Pennsylvania wineries are on track to indulge more than 1 million palates this year.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Pennsylvania wineries are on track to indulge more than 1 million palates this year.

That total would make 2009 a record year for visitors to the more than 100 vineyards dotting the commonwealth.

Although Pennsylvania is no Napa Valley, the state's wine industry is starting to draw more attention.

The interest is fueled by consumers curious about locally grown produce, said Jennifer Eckinger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Winery Association, a Harrisburg-based trade group for the industry.

People view wineries as fun places to visit, with concerts, festivals and other special events throughout the year, Eckinger said.

"I think people are also looking to travel closer to home, so they're looking for nearby getaways," she said.

Pennsylvanians don't have to go far to find a local winery. From their roots in the southeast and northwest, wineries have sprouted in every region of the state, said Eckinger, 34.

Midstate wineries include Cullari Vineyards and Winery and West Hanover Winery, both in Dauphin County. 

What is the best time to visit a winery? 
--"I would say any time, because most of the wineries are open throughout the year, but the peak travel season is usually summer into harvest. Harvest -- depending on what part of the state and which grape -- usually ends by the first week of October. But if you're looking to do a vineyard tour or see the grapes while they're on the vine, now is the perfect time to start planning." 

Isn't it difficult to convince people that quality wines can come from Pennsylvania? 
--"For the wineries in Pennsylvania, their strength is truly their diversity. They do offer wines that may not necessarily come to mind immediately, but consumers have the benefit of being able to talk to the winery staff and learn about the wines and find the wine that you like. Truly, it's about drinking what you enjoy." 

What is the biggest misconception people have about the state's wine industry? 
--"I often hear that people are excited to hear that we have a wine industry. I think that as the wine industry continues to grow, more and more people are learning about the industry in Pennsylvania. There's actually a winery within a 45-minute drive anywhere in the state and that amount of time has probably decreased. I think people are excited to find out that there are wines made with Pennsylvania grapes that are relatively accessible." 

Where do you see the state's wine industry in five years? 
--"I see more wineries, just because it seems like every time I request a listing from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, I see five new wineries that have been licensed. I see continued growth throughout the state, not necessarily in the traditional portions of the state. We are nearly at a million gallons of production, so I certainly would see our production increase." 

What legal or regulatory changes are necessary to further the industry's expansion?
-- "Allowing the wineries to continue to expand their commerce, to have the opportunity to sell their products. I think it would be nice to see a greater amount of Pennsylvania wines in restaurants. Especially with the push for local foods, it makes sense." 

What is the biggest obstacle? 
--"I wouldn't necessarily identify that there's an obstacle. I would just say that the wineries would have to forge the relationships, and the customers would also have to request it, too."