Va La: Some wines out, more on the way

Reported a few days ago on the releases at Va La Vineyards in Avondale, Pa., and saw that owner and winemaker Anthony Vietri expounded on it in his latest e-letter that moved to his customers Wednesday. If you haven't visited the winery, it's well worth the trip out to mushroom country. The winery is located about 10 minutes south of Route 1, off Route 41. The tastings are accompanied by fresh cheeses and other snacks from nearly producers. And the wines are as good as they get in the region.

As for the updates, here ya go:

WINE ALERTS:
Cristallo 2007 - sold out
Chiaretto 2005 - sold out
Barbera 2005 - in low supply

NEW RELEASES:
Zafferano 2007
100% cold fermented pinot grigio and nothing else.
612 bottles produced, this equates to one bottle
for every 11 million persons on the planet .

And COMING SOON:
Patina 2006: Charbono, Carmine, Primitivo, Malvasia Nero
One barrel / 264 bottles produced.

Castana 2006: A northern style blend rumored to drastically heighten beauty, intelligence, and personal finances, featuring Barbera, Nebbiolo, & Corvina Veronese.

NY: 98 new wineries open in past 5 years

Among the items dotting the weekly e-letter of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, there's this note from director Jim Trezise:

NEW WINERIES keep popping up all over New York State, with two more recently licensed: Angelica Winery in the Hudson Valley, and Coyote Moon in the Thousand Islands region, which I expect will grow strongly during the next few years in grape acreage (Minnesota varieties), number of wineries, and reputation. They also have a champion in Senator Darrell Aubertine, who chairs the New York State Senate Agriculture Committee and is a strong advocate of agriculture. During the past five years, 98 new wineries have opened in New York State, exceeding the 20-year period of the 1980’s and 1990’s and in effect quadrupling the growth rate. What other New York industry is growing at that rate? And what other industry brings so many value-added benefits to rural New York in terms of agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, transportation, and quality of life? The $3.4 billion that our industry generated for New York State’s economy in 2004 is now probably $3.8 billion or more, and we hope to update that study next year. Meanwhile, we’ve already commissioned the New York Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to conduct an updated New York winery survey so we can compare 2008 with 2003 in certain areas. As of today, we’re at 261 licensed wine producers (not including satellite stores), with about 20 more licenses pending. I expect we’ll top 300 by the end of this year, despite the horrible economy. Wine—the ultimate value-added product.

and let me add these notes, too

THINK LOCAL…DRINK LOCAL…UNCORK NEW YORK! is the message that will play every 20 minutes for the next three months on the mammoth (26 x 20 foot) CBS “Super Screen” in the heart of Times Square Plaza. The three successive calls to action are accompanied by a three-part “pour sequence” of red wine flowing from a bottle into a glass, photographed by Randall Tagg in conjunction with our own Susan Spence, along with the web site URL (www.newyorkwines.org). The message will run 6,588 times and generate more than 1,500,000 impressions daily, or 183 million over three months.

UNCORK NEW YORK radio campaign will also run throughout the month of April in all markets except New York City (where the Times Square ad is running) and Long Island (where we’re investing in print because it make more sense than radio in that market). The overall message: Spring is here, it’s time to get out, wine country is just around the corner no matter where you live in New York, and visiting nearby wineries is a great day trip or wonderful weekend. Tourism is the lifeblood of the New York wine industry, which in turn is the major catalyst for tourism in rural New York. Last year’s visitor counts and spending mirrored gas prices—when they hit $4 a gallon it was like someone threw a switch (to “Off”)—and now that they’re back down we want consumers to take a “gas-tank holiday” that’s fun, educational, and tasteful. Budget permitting, we’ll also revive our funding of New York’s dozen wine trails, which have been so successful in boosting tourism over the years.

