Hit a winery this weekend? What did you think?

If any of you were on any of the eastern or central Pennsylvania wine trails this past weekend, either Tour de Tanks (Uncork York!) or Barrels on the Brandywine (Brandywine Valley Wine Trail) or March Madness (Lehigh Valley Wine Trail), and care to add you insight on a particular winery or wine you visited, comment here or send along your thoughts to editorp@comcast.net.

XIX sets schedule for Cellar Selection, dinners

Happy Monday all. Let me do one posting off a release, then transcribe and post at least one of the interviews I did last week with a Philly burbs winemaker. If any of you read this release and know of other connections I can make that will advertise regional restaurants and any wine events, please let me know. Either add a comment or send me an e-mail at editorp@comcast.net. -- Paul


Wine lovers will feel right at home at Broad Street’s premiere sky-high dining destination, NINETEEN (XIX) at Park Hyatt at the Bellevue (200 S. Broad St., 215.790.1919). Beginning April 1, sommelier Richard Slutter will introduce weekly Cellar Selection Wednesdays and a monthly Perfect Pairings Wine Dinner, wine-centric events meant to educate and delight both novice and expert oenophiles.

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Slutter will guide guests through a themed tasting of five to six wines for $20. Cellar Selection Wednesdays will also include light fare from XIX Chef Marc Plessis and each week, one person will take away of bottle of one of the nights featured wines.

Planned Cellar Selections include:
* April 1: Pinot Noir from around the world
* April 8: Old World vs. New World
* April 15: Summer white wines
* April 22: California Zinfandel

XIX’s Perfect Pairings Wine Dinners will be a monthly event. The first will take place on Wednesday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. For $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, diners will enjoy a meal guided by Slutter, featuring such dazzling libations as Moet Chandon Rose Nectar Imperial, Argyle Pinot Noir Reserve and Santa Julia Torrontes. A special tasting menu will highlight the qualities of each wine.

Conveniently located at Broad and Walnut Streets on Philadelphia’s beautiful Avenue of the Arts, XIX has fast become one of the city’s premiere destination restaurants thanks to its seasonally-conscious New American menu and spectacular decor – not to mention the sweeping views of downtown from its premier location. Formal but never stuffy, it is an ideal place to celebrate great wine and great food. For more information on Perfect Pairings or Cellar Selections, or to make a reservation, please call 215.790.1919 or visit the Web site at www.nineteenrestaurant.com.

Four Springs packed this afternoon

Stopped out at Four Springs Winery near Glen Rock, Pa., one of the 12 wineries along the Uncork York trail that's participating in the Tour de Tanks during weekends throughout March. Get your card stamped at each stop, with the chance to sample the wines, nosh a bit, and ask anything you want about the wines and what goes into making them.

The parking lot at the boutique winery was filled when I arrived during the early afternoon. I was told around 175 visited last Saturday, the Tour's first day, and over 100 last Sunday. They already had topped 100 card-carrying members today and another three hours remained.

Make sure you try the meatballs among the foods dotting the table across the winery from the barrels. They are cooked in the Four Springs Chardonnay; I could have nibbled on those all day. Hoping they'll send me the receipe and I'll add it to this post. Sampled the Niagara and both the unfinished and finished Chards, then headed into the tasting room to sample several of the reds, including the Chambourcin, Cab Franc and a Cab Sauvignon the winemaker feels might still be another three or four years away from its full potential.

Meanwhile, both rooms were packaged and folks were milling around, just exchanging their opinions on the wine or talking about other wineries on the trail they had hit last week or earlier today. One couple had visited Hauser Estate in Orrtanna and were raving about the view. I can vouch for that, having stopped last week.

Bargain alert: Give the Celeste a whirl

Rarely will I give a recommendation for a wine that I bought at the state store. I'll leave that up to thousands of other wine experts on the Internet to offer their opinions and expertise. But I'm a sucker for the Tempranillo grape, one that has its roots in northern Spain. And it's that grape (well, OK, it's a grape officially know as Tinto Fino there) that's in a $10 red wine that you'll find at state stores around the Commonwealth, a Chairman's Selection offering called Celeste from the wine region of Ribera del Duero. For one who loves looking for basement bargains, this one fills the bill.

According to one site I read, the eye-catching label features the location of the stars over the vineyard at 7 in the evening. It's a wine that looks gorgeous and yields a barrel full of aromas and mild tannins. For the purpose of the novice, it's just a great wine that would go with any number of dishes or none at all. Definitely one worth trying out. If you are interested in the tasting notes, scroll down at this link.

