Pennsylvania’s wine making activity began to grow rapidly with the passage of a liberal Farm Winery Act in 1978; however, wine making in the state began many centuries earlier. In the beginning, Pennsylvania wine tours were not prevalent; however, winemaking traditions stretch back to the mid-1600s when Queen Christina of Sweden required the Governor of New Sweden, John Prinz, to import the Vinifera vine to Pennsylvania.

Attempts to cultivate wine continued, and failed, until America's first commercial vineyard was established in 1793. Even though at this point in time, Pennsylvania wine tours were not common, this period could be considered as the start of Pennsylvania wine tours.

Although the Pennsylvania Vine Company was established in 1793 along the Schuykill River at Spring Mill by Pierre Legaux, the efforts were continuously marred by failure of one form of grape or another. By the end of the 1830s, growing grapes and producing wine along the Schuykiil River was almost a failed industry.

Many feel that the beginning of Pennsylvania wine tours was not until the middle of the 19th century. The largest and most well known grape producing area in Pennsylvania, Lake Erie, was first planted in the middle of the 19th century, soon after the completion of the Erie Canal. The regions first winery was established in 1863 and was known as the South Shore Wine Cellar. Unfortunately for those who enjoy both the taste and the effects of wine, the rather conservative nature of this region considerably reduced, or indeed, stopped the development of Pennsylvania wine tours and the formation of wineries in which to tour.

However, since 1978, the growth of wineries in Pennsylvania has been nothing less than phenomenal. With Pennsylvania's moderate climate and rolling terrain, the region provides some of the best growing conditions on the east coast. There are now 90 wineries producing an incredible array of wine varieties, including some fruit wines and varietals not known in other regions of the country. Pennsylvania wine tours expose the enthusiast to passionate owners who provide a unique experience for its visitors. Truly amazing is that this state ranks in the top ten in the production of wine in the US.

Wines You May Taste

Because of the unique climate in Pennsylvania, the wine enthusiast on a Pennsylvania wine tour may taste the results of winemaking for grapes such as Niagara, Concord and Catawba (all of which are native) or varieties of French Hybrid grapes, such as Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, Vignoles, and Marechal Foch. You may also taste the Vinifera (vin-if-fur-ah) grape varieties that come primarily from Europe. These result in the well known wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Unique Wine Tours in Pennsylvania

Grapes are primarily harvested in Pennsylvania in late August through mid- October. Therefore, this is the perfect time to partake in Pennsylvania wine tours. There are festivals such as those at the Split Rock Resort in June and at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in August. But, what really make wine tours so unique in this state are the atypical locations of the wineries. Many of these wineries offer special dinners and theatres, but absolutely unique are those that offer a glass of wine to take with you as you walk on the trail through the forest to your lodging and remind you to make noise to scare away the bears on your walk home.