CONCORD GRAPE JUICE will also be advertised heavily on radio during April, an extension of our campaign to promote the many health benefits it brings to people of all ages. (Fortunately, it is legal to promote the legitimate health benefits of grape juice, while federal law prevents the same practice for wine despite the many benefits from moderate consumption documented by worldwide medical and scientific research.) Concurrently, Welch’s has launched a major new advertising campaign featuring Alton Brown which is available for viewing at www.welchs.com/altonbrown. Juice made from Concord grapes is, like red wine, rich in polyphenols which promote cardiovascular health, long-term cognitive function, and a healthy immune system, leading Welch’s to label it The Original Super Juice ™. Concord grapes are also vital for New York’s agricultural economy, representing about two-thirds of all the acreage and tonnage of New York grapes. During the past few years, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation has had sufficient funding to maintain a major Concord promotion program, including a special web site (www.healthyconcordgrapes.com). Depending on the outcome of the State budget (presumably in a couple weeks), we hope to continue it this year.

Spumante is Cherry Valley's calling card

Among the wineries that very much push their fruit and sparkling wines is Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg, Pa., not far off routes 33 or 80. A member of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, Dominic and Mary Sorrenti have been building their business for more than 12 years, and one look at the wine list reflects the kind of wines they've found successful.

Probably best known for their award-winning Spumantes, they also produce a Champagne, four berry and fruit wines, and five blush wines. That's on top of a group of seven white wines that range from Chardonnay to the semi-sweet Vignoles, and 10 reds that run the gamut from Chambourcin to Concord.

They make no bones about what they've found works for them, pushing vines out of the hilly terrain of the Poconos. If you haven't been to their Web site, here's what they've crafted for their introductory message.

"Pennsylvania's Cherry Valley is not California (nor is it France, Italy, Australia or Chile.) So, it isn't too surprising that the grapes that grow in California (or France, Italy, Australia or Chile) don't grow very well here. We have different temperature patterns, soil, rainfall, etc. Don't look for a fine Pinot, Merlot or Cabernet made from our grapes, you will be disappointed.

"There are many grapes (including a lot of fine French hybrids) that are very happy here. They just have names with which you may not be familiar. Leon Millot, Foch, DeChaunac, Seyval and others. It is worth becoming familiar with these grapes. The wine is fine!

"Pennsylvania grows some wonderful grapes. Some make a delicious, dry, full-bodied, high-tanin wine. Others make delicate, fresh, semi-dry wines. Still others produce a luscious, grapey blush. But wait, there's more.

"Pennsylvania also grows fruit. Our wine makers have developed a whole cellar of 100% fruit wines, including Apple, Peach, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Blueberry and more. Good fruit wines are both rare and difficult to make. Ours are exceptional and most are repeat medal winners.

"Then there are sparking wines. We have won more prizes for our Spumantes than we can count. They come in a rainbow of colors and fruits and are not to be missed. These too are Pennsylvania wines.

"We'd be holding out on you if we didn't mention that we make Champagne as well. That is right, Pennsylvania Champagne. Good luck buying a bottle, we frequently sell out well in advance of New Year's Eve. Why? Real Champagne is made Method Champagnoise. It ain't easy. But if you do it with art, craft and love, you get very good, dry Champagne.

"Wine from Pennsylvania? It is great! And we've won the awards to prove it."

Bottling under way at Sugarloaf Mountain

These notes come courtesy of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards in Dickerson, Md., and their latest e-blast:

SMV to Bottle New Wines in March and April.
Beginning the week of March 16, SMV will begin the first of two spring bottling sessions; the second will be in late April. Bottling is quite an event: a 28' tractor trailer truck pulls up to the front of the winery, the sides come off the truck to reveal a bottling assembly line inside, complete with stations to be manned by staff and family. After months or even years of aging in SMV's French oak barrels, this is the culmination of the wine making process. Stop by and watch... or smell the action: find out if you can guess what varietal is being bottled by the aroma which prevails the line. Wines scheduled to be bottled in March include: 2007 Chardonnay, 2008 Pinot Grigio and 2008 Stomp. Later this Spring, SMV will bottle Circe, Comus Reserve, Cabernet Franc Reserve and Cabernet Sauvignon. Call 301-605-0130 to confirm the latest details of the bottling schedules.

