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Backgrounder: A Robust Selection of Wineries Entice Visitors to Philadelphia’s Countryside
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Backgrounder
A Robust Selection Of Wineries Entice Visitors To Philadelphia’s Countryside
PHILADELPHIA, October 27, 2005 - Wine drinkers across the nation are uncorking a pleasant surprise as Southeastern Pennsylvania emerges as a quality wine-growing region. Over the past five years, the number of the state's wineries has nearly doubled, increasing from around 60 in 2000 to 111 in 2005. And, by winning top awards at the prestigious San Francisco and Los Angeles County Fair Competitions, Pennsylvania vitners have proven they can craft wines worthy of any table.
Chaddsford Winery
Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC
The Philadelphia countryside is ideally suited for winemaking. The temperate climate, paired with gently rolling hills and large bodies of water, makes for warmer soil that nurtures a long annual growing season. The soil itself is flecked with limestone and gravel - qualities that enhance the fertility of a wide range of grapes. This means wine lovers can find many of their favorites in Pennsylvania's Delaware Valley, and while no one varietal has yet emerged as the region's signature, local winemakers point to the popularity and flavor of their Chardonnays, Pinot Grigios, Pinot Noirs and Cabernets.
Many of the area's wineries grow their own grapes; those that don't, buy them locally, resulting in a tremendous spirit of cooperation among vintners. They've joined together to establish two wine trails in Philadelphia's countryside: the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail bridges six Chester County wineries, and the Bucks County Wine Trail unites seven wineries just north of Philadelphia. Visitors can spend an afternoon or even a full weekend touring the trails. They're situated in the middle of historic and lush landscapes, near dozens of quaint bed-and-breakfast (B&Bs) establishments and close to attractions in Center City Philadelphia, New Hope, Washington Crossing and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
The wineries along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail are geographically spread out, which allows a dedicated visitor to tour a large swath of this famous region. Travelers can visit each winery individually or purchase a passport for $20 that grants entry to all six wineries (Twin Brook Winery, Folly Hill Vineyards, Va La Vineyards, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyards and Paradocx Vineyard), plus a free wine glass. The wineries actively promote themselves as a group through free annual festivals, wine dinners, summer concert series and crafts fairs. Notable festivals include Barrels on the Brandywine every weekend in March and the Harvest Festival in September, held simultaneously at all of the wineries. Information about Winetasting Passport Packages at nearby hotels and B&Bs is available at www.bvwinetrail.com. Some Brandywine Valley Wine Trail highlights:
- The biggest winery in Pennsylvania, the Chaddsford Winery, is nestled in the heart of the scenery that painter Andrew Wyeth made famous. International awards, such as the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition Gold Medal, keep piling in for the husband-and-wife owner team, who boast about all of their premium varieties, with special emphasis on their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and spiced apple wine. The winery hosts a free Brandywine River Blues Festival on Memorial Day and a Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend. Summertime Friday nights also mean live music under the stars. Chaddsford is open seven days a week for picnicking, tours and tastings in a restored 17th-century barn. 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-6221, www.chaddsford.com
- Va La Vineyards, a family-owned vineyard located in Avondale, focuses on rare varieties and unusual blends of Italian and French grapes, most of which are designed to accompany food. These vintners produce very small quantities of wine, so picky wine tasters should call ahead to see what's available. Open Friday through Sundays. 8820 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, (610) 268-2702, www.valavineyards.com
- Paradocx Vineyard - so named because its four principle owners are doctors – has just opened its tasting room to the public. Paradocx grows 15 varieties of grapes, mostly French and hybrids such as Vidal and Chambourcin. The tasting room is open Wednesday to Sunday. 1699 Fairville Road, Fairville, (610) 255-5684, www.paradocx.com
Bucks County Wine Trail
The Bucks County Wine Trail is in its first full year of existence. It connects seven locally owned wineries (Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Crossing Vineyards and Winery, New Hope Winery, Peace Valley Winery, Rose Bank Winery, Rushland Ridge Vineyards and Sand Castle Winery), all within a few minutes driving distance of one another. The wineries currently sponsor concurrent harvest festivals in October, "Nouveau" festivals in November to taste the season's Beaujolais-style wines and holiday festivals in December, when guests can sample warm spiced wine and buy special gift packages. Trail organizers are also planning a strawberry festival in spring 2006. Here’s a look a few stops on the Bucks County Wine Trail, www.buckscountywinetrail.com:
- Crossing Vineyards and Winery is located on a 200 year-old estate, less than a mile from the place where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776. This winery prides itself on its modern and sophisticated equipment and strives to make wine in the most environmentally responsible way possible. In addition, Crossing offers various wine courses and events, along with a tasting room that's open seven days a week. 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-6500, www.crossingvineyards.com
- Established in 1966, Buckingham Valley Vineyards is a self-described "laid-back" winery and one of the oldest in Pennsylvania. With more than 40,000 gallons of wine sold every year, it's one of the biggest too. Buckingham Valley is one of the only wineries in the state to produce four different kinds of sparkling wine, which it sells only on premises. Visiting and tasting is free, tours are self-guided, and the doors are open every day except Monday. 1521 Route 413, Buckingham, (215) 794-7188, www.pawine.com
- Rushland Ridge Vineyard and Winery is an intimate wine experience. These winemakers grow all of their own grapes on just four acres of land and produce small quantities for tasting and purchase. One grape to note is the Niagara, native to America and a cross between the Concord and Cassady grapes. The Niagara lends its name to a sweet white wine. The tasting room is open on Saturdays and Sundays and is free to the public. Rushland Road, Rushland, (215) 598-0251, www.rushlandridge.com
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region's economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.
CONTACT:
Caroline Bean, GPTMC
(215) 599-7433, caroline@gptmc.com
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