Pennsylvania Wine Travel Guide

BY CARPE TRAVEL

An interesting fact about the Pennsylvania wine country is it’s everywhere in the state! No matter where you are, you’re less an hours drive to a winery.

Winemaking in Pennsylvania began centuries ago when William Penn planted the first vineyard in Philadelphia in 1683. Since then the area thrived, only to come to a halt in the 1920’s when Prohibition was enacted. After its repeal in the 1930’s, it was a hard road toward recovery but today the Pennsylvania wine country is thriving once again.

There are more than 200 wineries in Pennsylvania, and more than a dozen wine trails making it a perfect wine country weekend getaway. Make sure to sips some local Pinot Noir and Riesling – two of the state’s leading wine varietals.

The following Pennsylvania Wine Travel guide shares information about Pennsylvania’s wine country, along with where to sip, where to stay and things to do beyond the vines. Cheers!

CLICK TO SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINE REGIONS

WINE TRAILS

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

WHEN TO VISIT

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO SIP

GETTING TO & AROUND

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

MORE THINGS TO DO IN PENNSYLVANIA

INTERVIEWS WITH WINEMAKERS

WINE REGIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania’s climate – hot summers and cold winters – is more like Europe than California or Australia and presents the ideal terroir for emerging French-American hybrid grapes, and traditional wine varieties. The state is home to five designated American Viticultural Areas (AVA – wine growing regions).

THE FIVE MAIN WINE REGIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA

Lehigh Valley

Recognized for its unique microclimates and fertile land, the Lehigh Valley AVA is an ideal environment for red grapes such as Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc and white grapes, including Vidal and Riesling. Lehigh Valley is also home to the state’s original Grüner Veltliner plantings.

Lancaster Valley

The Lancaster Valley AVA rests on a deep limestone bed, which produces grapes that are rich and ripe, ideal for Cabernets, Chardonnays and Rieslings.

Lake Erie

Historically known as the “Grape Belt of America,” the lake region’s cold climate is ideal for native grapes like Concord, Riesling, Niagara and Catawba, and emerging varieties like Noiret and Vidal Blanc.

Central Delaware Valley

Located in southeastern part of the state, Pennsylvania shares the wine region with New Jersey, which includes 96,000 acres surrounding the Delaware River north of Philadelphia.

Cumberland Valley

Located in south-central Pennsylvania, this AVA is shared with Maryland. Only 100 acres of the 765,000 acres included in the wine region are planted to grapevines. Of those acres that are planted, they’re predominantly on high terraces over the Potomac River and on the slopes of South Mountain – making for some amazing views!

GO TO THE INTERACTIVE PENNSYLVANIA WINE MAP

PENNSYLVANIA WINE TRAILS

Wine trails are designed to provide a unique experience and allow you to sample different growing regions within an area. With 200 wineries, Pennsylvania has more than 12 wine trails, meaning there are a lot of experiences you can have.

Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine Trails

Wine Tasting in Philly: Bucks County Wine Trail

Wine Tasting in Philly: Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail

Wine Tasting in Philly: Montgomery County Wine Trail

12 Pennsylvania Wine Trails by Visit PA

Crash Course on The Hershey Harrisburg Wine Trail by 2 Food Trippers

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Read on to find Carpe Travel’s first-hand travel tips and recommendations to help make your stay in Pennyslvania Wine Country a memorable one.

WHEN TO VISIT

SPRING

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FALL

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SUMMER

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WINTER

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WHERE TO STAY

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Additional information on Where to Stay Coming Soon!

WHERE TO EAT

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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WHERE TO SIP

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Downtown Tasting Rooms

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks

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Among the Vines

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks

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GETTING TO PENNSYLVANIA WINE COUNTRY

If you are Flying…

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If you are Driving…

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GETTING AROUND PENNSYLVANIA WINE COUNTRY

Car Services

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks

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Tours

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Be sure to check out these Pennsylvania Festivals and Events that are not to be missed!

Taste of Pennsylvania

May / York
A family-friendly weekend of Pennsylvania wines, 250 to be exact, unique vendors, local food, and live bands. If wine isn’t your thing, head over to Brew Kids on the Block, the festival will offer a tour of Pennsylvania’s 20 or so newest breweries.

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Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival

June / Lake Harmony
Uncork summer with the Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival. This two-day outdoor festival features food and craft vendors, live musical entertainment, and samples from an estimated 30 Pennsylvania wineries.

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From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss