Wine Trails in PA
As a part of a recent eastern state swing, we found ample clusters of wineries and wine trails all along the southern and jap boundary of Lake Erie, from Ohio to New York. Alongside the way, a small space of Pennsylvania awaits, offering the wine traveler an opportunity to go to a few of the Keystone State's most prominent wineries. This area is part of the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail, considered one of eleven wine trails encompassing Pennsylvania wineries.
Like most states in this basic geographic space, Pennsylvania has a protracted historical past of grape growing and wine making. At present, the state ranks fourth nationally in grape rising and eighth for total wine production. As you would possibly expect, there are plenty of Pennsylvania wineries to discover, with the state's diverse topography offering many distinct varieties of grapes and wines.
Erie: Pennsylvania's Great Lake Port Metropolis
Contemporary off a highly fulfilling keep in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, we hopped on I-90 for the brief 90 mile drive over the border to Erie, Pennsylvania's only Great Lake port city.
We would last been to Erie in the late 1980's, and the change is dramatic and readily evident. The harborfront, at one time house to railyards and heavy business, is now a welcoming vacation spot, blending properly with the diverse and eclectic downtown area.
Erie has become a vacation spot for several reasons. This small city, inhabitants just over one hundred,000, is positioned on the intersection of main interstates. Almost directly between Buffalo and Cleveland, Erie presents the amenities of a giant metropolis with the ease of navigation of a smaller town.
And of course, there's the harbor and the tempering effects of Lake Erie, a Great Lake that has sprung again to life in recent decades. The very scenic Presque Isle State Park juts out from downtown Erie into the lake, defending the harbor and serving as a naturalist's paradise. With many gadgets on our sightseeing agenda, we settled into the aptly named Erie Lighthouse Inn for a 3 evening stay.
Arriving at lunch time, the waterfront beckoned. We opted for lunch at the Sloppy Duck Saloon, on Bayfront Parkway with the right view of Erie Bay and Presque Isle. Two plates of steamed mussels, the sauteed calamari, and a lake perch sandwich put us in the precise way of thinking to explore nearby Presque Isle State Park.
Presque Isle State Park, a French time period meaning "nearly" an island, extends almost 7 miles into Lake Erie. We opted for a 90 minute boat cruise, allowing us to embody the park and revel in Lake Erie and Erie Bay from the water. In case you're a swimmer or sunbather, you have got 13 beaches to select from and an advice from Conde Nast Traveler journal for good measure. Mountain climbing, canoeing, picnicking, and chicken watching are other readily available options. Designated a Nationwide Natural Landmark, Presque Isle welcomes more than 4 million guests a year. High it off with a go to to the highest of the waterfront Bicentennial Tower, affording 360 degree views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and downtown Erie. Do make some extent to visit here!
Approaching late afternoon, it was time to get reaquainted with town of Erie. First cease = Erie Brewing Company, an area microbrewer providing tastings Fridays and Saturdays 3-6 p.m. You could find their beers in a number of states surrounding Pennsylvania. We suggest their flagship brew, Railbender Ale, along with the summery Sunshine Wit and the hoppy and citrusy Misery Bay Pale Ale.
Downtown Erie
What a nice surprise to rediscover downtown Erie! Not only has the harborfront space been revitalized, but the adjoining downtown district now provides all types of shops, eating places, and performance venues. Downtown Erie in all fairness compact and very walkable, and parking is a breeze. Roughly 14 blocks in length and 4 blocks wide, downtown Erie hosts frequent block parties and is the center of area leisure options.
Erie's State Avenue is the main downtown thoroughfare, bisecting the downtown from the bayfront south. A lot of the outlets, taverns, eating places, and coffee homes are on or close to State Street. Stroll the world as we did, and pop in wherever strikes your fancy.
Our first night's dinner was at the extremely pleasurable Plymouth Tavern, a downtown mainstay for 35 years. Conveniently situated at 11th and State, this friendly local place serves up some of the best rooster wings we've tasted. Their impressive beer record will have you pondering what to try next, but don't overlook the food menu. There are food and drinks specials every night time, and many to choose from. When in doubt, opt for any of the deli sandwiches or our favorite, the Chicken Philly, stuffed with grilled hen, sauteed onions, and melted provolone.
After a few more stops all through the night, it was time to get refreshed for our next day's agenda, full of Erie space points of interest and vineyard visits.
The subsequent morning after breakfast, we opted for just a few hours at the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This mix of zoo and gardens is a great idea, and something more cities should consider. Wander round this 15 acre park and think about over four hundred animals and 1000's of plants. In case you're fortunate, your visit will coincide with one of the zoo's many academic applications designed to let guests rise up shut and private with the animals. Test their website for extra details.
