Sand Castle delighted with Seven Springs festival

Had sent a note out to some of the participating wineries asking about how they made out at the Seven Springs Wine Festival on Aug. 23. Heard back today from Peter Ricci, the general sales manager for Sand Castle Winery in Erwinna, Pa. Ricci wrote the following

"Seven Springs was as usual a major success for Sand Castle Winery; our Alpine Spice was the star of the event. Sand Castle Winery averaging a sale of Alpine Spice to every 2.2 people who attended the event; if you think about it most people who attend are couples. We did taste our full line of wines and recieved very positive feedback; both in purchases and comments. Many of the comments were the best winery there for overall quality."

Mt. Felix welcomes its first customer

You could feel the excitement in an e-mail that Peter Ianniello of The Vineyards at Mt. Felix Manor in Havre de Grace, Md., sent earlier today:

"Yes, we literally just opened and has 1st retail customer pull down driveway today."

So another winery in Maryland has officially opened. Hoping to post some photos of the place in the next 24 hours.

'Dummies' course at CrossingV&W starts Sept. 21

Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Washington Crossing, Pa. will offer tips on savoring the flavors of wine with “Wine Tasting for Dummies” workshops each month through December, beginning Sept. 21.

As part of the course, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, participants will sample a selection of wines, cheeses, and fruit. Taught by Crossing co-owner Tom Carroll Sr., president of the Bucks County Wine Trail, the course has emerged as one of the most popular among the winery’s “Wine Institute” offerings, Carroll said.

The course also will be offered Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 14. The fee is $25 and advance registration is suggested due to its popularity.

Information and registration: 215.493.6500, ext. 19 or http://www.crossingvineyards.com/