The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a collection of eight family-owned vineyards and wineries. One of the biggest collaboration between the different wineries is held each weekend in March and is titled appropriately enough “March Madness.” Food and wine pairings will be offered at each winery and changes each weekend. In order to participate in “The Madness,” a passport is required and available for purchase at the wineries for $35.
If you do not have time in March to hit all eight wineries, I would like to suggest three of my favorites. Clover Hill, Vynecrest and Pinnacle Ridge Winery are separated by less than ten miles. All three have a wide selection of wines and I have never been disappointed at the service provided inside their tasting rooms.
Clover Hill Vineyard and Winery has four locations located in Berks and Lehigh Counties. The Breinigsville location is the winery along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. The selection of Clover Hill wines has grown through the years but two of their oldest remain my favorites.
The DeChaunac is a red semi-sweet wine that displays a berry flavor. The slight sweetness along with a smooth, warm finish makes this a red wine that is best served chilled. If you are looking for a Riesling, look no further than Clover Hill. Riesling is one of my favorite types of wine and I feel the Clover Hill is a fine representation. There is a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. The aroma of the wine and flavor will have you thinking peaches and apricots. Both of these wines are currently listed on the Clover Hill website (www.cloverhillwinery.com) at a price of $11.49 per bottle.
Clover Hill Breinigsville is open seven days a week with slightly reduced hours on Sunday. The Robesonia (Berks County) location is also open seven days a week. Clover Hill wines are also available for purchase at both the Reading and Allentown Farmer’s Markets which are open Thursday through Saturday.
Located a mile and a half away is Vynecrest Winery. It does not seem that long ago that my wife and I stopped into an old barn to sample what I think was maybe a selection of six varieties. The renovation that Vynecrest did to their tasting area was superb and the quality of the wine is great as well.
A favorite from Vynecrest is Autumn Gold. Having a golden color, Autumn Gold has a blend that produces a fruity aroma and a clean finish. This wine goes wonderfully with fruit, cheese or dessert. Be warned that it is hard to stop at just one bottle, so with a current price of $9.99, stock up when you visit.
My second selection from Vynecrest is Cherry DiVyne. Not one for fruit wines, don’t let the name and the fact that this wine is made with 100% Montmorency Cherries fool you. You won’t think you are drinking fruit juice instead of wine. The price for Cherry DiVyne is $13.99 per bottle. Vynecrest is open seven days a week from 11-5. Be sure to visit their website at www.vynecrest.com to see everything Vynecrest has to offer.
My final stop along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is about eight miles west on Route I-78 to Pinnacle Ridge. I grew up in nearby Kutztown, so to think there is such a great winery so close to home makes me proud. Always a multiple award winner in wine competitions, Pinnacle Ridge has something for everyone’s taste.
The Vidal Blanc is the wine we always serve with our traditional New Year’s Day meal of pork and sauerkraut. Enjoy the aroma of peach and pear. This wine has just a touch of sweetness and a bold, crisp finish. If a red is more your style, then I suggest trying the Sweet Seduction. This is a medium sweet red wine made with 100% Chambourcin. What makes this red different is that it is aged in stainless steel, catering to people that do not like oaky reds. Both of these wines are an easy on the wallet $10 per bottle.
Pinnacle Ridge is open seven days a week for your sampling pleasure. Be sure to visit their website at www.pinridge.com to see a calendar of events and their full list of wines.