Wineries of the Chautauqua Wine Path: Day One
From the zoo, it's a quick 15 mile drive east to the gorgeous Victorian themed town of North East, house to 5 wineries on the Pennsylvania portion of the trail.
As you enter North East, you will notice and even catch the fragrance of thousands upon 1000's of grape vines. Agriculture and grape growing are a source of group satisfaction here. In reality, Welch's Grape Company has a manufacturing plant in North East, and numerous festivals have a good time the grape and different crops. The rolling terrain and proximity to Lake Erie make this a really perfect grape growing climate.
In our sights for the afternoon had been two of Pennsylvania's oldest wineries, Penn Shore Vineyards and Presque Isle Wine Cellars.
Penn Shore Vineyards, open since 1970, is among the first wineries established in Pennsylvania. It is a large, inviting place that gives excursions to a few hundred people daily. The tour takes you thru the wine cellars, bottling operation, and eventually the tasting room.
Penn Shore affords all sorts of approachable wines, and a few surprises as well. There's a full line of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. We enjoyed the Bianca, a semi dry white, and the richly flavored Burgundy. We also purchased a bottle of Penn Shore Champagne, and need we might bought more. Dry however not too dry, and completely carbonated, we thought it was far better than many imported champagnes.
Presque Isle Wine Cellars is one other Pennsylvania veteran, having opened their doorways in 1968. Wine making is just part of the business here, as Presque Isle is also well known as a wine supply and grape juice operation.
If you visit, strive the Falling Waters Sparkling Wine for an actual style of this area's grapes. It's a glowing white, with a pleasing fruity finish. To not be outdone is the Freeport Crimson, which virtually explodes with wealthy berry taste and aroma. Finally, we advocate the Reflections of Lake Erie White, a blend of Riesling, Vidal, and Cayuga.
Approaching mid-late afternoon, it was back to Erie for a sweet deal with and a go to to a different Erie unique, Romolo Chocolates. This local chocolate manufacturer and retail facility is renowned for his or her excellent chocolates. Spend a while here and purchase a field or two ... chocolate and wine are great companions!
An Night In Erie
For dinner, it was again downtown for a cease at the BrewErie at Union Station, positioned on 14th Street one block west of State. Housed in an historic train station, the BrewErie is an ideal place to take pleasure in native beer and approachable recent cuisine. Entrees are served with an aspect salad and spent grain muffins from the brewing operation. Try the Union Station Platter, a mixture of corned beef, beer brats, and ale marinated steak. Yum after which some!
With daylight nonetheless with us and a great meal to work off, a stroll was in order. State Avenue matches the invoice! You'll be able to meander up and down the blocks, poking your head into any number of shops, bars, or coffee houses. Sherlocks Park Place at fifth and State affords stay music, or opt for stay theatre on the Erie Playhouse on tenth Street. For shopping, there's Accents By The Bay on 5th Avenue, and Erie's family owned treasure, Kraus Department Store on Parade Street, in enterprise since 1886.
Wineries: Day Two
Morning brought another gorgeous day, very best for wine touring. Three had been in retailer for the day, but first we spent a number of hours on the Tom Ridge Environmental Heart at the gateway to Presque Isle.
This "green" environmental heart, free to the public, is designed to coach guests about Presque Isle and other vital environmental issues. The TREC is an interactive expertise, with an orientation film introducing guests to the natural wonder that is Presque Isle.
Plan for just a few hours at the TREC. There's an awesome nature store and gallery, cafe, educational exhibits, and far more. We truly came to appreciate the efforts of varied environmental companies housed here, and studying more about stunning Presque Isle.
After a quick bite at TREC's Sunset Cafe, it was off to North East to visit the remaining three wineries on the Pennsylvania portion of the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail.
First stop was Heritage Wine Cellars, with a history as long as the rows of grape vines proliferating this area. This household farm and vineyard is run by 6th era Bostwick relations, whose ancestors bought their 100 acre fruit farm in 1805.
Open as a vineyard since 1976, the winery is essentially Concord grapes, most of which are used for juice. Some are utilized in wine as effectively, so do plan a cease here to taste some of the freshest clean wines on this wine trail.
We felt the reds starred here. In particular, we preferred Solebury Red, an unique semi dry pink with a light berry fruity finish. Just as gratifying was the Blush, an easy drinker perfect for picnics or happy hour. In the event you're in Erie and can't get to the vineyard, you should purchase Heritage wines at the Millcreek Mall, the largest shopping mall in the area.
