Four southcentral Pennsylvania wineries that emphasize quality collaborated on an event in late July called “PA Wines of Distinction.” It took place at Melhorn Manor in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, on July 28. The group included Waltz Vineyards, Nissley Vineyards and Grandview Vineyard from Lancaster County and Armstrong Valley Winery from Dauphin County for an afternoon of food and high-quality wines.
A three-hour event, it included the chance to sample a variety of award-winning estate-grown wines as well as wine and food pairings. VIP tickets offered early admission and a guided wine educational session followed by a meet and greet with winemakers. General admission was $40 and the VIP tickets were $75 apiece.
The idea, at least in part, borrowed from the pages of the New Jersey Winemakers Co-Op, founded nine years ago with, according to the website, “the common goal of increasing the quality and perception of the fine wines of New Jersey.” The wine and food pairings were crafted by Festive Board Catering of York County. Wines of Distinction In addition to meeting as a group, co-op members hold industry seminars and public tastings.
Today there are six member wineries. Knowing what the co-op has accomplished, it prompted some questions to Sarah Haines, who runs Grandview Vineyard in Mt. Joy with husband Scott and was involved in the planning of the multi-winery tasting.
Q, About what was the turnout? What did Melhorn offer that made you all decide to go there rather than just at one of your wineries? A, As our inaugural event of this type, we were thrilled with the turnout of nearly 150 attendees! To ensure the event remained collaborative and not favor any one winery, we chose a neutral location. Melhorn Manor proved to be an exceptional partner, offering a spacious and beautifully appointed venue that enhanced our guests’ experience with our wines. Additional local partners included Festive Board Catering, which generously provided charcuterie and other food pairings, and Lavender & Locks Floral Design and Flower Farm, which contributed beautiful floral arrangements for our tables, enhancing the overall ambiance.
Q, What worked .. maybe what you’d tweak for next time? A, As winery owners, we enjoy tasting and comparing the same varietals from different producers across Pennsylvania to understand the quality of wines crafted in our regions.
We were honored to host an event that allowed our customers and wine enthusiasts in PA to do the same. Our goal was to raise awareness of the grape varieties grown in Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. While any new event presents opportunities for refinement, we were delighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from our attendees.
Organizers of the 'PA Wines of Distinction' gather for a group photo. Participating wineries included Nissley Vineyards, Grandview Vineyard, Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery and Armstrong Valley Winery. Wines of Distinction Q.
Do you think you’ll stay with four or add any wineries? This initiative reminds me a bit of the N.J. Winemakers Co-Op .
All four wineries agree that this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While the future is still unfolding, we are eagerly looking forward to planning our next event. Q, I had overlooked the educational component.
Why did you’ll decide to make it more than a tasting and add the educational component? What was covered and is there anything else you might consider for future topics? A, As mentioned earlier, one of the key objectives of this event was to highlight southcentral Pa. as a wine region capable of producing exceptional quality wines. As part of the VIP experience, we explored the unique terroir of our wineries and discussed what sets us apart from other regions.
The intimate setting allowed for personal interactions with winery owners and provided an opportunity for guests to ask questions. Additionally, we enhanced the experience with a special tasting that demonstrated how food can influence and elevate the tasting experience. The VIP experience will likely evolve at future events to ensure it remains fresh and engaging.
Wine Classroom Ohio producer excelling with a pair of wines that provide a different take on red Benefit fundraiser to remember Pa. winery founder whose passions touched many lives Mechanicsburg native, winemaker says N.J.
producer is ‘poised to make a splash’ Winemaker offering a taste of his French wines at a central Pa. location.
