Pennsylvania’s moderate climate and rolling terrain provides some of the best growing conditions on the East Coast as nearly 300 wineries produce a delightful array of wine varieties. With over 14,000 acres of grapes, the state ranks 5th nationally in the production of wine, producing more than 2 million gallons annually. Sip your way across the state on these 12 organized wine trails. Before heading out, check winery hours and visit the PA Wine Association website for more information on Pennsylvania wines.
1. HERSHEY HARRISBURG WINE COUNTRY
Hershey, Harrisburg, Halifax, Elizabethville, Duncannon, Hummelstown, Grantville, Wrightsville, Manheim, Bainbridge, Middletown, and Liverpool
The newest addition to the Pennsylvania wine scene, Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country opened its trail to travelers in the spring of 2012. Guests are invited to take in the breathtaking views from 15 award-winning, family-owned wineries situated in the heart of the state’s beautiful rolling hills. Boasting more than 250 handcrafted white, red, and blush wines, the trail is sure to meet all travelers’ tastes, and is conveniently located just minutes away from Hershey, the Sweetest Place on Earth, and the state capital, Harrisburg.
2. LAKE ERIE WINE REGION
Erie and North East
The Erie Wine Trail is approximately 50 miles long, stretching through 30,000 acres of Lake Erie vineyards in “America’s Grape Country.” The well-drained, gravel-loam soils and the moderating effect of the lake on spring and fall temperatures combine to create the perfect growing environment for healthy vineyards and premium wines. Twenty-four wineries produce award-winning wines, including vinifera, ice wines, fruit wines, and specialty wines, such as brandies and ports.
3. BRANDYWINE VALLEY WINE TRAIL
Chesterville, West Grove, Toughkenamon, and Landenberg
Located in the hills of southern Chester County, the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail was formed in 2003 as the dream of local wineries united by their common terrain and the excitement for the unique and distinctive regional wines that this small area had started to produce. The vineyards are nestled in an unusual microclimate that exists in the narrow region between the great river basins of the Chesapeake and the Delaware River, with easy access to the cities of Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Baltimore.
4. MASON-DIXON WINE TRAIL
Orrtanna, Brogue, Stewartstown, Hummelstown, Loganville, New Park, Spring Grove, Wrightsville, and Bainbridge
The rolling hills and rustic landscapes wine lovers encounter during their journey are a great complement to the delicious home-grown vintages of the winemakers along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. Nestled in the scenic heart of south-central Pennsylvania, the wine trail features more than 20 family-owned wineries in the York, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Harrisburg area. From some of the area’s best-known vineyards to newly emerging vintners, each stop on the trail provides a unique experience sure to please any palate.
5. GROUNDHOG WINE TRAIL
Curwensville, Punxsutawney, Falls Creek, DuBois, Foxburg, Kane, Houtzdale, Flinton, Ashville, and Blairsville
Worth exploring for namesake alone, this multi-county wine trail winds through the breathtaking Pennsylvania Wilds. There are 13 wineries on the Groundhog Wine Trail and each stop is sure to surprise wine connoisseurs as they explore the backdrop of the Pennsylvania Wilds' extensive forests and rustic lodging like the cabins of Wapiti Woods.
6. LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL
Breinigsville, New Tripoli, Andreas, Bethlehem, Bangor, and Nazareth
The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to eight family-owned vineyards and wineries that have brought home the Governor’s Cup for 10 out of the last 11 years. These vintners have won countless regional, state, national, and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape. Designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2008, the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest growing wine region. The fertile farmlands of the area provide an ideal growing environment, as well as the area’s close proximity to Philadelphia and New York.
7. SUSQUEHANNA HEARTLAND WINE TRAIL
Halifax, Klingerstown, Duncannon, Elizabethville, Belleville, Lewisburg, State College, Lewistown, Sunbury, Liverpool, Middleburg, Spring Mills, Hegins, McAlisterville, Centre Hall, and Mifflin
Located in the heart of the beautiful Susquehanna and Juniata River Valleys, the local climate supports not only the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids, but also more delicate varieties such as Riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc, and pinot noir. The Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail highlights 16 wineries, including Benigna's Creek in Klingerstown, situated at the highest point in the Mahantango Valley; Brookmere in Belleville; housed in a 19th century stone and wood barn; and Mount Nittany in Centre Hall, a five-acre vineyard that produces seven award-winning varieties.
8. BUCKS COUNTY WINE TRAIL
Buckingham, Washington Crossing, Jamison, Erwinna, Newtown, Furlong, and Perkasie
The gentle rolling hills, deep, well-drained soils, and moderate climate combine to make the Bucks County Wine Trail one of the premier grape growing regions of the East Coast. Located throughout the Delaware Valley, the trail is home to nine wineries only minutes apart. In addition to the delicious tastes of southeastern Pennsylvania, visitors can experience iconic sites like the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and the estate originally owned by Pennsylvania founder, William Penn.
9. SOUTHWEST PASSAGE WINE TRAIL
Somerset, Chalk Hill, Mount Pleasant, Mononghala, North Huntingdon, Jefferson, Eighty Four, and Johnstown
Escape the fast pace of the city and savor the experiences at the eight wineries dotted throughout the Pittsburgh suburbs and the scenic region known as the Laurel Highlands. Popular tourist destinations along the Southwest Passage Wine Trail, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the stunning Nemacolin Resort, are only a short drive away to make a long weekend memorable.
10. BERKS COUNTY WINE TRAIL
Bernville, Shoemakersville, Morgantown, Auburn, Douglassville, Birdsboro, Kutztown, Spring City, Fleetwood, Shartlesville, and New Tripoli
The beautiful rolling countryside of Berks County is home to 11 family-owned and award-winning wineries producing a range of wine styles that include sparkling wine, dry table wines, and sweet dessert wines. Come visit unique tasting rooms throughout the Berks County Wine Trail located in everything from basements to restored barns.
11. MONTGOMERY COUNTY WINE TRAIL
Perkiomenville, West Point, Telford, Montgomeryville, and New Hope
The Montgomery County Wine Trail may be small, but it offers exciting wine-tasting experiences among three wineries. From jalapeno wine at Cardinal Hollow Winery to a dry Cabernet Franc Reserve at Crossings Vineyard, there's plenty to enjoy. The trail intersects with the Bucks County Wine Trail, allowing wine lovers to indulge in even more of the Philadelphia region's finest wines.
12. MERCER COUNTY WINE TRAIL
Conneaut Lake, New Wilmington, Volant, Pulaski, Hermitage, and Hadley
The Mercer County PA Wine Trail is off to a great start with seven wineries for groups and individual travelers to enjoy when visiting this charming northwestern PA county. VisitMercerCountyPA provides customized itineraries that include at least three stops on the wine trail. Featured in each itinerary are tastings, a production tour, snacks, and a distinctive meal and entertainment at one of the stops. The trail travels along beautiful lakes and scenic countryside – perfect for Instagram photo opportunities!
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