Three Medals for SMV at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards
In February 2009, the Grand Harvest Awards were bestowed in Santa Rosa, California. SMV was awarded two Silver medals for our 2007 Cabernet Franc and 06 Chardonnay Reserve, along with a Bronze medal for our 2007 Comus. The competition judged by a panel of three judges from wine professions who reviewed over 1600 entries from North America, Europe, South America and the Pacific Rim. This competition is unique in that it is the only one in North America “based on terrior – a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation, and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions, grapes and wine making savoir-faire, which contribute to give its specific personality to the wine”. This approach to judging allows for greater consideration for “the complexities and nuances of regional wines”. We are honored by this recognition of the quality of our wines.

SMV New Hours of Operation
With longer days and increased popularity of SMV wine and our new tasting room and patio, we have extended our hours to better serve our customers. The new hours, effective immediately, are: March through December: Wednesday through Sunday, 12 Noon until 6 PM.May through October: same as above, with Saturdays open until 8 PM.Open by appointment at other times: call 301.605.0130 to make arrangements.

SMV’s “April in Paris” event April 18 and 19
Noon until 5 p.m. each day Come taste Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard's Bordeaux style red wines as well as its Chardonnays and Pinot Grigio along with light French fare, music and ambiance. Take a tour of our state of the art winery and its 200 French oak barrels used for aging SMV wines. Further details will be posted at www.smvwinery.com in the near future.

Perfecto: Blog guy heads to Waltz's for afternoon

Shots from the outside of the tasting room, inside the tasting room, and the Waltz family (minus their three younger daughters), from left: Kim, Jan and business manager Zach.

Have just a couple of minutes tonight to post, but wanted to mention that the trip to Waltz Vineyards' tasting room should be put on your to-do list sooner rather than later.

Workman are putting the finishing touches on the back area of the tasting room, and some work remains on the exterior. But inside is as colorful and Tuscan as promised on the Web site, with gorgeous paintings by, among others, nationally known and Mount Gretna-based Fred Swarr.

Kimberly and Jan Waltz have been in the business of making wine since the late 1990s, so they open their business ahead of their brethren who have opened their doors this year or last. Waltz's grapes are known statewide for their quality; in fact, something like six of the wines recognized by the Pennsylvania Wine Society used grapes from the Waltz's vineyards.

With 16 acres planted, they are planning to put in another 4 acres this spring. Everything from the rose to the Sauvignon Blanc to the Merlot and the other in between were delicious. Currently they are open noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays through the end of March, and expect to see those hours tweaked somewhat later this spring.

Visitors are served two complimentary wines; the fee for tasting the complete line is $8. In this case, well worth it, although your might need your GPS or mapquest.com to find your way to the place. It took around 20 minutes from Middletown on Saturday to get there; the ride from there to Lancaster didn't take much longer than that.

Again, between the view and the tasting room and the wines, put this one on your list of places to stop by this summer. Don't expect to be drawn by any special events. They'll hold some private parties there, accommodating maybe 16 to 20 people. Otherwise, as Jan said yesterday, they're in the business of making wine. And they do it quite well.

Some gumbo, wine discounts along the trail

This note comes via Karen Cline, the PR extraordinaire for the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. She sent it over on Saturday morning for heading out for Barrels on the Brandywine..

Below is some content about how things are going for Barrels this year. I’m working at some of the wineries to get a feel for what goes on at Barrels (since this is my first year for this event).

We’re now three weeks into the Sixth Annual Barrels on the Brandywine. The turnout the last few weekends has been great! Historically though, wine lovers will come out in force the last half of the month and if Passport sales are any indication, that will occur again this year.

Melissa and Tim Jobe’s Gumbo Kitchen at Twin Brook Winery is still a popular feature. When I visited their winery, I saw a large number of people grab a glass of their favorite wine and hunker down to a bowl of steaming gumbo. The gumbo is authentic, meaning that Tim has several pounds of sausage shipped up from the south so he can make “proper” gumbo. Their gumbo recipe will be published in an article soon---where and when to follow.

