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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
Pennsylvania
History and Pennsylvania travel hand in hand, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise that the nation's first commercial grapevine nursery was located in the Southeastern corner of the state.
Pennsylvania keeps that wine growing tradition alive with more than 14,000 acres dedicated to grapes, effectively ranking Pennsylvania as the 4th in the nation for grape harvests and 8th in wine production.
Today more than 90 wineries produce an exciting menu of wine varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Reisling, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles.
Our tour of Pennsylvania wineries starts with a landing at the New Castle Airport [ILG] in Wilmington, Delaware, then a15 minute drive to the historic Brandywine Valley.
The first stop along the way is at Paradox Vineyard in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. This independent wine grower produces an exciting wine list of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat - all grown on 30-acres in Chester County.
A short jaunt north through the rolling hills and you'll come to the nationally acclaimed Chaddsford Winery. Premium wines offered at this small estate include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
While you are here, be sure to tour the renovated 17th-century colonial barn housing the winery or enjoy the grounds while dining al fresca with an impromptu picnic lunch.
Across the way at Folly Hills Vineyards, visitors are encouraged to sample wines in the estate's tasting room, wander through the lush vineyard or sit back and relax for a spell.
Nearby historic Kennett Square offers several delightful lodging options including the Kennett House Bed and Breakfast and the Bancroft Manor Bed and Breakfast-both of which retain their early 1900s elegance and are within walking distance of the borough's galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
Before stopping at the last three wineries on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, you might want to peruse some of the valley's world-class attractions including Longwood Gardens, Brandywine Battlefield and Brandywine River Museum.
You may also want to stop at Twin Brook Winery - a small estate winery offering complimentary tastings and tours.
The last two stops on this relaxing getaway are at Kreutz Creek Vineyards in West Grove and Va La Vineyards in Avondale, both of which offer wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
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