Next up was Arrowhead Wine Cellars. Owners Nick and Kathy Mobilia harvest a lot of the wine making grapes themselves, directly from their 250 acre North East farm. This is actually a vacation spot, with a large present store with all types of attention-grabbing gadgets, and a fruit stand subsequent door. A rich Chardonnay, crisp Pinot Grigio, and a recent and sweet Concord were among several we tasted. Be sure you stop on the fruit stand - it is splendid for a mid afternoon snack.
Final but certainly not least on this journey was Mazza Vineyards. Since 1973, the Mazza household has proudly produced among the greatest Germanic model wines anywhere. Upon arrival, you will be greeted inside the attractive Mediterranean type fundamental constructing, where you may go for a tour or proceed to the tasting area or present shop.
This evolving winery produces not solely a full range of reds, whites, and fruit wines, but specialty sherrys and ports as well. We opted for the Riesling, upon a recommendation from a BrewErie waitress. And it is unbelievable, with fruity overtones and pleasantly crisp finish. The Port, aged in bourbon barrels, has delicious fruit flavors (we sensed plum and dark cherry). We also took house a couple of bottles of Nation White, a pleasing and mildly candy white blend.
Remaining Touches
After leaving Mazza Vineyards, we adopted another tip to go to The Kelly Lodge for glad hour and to relaxation our feet. As soon as a lodge in years previous, The Kelly Hotel is an outdated roadhouse construction with a heat welcoming restaurant inside. It's truly just over the border in New York, with an enthralling old bar and lots of pleasant people. We wished we might arrived at meal time, as the menu appeared marvelous, however alas it was just a comfortable hour snack of rooster wings and a cold beer on draft. This is an "in the know" place to cease, with hardwood flooring throughout and a fantastic previous tavern feel.
Lastly, we headed again to Erie, anxious to create one more memory on the bayfront. There is not any better place to take action than Smugglers Wharf. Simply put, this is a nice restaurant with a great view. There's a lively, casual crowd and the meals is pretty much as good because the bayfront and Lake Erie view. We opted for lake perch and steamed mussels, both completely ready and served with a smile.
And we suppose that is a perfect way to shut this travelogue. All over the place we went in Erie, we had been greeted with a smile. Take the time to go to this friendly metropolis and revel in all the area has to offer. Whether or not you are there for wine travel or not, we're certain you may enjoy your stay.
Like most states in this basic geographic space, Pennsylvania has a protracted historical past of grape growing and wine making. At present, the state ranks fourth nationally in grape rising and eighth for total wine production. As you would possibly expect, there are plenty of Pennsylvania wineries to discover, with the state's diverse topography offering many distinct varieties of grapes and wines.
Erie: Pennsylvania's Great Lake Port Metropolis
Contemporary off a highly fulfilling keep in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, we hopped on I-90 for the brief 90 mile drive over the border to Erie, Pennsylvania's only Great Lake port city.
We would last been to Erie in the late 1980's, and the change is dramatic and readily evident. The harborfront, at one time house to railyards and heavy business, is now a welcoming vacation spot, blending properly with the diverse and eclectic downtown area.
Erie has become a vacation spot for several reasons. This small city, inhabitants just over one hundred,000, is positioned on the intersection of main interstates. Almost directly between Buffalo and Cleveland, Erie presents the amenities of a giant metropolis with the ease of navigation of a smaller town.
And of course, there's the harbor and the tempering effects of Lake Erie, a Great Lake that has sprung again to life in recent decades. The very scenic Presque Isle State Park juts out from downtown Erie into the lake, defending the harbor and serving as a naturalist's paradise. With many gadgets on our sightseeing agenda, we settled into the aptly named Erie Lighthouse Inn for a 3 evening stay.
Arriving at lunch time, the waterfront beckoned. We opted for lunch at the Sloppy Duck Saloon, on Bayfront Parkway with the right view of Erie Bay and Presque Isle. Two plates of steamed mussels, the sauteed calamari, and a lake perch sandwich put us in the precise way of thinking to explore nearby Presque Isle State Park.
Presque Isle State Park, a French time period meaning "nearly" an island, extends almost 7 miles into Lake Erie. We opted for a 90 minute boat cruise, allowing us to embody the park and revel in Lake Erie and Erie Bay from the water. In case you're a swimmer or sunbather, you have got 13 beaches to select from and an advice from Conde Nast Traveler journal for good measure. Mountain climbing, canoeing, picnicking, and chicken watching are other readily available options. Designated a Nationwide Natural Landmark, Presque Isle welcomes more than 4 million guests a year. High it off with a go to to the highest of the waterfront Bicentennial Tower, affording 360 degree views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and downtown Erie. Do make some extent to visit here!
