It started with a simple plan . . .
The Mason Dixon Wine Trail sent an invitation for exclusive tastings of newly-pressed wines, fresh from the harvest . . . we headed out on an October day with temps in the 70’s and the sun warming our backs, moving from winery to winery.
We all had different opinions on which winery had the “best wine.” The one reoccuing theme was to treat our wines like a vampire… keep it out of the sun.
Reid’s Winery
The first winery was at the top of a breezy hill with a stunning view. Reid’s opened the production area, vs. a store front, for the tasting. They had catered nibbles and a variety of locally produced food products.
The highlight were 2 particular wines, Troika (3 wine blend) and ZinsOnSkins. I have never tasted a PA red wine that is full bodied and was blissfully happy to enjoy this sampling. What I learned about enjoying the Zin was to uncork it, let it breath for at least 2 hours before enjoying. Between drinks, leaving it to rest corked and on the counter (unrefrigerated), it will last 48 hours.
The owners of Reid’s Winery have a special passion for giving back to those who have less. They have a weekend market, of sorts, selling fairly traded items.
This was a favorite winery for the majority of us. If you enjoy sweet wines they had a lovely selection, including a chocolate cherry. If you savor rich reds, this is your place.
Hauser Estate Winery
The view is stunning. There is a large outdoor seating area for music on the weekend and indoor seating is provided with an unrestricted view. Cheese and crackers are available for purchase. Hauser is very clear about not bringing any type of beverage on site. Hauser also has a selection of hard cider.
Across the street you will find the Historic Round Barn. In season, you will find local produce and fruit.
Adam’s County Winery
I have to say that when selecting the wineries to visit, the staff at Adam’s County Winery were most gracious. True to the Wine Just Off the Vine event, they let us taste freshly pressed and still fermenting wine in addition to a tour with explanations about the process. I could not muster up the courage to taste the fermenting wine because it was still bubbling… it was nice that they offered.
After the behind the scenes tour, we headed over for the wine tasting. It was a very busy area but we were catered to once we began. Adam’s County wines are award winning and some were selected as the official “150th Gettysburg” wines.
Some of the group found this to be their favorite winery for Adam’s County’s offering of sweet wines.
Dawn Wivell says
Hi Phoebe,
Still totally enjoying your posts. I’m considering adding an email list option to my blog. Would you mind telling me what you use to send new posts via email? Is it a plugin or a widget? Is there a fee? Are you happy with it?
Dawn Wivell Phone: 610-334-1596 E-mail: dawn.wivell@verizon.net website: http://www.DawnWivell.com
phoebe says
thank you Dawn! that is so kind.