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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
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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).

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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!

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GO TO THE INTERACTIVE PENNSYLVANIA WINE MAP
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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
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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.

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WHEN TO VISIT

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SPRING

Coming Soon!

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FALL

Coming Soon!

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SUMMER

Coming Soon!

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WINTER

Coming Soon!

WHERE TO STAY

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Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Coming Soon!

Additional information on Where to Stay Coming Soon!

WHERE TO EAT

Carpe Travel's Top Picks

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Coming Soon!

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WHERE TO SIP

Coming Soon!

Downtown Tasting Rooms

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming Soon!

Among the Vines

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming Soon!

GETTING TO PENNSYLVANIA WINE COUNTRY

If you are Flying…

Coming soon!

If you are Driving…

Coming soon!

GETTING AROUND PENNSYLVANIA WINE COUNTRY

Car Services

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming soon!

Tours

Carpe Travel’s Top Picks
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Coming soon!

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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

FIND OUT MORE

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.

FIND OUT MORE
From A to Z: Top Wine Festivals in Every State Not to Miss
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BEYOND THE VINES

More about Pennsylvania Wine Country and things to do beyond the vines.
Four Fantastic Wine Country Destinations for Fit Travel in the United States
Four Fantastic Wine Country Destinations for Fit Travel
Four Fantastic Wine Country Destinations for Fit Travel in the United States
Four Fantastic Wine Country Destinations for Fit Travel
5 of the Best Wine Destinations in US -That are Not in California
5 of the Best Wine Destinations in US -That are Not in California
7 of the Best Places to Visit in Philadelphia
7 of the Best Places to Visit in Philadelphia
Wine Tasting in Philly: Montgomery County Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Philly: Montgomery County Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Philly: Bucks County Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Philly: Bucks County Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Philly: Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail
Wine Tasting in Philly: Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail
Family Fun in Pittsburgh: 10 Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh with Kids
Family Fun in Pittsburgh: 10 Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh with Kids
Top Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids
Top Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids
Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine trails
Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine Trails
Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine trails
Exploring the Pennsylvania Wine Trails
Load more
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Behind the Vines

Interviews with Pennsylvania Winemakers coming soon! Meanwhile, check out our entire series.
Interview with a Winemaker Series
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PENNSYLVANIA WINE RESOURCES

Click on the buttons below to learn more about Pennsylvania Wine Country.

Pennsylvania Wine Association
Pennsylvania Wine Festivals and Events

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© 2011-2020 Elaine Schoch/Carpe Travel. All rights reserved. May not use text or photos without permission.

Nice To Meet You!

Elaine Schoch, Carpe Travel

Cheers! I’m Elaine Schoch, the editor and founder of Carpe Travel. I’m an award-winning travel writer, wine judge and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II), one of the world’s leading providers of wine education and certifications and an American Wine Expert. More…

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