in dry red wines like Cabernet Franc and dry white wines like Pinot Grigio. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Website: http://www.tolinovineyards.com/
Address: 280 Mt Pleasant Rd, Bangor, PA 18013, United States
Lehigh Valley is home to many top wineries that offer a variety of wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Each winery has its own unique character and offers a different wine experience.
Unique Wine Varieties in Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley is known for producing a variety of unique wine varieties. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Chambourcin
Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid grape that is known for its versatility. It is one of the most widely grown grape varieties in Lehigh Valley. The resulting wines tend to exude notes of berry and cherry and boast balanced tannins.
Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety that is known for its aromatic qualities. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be crisp and acidic, with notes of citrus and stone fruit.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular white grape variety that is grown throughout the world. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be full-bodied with notes of apple, pear, and vanilla.
Vidal Blanc
Vidal Blanc is a white grape variety that is known for its ability to produce high-quality dessert wines. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be sweet with notes of tropical fruit and honey.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a red grape variety that is known for its ability to produce complex and elegant wines. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be light-bodied with notes of cherry and spice.
Traminette Grape
Traminette is a white grape variety that is a cross between Gewürztraminer and Joannes Seyve. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be floral with notes of honey and spice.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a white grape variety that is known for its aromatic qualities. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be full-bodied with notes of lychee, rose, and spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular red grape variety that is grown throughout the world. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be full-bodied with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco.
Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner is a white grape variety that is native to Austria. It is a popular grape variety in Lehigh Valley due to its ability to grow well in the region’s climate and its terroir. The resulting wines tend to be crisp and acidic with notes of green apple and white pepper.
Lehigh Valley’s unique wine varieties are a testament to the region’s dedication to producing high-quality wines that reflect the terroir and climate of the region.
Experience at Lehigh Valley Wineries
Wine Tasting
Lehigh Valley Wineries offers a unique wine-tasting experience that showcases the best of Pennsylvania wines. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. The tasting rooms are staffed with knowledgeable and friendly staff who can guide visitors through the tasting process. Visitors can learn about the different types of wines and the history of the wineries while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Food and Wine Pairing
Many Lehigh Valley Wineries offer food and wine pairing options that allow visitors to taste the wines alongside delicious local cuisine. The wineries work with local chefs to create the perfect pairing for each wine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options, from small plates to full meals, while sipping on their favorite wines.
Winery Tours
Winery tours are a great way to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the wineries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery and vineyards, learning about the different grape varieties and the winemaking process. Some wineries also offer private tours and tastings for groups.
Live Music and Events
Lehigh Valley Wineries often host live music and events, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for visitors. Visitors can enjoy live music from local musicians while sipping on their favorite wines. The wineries also host a variety of events throughout the year, including wine festivals, grape stomping, and more.
Wedding and Venue Options
Lehigh Valley Wineries offers beautiful wedding and event venues that are perfect for any occasion. The wineries offer stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside, creating a picturesque backdrop for weddings and events. The wineries also offer a variety of catering options, making it easy to create the perfect menu for any event.
Lehigh Valley Wine Trail
The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is Pennsylvania’s first wine trail, located in the Lehigh Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The AVA is an ideal grape-growing environment, with fertile farmlands that have helped the region become Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing wine region. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to select family-owned vineyards and wineries that have won countless regional, state, national, and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape.
The wine trail comprises seven participating venues, including five wineries and two distilleries. Travelers can purchase a $39 non-refundable passport online to receive a tasting-sized food and beverage pairing at each venue, as well as a complimentary tasting of three beverage samples at each location. Passport holders also receive a special gift, a logoed picnic blanket.
The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail offers a unique experience for wine lovers, with each participating venue offering a different selection of wines. Visitors can start their journey at Breinigsville’s Clover Hill Vineyards, one of the founding wineries in the Lehigh Valley. Dry wine lovers can enjoy the Pinot Noir, while others can discover the Traminette grape, a Gewürztraminer-like dry white wine with a bit of spice, at Vynecrest Vineyards.
The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a popular attraction for travelers, with many of its venues being traveler favorites. Visitors can explore the charming cities and towns of the Lehigh Valley while enjoying some of the best wines in Pennsylvania. The wine trail also offers a map to help travelers navigate their way through the region.
In conclusion, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. With its unique selection of wines, picturesque locations, and traveler favorites, the wine trail offers a one-of-a-kind experience that visitors will not forget.