'Yappy Hour' among Kreutz Creek events of note

Here's some news you can use.

Kreutz Creek Winery in West Grove noted today in its e-blast that co-owner Jim Kirkpatrick is planning a Vineyard Day for April 25. Weather permitting, he'll be planting the new vines. If you're interested in getting dirty and having a little fun while you're at it, call to schedule the day. It will be from 9 to 5 and lunch is included. They're limiting the number of people, so call early to reserve your spot. You can reach Carole Kirkpatrick at 610.869.4412 to schedule.

The e-blast continued: "We're also going to have our bottling work day on Memorial Day again this year. You won't get too dirty but it could be a little warm. If you're interested in learning more about the process this is a great way to learn. It will be May 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Carole will be cooking her famous Vineyard Burgers so you won't want to miss it. Numbers are limited so call Carole right now to reserve your spot at 610.869.4412."

They also noted that in their West Chester tasting room, 44 Gay St., they're planning to start having "Yappy Hour" in May. "Every Thursday from 6 to 8 in May bring your good mannered, house-broken pup to the shop. All bottles of wine will be $1 off and each pup will get a free dog treat! What a great way to spend a little extra time with your best friend."

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."

The Event Grapevine: March 6-8

Here's what's going on, both this weekend and beyond:

PENNSYLVANIA WINERIES

Adams County Winery, Orrtanna: Wine Appreciation class ($$), Saturday, March 21, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Allegro Vineyards, Brogue: Fridays’ Weekly Winedown ($$), 4 to 7 p.m.; Sweet & Spicy Saturdays ($$), 2 to 5 p.m.; Sip & Savor Sundays ($$), 2 to 5 p.m., all require reservations at 741.3072, all events at the Wine Gallery in Olde Tollgate Village EXCEPT for Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Black Walnut Winery, Sadsburyville: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, New Tripoli: Sunday Blues Wine Tastings, music every Sunday ($$), 2 to 5 p.m., through April, link to winery

Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery, North Wales: Nina singing live, Saturday, March 14, 5 to 8 p.m., link to winery

Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Buckingham: Spring Arts Sale, March 14-15, Bucks County Wine Trail event, link to winery

Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), starting Sunday and continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries; reserve tastings ($$) begin in March, 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. every Saturday; winemaker dinner ($$) at Caffe Gelato, Newark, Del., Sunday, March 22, 6 p.m.; Wine 101 ($$), Thursday, April 9, 6 to 8 p.m. with Eric Miller, the first of a series of classes that run through May; Pierre Noir release party, Friday, April 3; Crazy Eric sale at the winery, Saturday, April 11, starting at 8 a.m.; technical tour program, free, starting April 1, on Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., reservations accepted, link to winery

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville: Annual wine rack sale ($$), all Clover Hill locations, through Sunday; March Madness ($$), passport required, a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail event; beginner tasting class ($$), Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m.; A Taste of Spring, a Berks County Wine Trail event, April 25-26, link to winery

Country Creek Winery, Salford Township: Music, Mike Greer and Friends, Saturday, March 21, no cover charge, 6 to 9 p.m.; dinner at Brazzo Downtown ($$), Thursday, March 26; Liquid Fridge will perform, Saturday, March 28, 6 to 9 p.m., link to winery

Crossing Vineyards & Winery, Washington Crossing: Wine and food pairing ($$), Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Dummies ($$), Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m.; St. Patrick’s Day celebration ($$), Tuesday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.; Wine 101, at the Wine Institute ($$), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., topic on Friday, March 23, is An Introduction to Wine, link to winery

Cullari Vineyards & Winery, Hershey: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Four Springs Winery, Seven Valleys: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor: Free winery tour, Wednesdays at noon, link to winery

Hauser Estate Winery, Biglerville: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries; winamaker’s dinner ($$), March 27, Restaurant Sydney in East Berlin; Candlelight Friday, last Friday of every month, 5 to 8 p.m., wine tasting, music and warm food, link to winery

Kreutz Creek Vineyards, West Grove: Music at West Chester tasting room, 44 E. Gay St., Fridays and Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Manatawny Creek Winery, Douglasville: Hours have changed to Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 21, wine and food pairing, link to winery

Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, Wrightsville: Music every Friday (6 to 9 p.m.), Saturday (2 to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (2 to 5 p.m.); Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Naylor Wine Cellars, Stewartstown: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries; Forget The Taxes and red Wine Dinner, Saturday, April 18, 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, 2 to 5 p.m., link to winery

New Hope Winery, New Hope: Spring Arts Festival, Bucks County Wine Trail event, link to winery

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate, Bainbridge: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Paradocx Vineyard, Landenberg: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Penns Woods Winery, Eddystone: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown: March Madness ($$), passport required, a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail event, link to winery

Reid’s Ochards & Winery, Ortanna: New winery opening Saturday; Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to information

Rose Bank Winery, Newtown: Spring Art Fest, Friday, March 20, 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Winter Wine Concert Series, Sundays through March 29, 1 to 4 p.m., at Shady Brook Farm, link to winery

Rushland Ridge, Rushland: Reopened Thursday, link to winery

Seven Valleys Vineyard & Winery, Glen Rock: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery

Stargazers Vineyard & Winery, Coatesville: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), starting Sunday and continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Tamanend Winery, Lancaster: New winery open, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., classically styled premium wines in their bottled wine group, and premium sweeter styled wines in their Bag in Box group of wines, link to winery

Twin Brook Winery, Gap: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries, link to winery

Va La Vineyards, Avondale: Open Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.; a proud participant this year in the 2009 Avondale League of Octogenarians Spring Swimsuit Festival, link to winery

Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville: March Madness ($$), passport required, a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail event, link to winery

Waltz Vineyards, Manheim: New winery, open Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. through the end of March, and by appointment, link to winery

West Hanover Winery, Harrisburg: Tour de Tanks ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Uncork York wineries, link to winery


MARYLAND WINERIES

Basignani Winery, Sparks: Pizza and herbs ($$), April 18-19, noon to 5 p.m., link to winery

Black Ankle Winery, Mt. Airy: Open for business, winner of Maryland Governor’s Cup in 2008; winter hours start Dec. 1, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., other times by appointment; St. Paddy’s Day with the Bog Band, Sunday, March 15, noon to 5 p.m.; Crumbling Rock vs. the World ($$), Sunday, March 29, 2 to 5 p.m., link to winery
Boordy Vineyards, Hydes: Stew in Our Juices ($$), homemade stews and wine pairing, with musical entertainment, every Sunday in March, 1 to 5 p.m., winery link

Frederick Cellars, Frederick: Happy Hour, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every weekday, glasses are half-price; Music in the Cellar, Saturdays, 6:30 or 7 p.m.; winery closed Sunday for volunteer party, link to winery

Fiore Winery, Pylesville: Wine tasting dinner at Liberatore’s in Bel Air ($$), Saturday, March 14, link to winery

Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson: Red wine sensory tasting seminar ($$), Saturday, 1 p.m.; soup will be served in the tasting room on Saturdays and Sundays throughout February; Friday Flights ($$) is every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., which consist of 3 half glasses of SMV wine, each paired with an appropriate cheese, fruit or chocolate, reservations at 301.605.0130, link to winery

Woodhall Wine Cellars, Parkton: Annual barrel sale, futures sale and chocolate tasting ($$), extending every weekend through March 29, 2 to 4 p.m., call 410.357.8644 or send an e-mail to reserve your spots; Patricia Della Casual Fine Dining will be serving lunch and dinner from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. each weekend by reservation (410.357.5078), link to winery

Other MARYLAND winery events can be found at this link, VIRGINIA events at this link and New York events at this link

WINE TRAIL EVENTS

Tour de Tanks, starting Feb. 28 and continuing every weekend in March, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, cost is $15 per person, pick up tickets at any participating winery or order online here, wineries include Adams County, Allegro, Cullari, Four Springs, Fox Ridge, Hauser Estate, Moondancer, Naylor, Nissley, Reid’s Orchard, Seven Valleys and West Hanover; information on Meet the Winemaker dinners here.

Barrels on the Brandywine, starting March 1 and continuing every weekend in March, noon to 5 p.m., cost is $25 per person, pick up tickets at any participating winery or order online here, wineries include Black Walnut, Chaddsford, Kreutz Creek, Paradocx, Penns Woods, Stargazers and Twin Brook.

March Madness, Lehigh Valley Wine Trail passport event, continuing on weekends through the end of March; sold out, you can find information on the event here.

Trail of Spring, third annual Berks County Wine Trail event, April 25-26, with wine and food pairings.

$$ – Admission charge