Approaching late afternoon, it was time to get reaquainted with town of Erie. First cease = Erie Brewing Company, an area microbrewer providing tastings Fridays and Saturdays 3-6 p.m. You could find their beers in a number of states surrounding Pennsylvania. We suggest their flagship brew, Railbender Ale, along with the summery Sunshine Wit and the hoppy and citrusy Misery Bay Pale Ale.
Downtown Erie
What a nice surprise to rediscover downtown Erie! Not only has the harborfront space been revitalized, but the adjoining downtown district now provides all types of shops, eating places, and performance venues. Downtown Erie in all fairness compact and very walkable, and parking is a breeze. Roughly 14 blocks in length and 4 blocks wide, downtown Erie hosts frequent block parties and is the center of area leisure options.
Erie's State Avenue is the main downtown thoroughfare, bisecting the downtown from the bayfront south. A lot of the outlets, taverns, eating places, and coffee homes are on or close to State Street. Stroll the world as we did, and pop in wherever strikes your fancy.
Our first night's dinner was at the extremely pleasurable Plymouth Tavern, a downtown mainstay for 35 years. Conveniently situated at 11th and State, this friendly local place serves up some of the best rooster wings we've tasted. Their impressive beer record will have you pondering what to try next, but don't overlook the food menu. There are food and drinks specials every night time, and many to choose from. When in doubt, opt for any of the deli sandwiches or our favorite, the Chicken Philly, stuffed with grilled hen, sauteed onions, and melted provolone.
After a few more stops all through the night, it was time to get refreshed for our next day's agenda, full of Erie space points of interest and vineyard visits.
The subsequent morning after breakfast, we opted for just a few hours at the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This mix of zoo and gardens is a great idea, and something more cities should consider. Wander round this 15 acre park and think about over four hundred animals and 1000's of plants. In case you're fortunate, your visit will coincide with one of the zoo's many academic applications designed to let guests rise up shut and private with the animals. Test their website for extra details.
Wineries of the Chautauqua Wine Path: Day One
From the zoo, it's a quick 15 mile drive east to the gorgeous Victorian themed town of North East, house to 5 wineries on the Pennsylvania portion of the trail.
As you enter North East, you will notice and even catch the fragrance of thousands upon 1000's of grape vines. Agriculture and grape growing are a source of group satisfaction here. In reality, Welch's Grape Company has a manufacturing plant in North East, and numerous festivals have a good time the grape and different crops. The rolling terrain and proximity to Lake Erie make this a really perfect grape growing climate.
In our sights for the afternoon had been two of Pennsylvania's oldest wineries, Penn Shore Vineyards and Presque Isle Wine Cellars.
Penn Shore Vineyards, open since 1970, is among the first wineries established in Pennsylvania. It is a large, inviting place that gives excursions to a few hundred people daily. The tour takes you thru the wine cellars, bottling operation, and eventually the tasting room.
Penn Shore affords all sorts of approachable wines, and a few surprises as well. There's a full line of reds, whites, and sparkling wines. We enjoyed the Bianca, a semi dry white, and the richly flavored Burgundy. We also purchased a bottle of Penn Shore Champagne, and need we might bought more. Dry however not too dry, and completely carbonated, we thought it was far better than many imported champagnes.
Presque Isle Wine Cellars is one other Pennsylvania veteran, having opened their doorways in 1968. Wine making is just part of the business here, as Presque Isle is also well known as a wine supply and grape juice operation.
If you visit, strive the Falling Waters Sparkling Wine for an actual style of this area's grapes. It's a glowing white, with a pleasing fruity finish. To not be outdone is the Freeport Crimson, which virtually explodes with wealthy berry taste and aroma. Finally, we advocate the Reflections of Lake Erie White, a blend of Riesling, Vidal, and Cayuga.
Approaching mid-late afternoon, it was back to Erie for a sweet deal with and a go to to a different Erie unique, Romolo Chocolates. This local chocolate manufacturer and retail facility is renowned for his or her excellent chocolates. Spend a while here and purchase a field or two ... chocolate and wine are great companions!
An Night In Erie
For dinner, it was again downtown for a cease at the BrewErie at Union Station, positioned on 14th Street one block west of State. Housed in an historic train station, the BrewErie is an ideal place to take pleasure in native beer and approachable recent cuisine. Entrees are served with an aspect salad and spent grain muffins from the brewing operation. Try the Union Station Platter, a mixture of corned beef, beer brats, and ale marinated steak. Yum after which some!