Last weekend, I was at Black Walnut Winery in Sadsburyville. Their winery is not yet open, so they are operating out of a tent. The tent provided more of a “festival feel” and didn’t take away from the fun of wine tasting at all. They offered your choice of five wines to taste and then three barrel tastings. That sort of selection is pretty common from our wineries—taste from the bottle and then from the barrels.

I had a tour of the barn Black Walnut is renovating. I was impressed by the enormity of the task they have undertaken. Renovations have been occurring three years now—when the owners weren’t at their full-time jobs, they have been at the winery, doing the work themselves. I can’t wait to see the finished product in a couple of months. Black Walnut is hoping to open officially for Memorial Day.

Some wineries on the Trail are offering case discounts, so visitors should be sure to ask about those to make the most of their “wine dollar.”

Today, I’ll be at Stargazers Vineyard. They’re the one winery on the Trail that is powered by the sun—100% solar! They even have a wine that is labeled “100% Sun, No Oak”. Cheeses are on the menu there each weekend. I can’t wait to try some local cheese today with my wine.

The Event Grapevine, March 13-15

I try to veer away from the press release, but there are no rules on this blog that can’t be broken occasionally. Plenty in this release from Chaddsford Winery to digest about the breadth of the programs scheduled there over the next month or two. So rather than a synopsis, here ya go.

Wine lovers looking to increase their knowledge of the winemaking process will be delighted by the educational possibilities offered at Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, 610.388.6221) this spring. Proprietors Eric and Lee Miller have crafted a class schedule that includes special tasting events, wine pairing seminars and even technical tours of their winemaking and barrel-aging cellars, available throughout spring and summer 2009.

“Everyone, from beginners to more experienced tasters, can benefit from new wine experiences,” says winemaker Eric Miller. “Learning to taste wine more precisely, and exploring the mechanics of how it is made, can turn a simple beverage into a fascinating hobby – or in some cases, a lifestyle! We’re thrilled to share our knowledge with our guests.”
For casual enthusiasts, Chaddsford offers a series of tasting and wine and food pairing seminars. These special offerings take place at the winery in Pennsylvania’s scenic Brandywine River valley, except where noted, and include:

* Thursday, April 9: “Wine 101 with Winemaker Eric Miller,” a popular ‘introduction’ class for beginners who want to learn a little bit more about how to use, serve, talk about and enjoy wines. $35 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Thursday, April 16: “Decadent Chocolates and Dessert Wines with Wine Educator Mark Cochard, CWE, DWS,” a voyage through the world’s most famous dessert wines, including port and Muscat, paired with gourmet chocolates from West Chester’s own Èclat Chocolate. $50 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Sunday, April 19: “The Art of Blind Tasting,” an interactive tasting with Laurie Forster, a professional sommelier and wine educator that will train attendees in the basics of ‘blind’ wine tasting. Forster will also sign copies of her acclaimed wine book The Sipping Point. $45 per person; 2 – 4 p.m.
* Thursday, April 23: “The Terroir Factor with Wine Educator Frank Patterson,” an exploration of the effects of ‘terroir,’ or geography and soil composition, on some of the world’s most famous wines. $45 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Thursday, April 30: “BBQ and Burger Wines with Wine Educator Michael Theiss,” a hands-on tasting of ‘manly’ wines perfect for serving with backyard barbecue and savory grilled burgers. $50 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Thursday, May 7: “Economic Stimulus Wines with Wine Educator Anthony Ianni,” a chic and thrifty seminar on some of the superb deals available to drinkers on a budget. $40 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Thursday, May 14: “All-American Artisanal Cheese and Wine Tasting with Wine Educator Mark Cochard,” a delicious tour of America’s finest hand-crafted cheeses and small-batch wines. $50 per person; 7 – 9 p.m.
* Saturday, May 16: “Tour the Miller Estate Vineyard with Winemaker and Proprietor Eric Miller,” a once-annual visit to the stunning vineyards where Chaddsford produces the grapes for their prestigious Portfolio Collection, including a tasting of wines grown on the estate. $35 per person; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; at the Miller Estate Vineyard.
* Sunday, May 17: “Sommelier’s Secrets of Wine and Food Pairing,” an interactive tasting with sommelier and wine author Marnie Old, ideal for beginners and experienced tasters alike. After the seminar, Old will sign copies of her pairing book, He Said Beer, She Said Wine. $50 per person; 2 – 4 p.m.

