14 Cork-Popping PA Wine Trails

PA's wine history stretches back to the 1600s when William Penn planted European grapevines in Pennsylvania — the first American hybrids. Indulge in some history as you sip your way across our 14 wine trails and more than 20 flourishing varieties. The state’s moderate climate and rolling terrain provide some of the best growing conditions on the East Coast, evidenced by the more than 1.6 million gallons of wine produced each year.

From anywhere in-state, wine aficionados are less than an hour’s drive from at least one of more than 300 Pennsylvania wineries, many of which are smaller, family-owned establishments. Pennsylvania’s 14 self-guided wine trails allow travelers to sip their way through vineyard-clustered areas at their own pace. And with nearby lodging options abound, stick around after you indulge!

1. LAKE ERIE WINE COUNTRY

North East

Lake Erie Wine Country Trail is approximately 53 miles long, spanning 30,000 acres of vineyards along Lake Erie. Thirteen of their 20 wineries can be found in Pennsylvania. Those with time constraints will appreciate the closeness of the trail’s wineries, which produce everything from ice and fruit varieties to specialty wines like brandies and ports. Don’t have all day? Narrow down your plans using the Wineries and Things to Do pages. While you’re in the area, you can’t miss Presque Isle State Park — offering seven miles of sandy beaches along Lake Erie, hiking and biking trails, fishing, and more.

2. SOUTHWEST PASSAGE WINE TRAIL

Mt. Pleasant

Eight wineries in the Laurel Highlands make up the scenic Southwest Passage Wine Trail. The cooler climate and higher elevations in this region help cold-hardy native grapes thrive in the shale-based soils. You can expect to find varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet, Franc, Vidal, and Chambourcin. Along the way, explore the mountains and valleys of southwestern Pennsylvania — and before you leave, we recommend a stop at destinations like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the stunning Nemacolin.

3. GROUNDHOG WINE TRAIL

Clearfield

Beyond its adorable namesake, the Groundhog Wine Trail spans 120 miles and takes visitors to 14 wineries accented by the unique beauty of central and northern Pennsylvania. Mix up your tastings with a brisk hike in the Allegheny National Forest or make a pit stop in one of the many charming towns along the way. If its panoramic views you’re after, take a stroll on the Kinzua Sky Walk, a railroad bridge that towers 225 feet above the valley floor and was the world’s longest, highest bridge at the time of its construction. And if you’re looking for the eponymous groundhog on this trail, don’t worry — at the beginning of the year, the region hosts an annual Groundhog Day Wine Festival — featuring a visit from Punxsutawney Phil himself!

4. SUSQUEHANNA HEARTLAND WINE TRAIL

Harrisburg

The 17 participating wineries along the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail enjoy a favorable climate for growing native and hybrid grapes, as well as more delicate grape varieties. Not only do the award-winning wineries offer a variety of traditional blends, but they also produce delicious fruit wines, including offerings infused with apple, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cantaloupe, elderberry, peach, and rhubarb. Spanning from just north of Harrisburg to State College, there is plenty to see and do along the way. Take an ice cream break at Penn State’s Berkey Creamery or fawn over the foliage along the Seven Mountains in Juniata Valley.

5. PA GREAT OUTDOORS WINE, BEER, & MOONSHINE TRAIL

Cooksburg

PA Great Outdoors Wine, Beer, and Moonshine Trail is home to 30 unique wineries, breweries, and even a distillery (the only one in the world that makes real moonshine by hand from local corn to bottle!), offering tastes to please any palate. Take in the gorgeous scenery of northwest PA , like Cook Forest, rated one of America’s top 50 state parks. You may even catch a glimpse of elk in the wild! Make sure you don’t miss one of their well-known events this fall.

6. HERSHEY HARRISBURG WINE COUNTRY

Hershey

Twelve family-owned, award-winning wineries make up the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country Trail, producing more than 250 handcrafted selections of whites, reds, and blushes. Take advantage of the trail’s proximity to the attraction-rich cities of Hershey (Hersheypark, anyone?), Harrisburg (a tour of the Capitol building is a must), and Lancaster (you won’t regret stopping for a meal at Luca).

7. MASON-DIXON WINE TRAIL

Gettysburg

Fourteen stops dot the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, which boasts a mix of established vineyards and emerging vintners. Many tasting rooms are housed in rustic and historical properties, spanning from York County, into Maryland. Wineries offer festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year. Make a weekend of it and spend some time seeing the inner workings of Harley-Davidson or exploring the snack factories in the area, like Snyder’s of Hanover.