With daylight nonetheless with us and a great meal to work off, a stroll was in order. State Avenue matches the invoice! You'll be able to meander up and down the blocks, poking your head into any number of shops, bars, or coffee houses. Sherlocks Park Place at fifth and State affords stay music, or opt for stay theatre on the Erie Playhouse on tenth Street. For shopping, there's Accents By The Bay on 5th Avenue, and Erie's family owned treasure, Kraus Department Store on Parade Street, in enterprise since 1886.
Wineries: Day Two
Morning brought another gorgeous day, very best for wine touring. Three had been in retailer for the day, but first we spent a number of hours on the Tom Ridge Environmental Heart at the gateway to Presque Isle.
This "green" environmental heart, free to the public, is designed to coach guests about Presque Isle and other vital environmental issues. The TREC is an interactive expertise, with an orientation film introducing guests to the natural wonder that is Presque Isle.
Plan for just a few hours at the TREC. There's an awesome nature store and gallery, cafe, educational exhibits, and far more. We truly came to appreciate the efforts of varied environmental companies housed here, and studying more about stunning Presque Isle.
After a quick bite at TREC's Sunset Cafe, it was off to North East to visit the remaining three wineries on the Pennsylvania portion of the Chautauqua Lake Erie Wine Trail.
First stop was Heritage Wine Cellars, with a history as long as the rows of grape vines proliferating this area. This household farm and vineyard is run by 6th era Bostwick relations, whose ancestors bought their 100 acre fruit farm in 1805.
Open as a vineyard since 1976, the winery is essentially Concord grapes, most of which are used for juice. Some are utilized in wine as effectively, so do plan a cease here to taste some of the freshest clean wines on this wine trail.
We felt the reds starred here. In particular, we preferred Solebury Red, an unique semi dry pink with a light berry fruity finish. Just as gratifying was the Blush, an easy drinker perfect for picnics or happy hour. In the event you're in Erie and can't get to the vineyard, you should purchase Heritage wines at the Millcreek Mall, the largest shopping mall in the area.
Next up was Arrowhead Wine Cellars. Owners Nick and Kathy Mobilia harvest a lot of the wine making grapes themselves, directly from their 250 acre North East farm. This is actually a vacation spot, with a large present store with all types of attention-grabbing gadgets, and a fruit stand subsequent door. A rich Chardonnay, crisp Pinot Grigio, and a recent and sweet Concord were among several we tasted. Be sure you stop on the fruit stand - it is splendid for a mid afternoon snack.
Final but certainly not least on this journey was Mazza Vineyards. Since 1973, the Mazza household has proudly produced among the greatest Germanic model wines anywhere. Upon arrival, you will be greeted inside the attractive Mediterranean type fundamental constructing, where you may go for a tour or proceed to the tasting area or present shop.
This evolving winery produces not solely a full range of reds, whites, and fruit wines, but specialty sherrys and ports as well. We opted for the Riesling, upon a recommendation from a BrewErie waitress. And it is unbelievable, with fruity overtones and pleasantly crisp finish. The Port, aged in bourbon barrels, has delicious fruit flavors (we sensed plum and dark cherry). We also took house a couple of bottles of Nation White, a pleasing and mildly candy white blend.
Remaining Touches
After leaving Mazza Vineyards, we adopted another tip to go to The Kelly Lodge for glad hour and to relaxation our feet. As soon as a lodge in years previous, The Kelly Hotel is an outdated roadhouse construction with a heat welcoming restaurant inside. It's truly just over the border in New York, with an enthralling old bar and lots of pleasant people. We wished we might arrived at meal time, as the menu appeared marvelous, however alas it was just a comfortable hour snack of rooster wings and a cold beer on draft. This is an "in the know" place to cease, with hardwood flooring throughout and a fantastic previous tavern feel.
Lastly, we headed again to Erie, anxious to create one more memory on the bayfront. There is not any better place to take action than Smugglers Wharf. Simply put, this is a nice restaurant with a great view. There's a lively, casual crowd and the meals is pretty much as good because the bayfront and Lake Erie view. We opted for lake perch and steamed mussels, both completely ready and served with a smile.
And we suppose that is a perfect way to shut this travelogue. All over the place we went in Erie, we had been greeted with a smile. Take the time to go to this friendly metropolis and revel in all the area has to offer. Whether or not you are there for wine travel or not, we're certain you may enjoy your stay.