All Chaddsford Wine Education classes require advance reservations at 610.388.6221.
For a more casual experience, Chaddsford’s Saturday Reserve Tastings, which run from every Saturday, April 4 until Saturday, Nov. 28, allow participants to drop into the winery and sit down with an experienced wine educator in an intimate session designed to give tasters already familiar with most Chaddsford wines a deeper understanding of the winery’s limited production Portfolio Collection lots and older library selections. Reserve Tastings last approximately one hour, and are held at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended (610.388.6221) but not required. Reserve Tastings are $15 per person, and are also available for private groups.

Finally, those seeking to better understand the inner workings of a successful winery will be delighted by Chaddsford’s new Technical Tours with the Winemaking Team, a one-of-a-kind opportunity for guests to pick the brains of the winery’s production team, including winemaker Eric Miller and his cellarmaster and enologist. Participants will get the chance to see the cellars, explore the production deck, taste directly from a barrel, and learn about wine from the cellar up. Technical Tours last about one hour, and take place Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is no charge. Reservations are recommended but not required; call (610. 388.6221).

Chaddsford Winery is Pennsylvania’s premiere winery. In 2008, Wine Enthusiast named Chaddsford Winery one of “America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms”; to be considered for this honor, “wine quality was paramount,” but “decor, staff savvy, amenities and more ephemeral characteristics, such as overall quirkiness or warmth” were considered as well. The 2005 Chaddsford Miller Estate Vineyard Chardonnay was featured in Food & Wine magazine (April 2008) as one of the “67 Best American Wines ($15 and Under).”

Chaddsford wines are available directly from the winery in Chadds Ford or at Chaddsford’s Bucks County Tasting Room in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska. Wines may also be ordered on-line at www.chaddsford.com; please visit their website or contact Chaddsford Winery at (610.388.6221 for more information on wines, events, upcoming festivals and tastings.

As for what’s going on elsewhere, both this weekend and beyond, take a look:

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; home wine-making class ($$), Sunday, May 10, 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; music of Ravensun ($$), Saturday, April 11, 2 to 5 p.m., link to winery

Black Walnut Winery, Sadsburyville: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), starting Sunday and 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, 5 to 8 p.m., link to winery

Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Buckingham: Spring Arts Sale, Saturday and Sunday, Bucks County Wine Trail event, link to winery

Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford: Barrels on the Brandywine ($$), continuing every weekend in March at all Brandywine Valley Wine Trail wineries; reserve tastings ($$) begin in April, 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 Friday 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: 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 ($$), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Dummies ($$), Sunday, 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 ($$), continuing every weekend through March at all Uncork York wineries; winemaker’s dinner ($$), 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; Taste of Spring, Berks County Wine Trail event, April 25-26, 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; Taste of Spring, Berks County Wine Trail event, April 25-26, link to winery

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

Rose Bank Winery, Newtown: Winter Wine Concert Series, Sundays through March 29, 1 to 4 p.m., at Shady Brook Farm, link to winery

Rushland Ridge, Rushland: Reopened, 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; Championship Philies Saturday, April 4, 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 ($$), April 18-19, noon to 5 p.m., link to winery
Black Ankle Winery, Mt. Airy: Open for business, winner of Maryland Governor’s Cup in 2008; winter hours start Dec. 1, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., other times by appointment; St. Paddy’s Day with the Bog Band, Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Crumbling Rock vs. the World ($$), 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., link to winery

Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson: 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; St. Paddy’s Day celebration, all weekend, 1 to 6 p.m., 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