Vines to own wines takes 'only' 12 years

Waltz Vineyards in Manheim, Pa., last Saturday became the newest winery to open officially. Jan and Kim Waltz planted their vineyard in 1997 and began producing wine out of the garage three years later. Now they're known regionally for their outstanding fruit and, while remaining a producer, have begun to sell their wine with the Waltz Vineyards label adorning the bottles.

Asked Kim via e-mail how last week's grand opening went and received this reply.

"Last Saturday went very well. We had nearly fifty people through our little Tuscan style tasting room. Everyone was quite impressed with the quality of the wines we are producing and many commented that they would be back 'with friends.' Most customers were completely amazed at how much work goes into the whole process from vine to wine.

"It is with great pride that our entire project was completed by local businesses. It was exciting for the people to realize that all of the fruit came right from our farm. A tobacco lathe that Jan's family used for many generations adorns the bars and walls of our tasting room. And , at this time, three local artists have displayed their work on our walls.

"We closed the doors last Saturday feeling very encouraged and looking forward to the next time we could open those doors to the public. Currently, we are open from 12-5 on Saturdays through the end of March. We plan to extend the hours in late Spring and Summer 2009."