Vynecrest Vineyards is the perfect winter winery because, as Dr. Who likes to say, it’s bigger on the inside! No, seriously, while Vynecrest certainly isn’t lacking in outside space and vineyard views, what sets it apart from other Pennsylvania wineries is that once the weather grows cold, the fun doesn’t have to stop. It was a chilly, cloudy day when we visited Vynecrest’s red rustic tasting room and found both the environment and staff to be warm and welcoming. As usual, we started with a tasting. First up was Traminette 2020, a Gewurzttraminer hybrid that was floral on the nose with a bright, slightly sweet finish. Other standouts included the Vynecrest White, a semi-sweet Cayuga blend and Autumn Gold, a wonderfully understated sweet wine. If it’s full-on sweetness you seek then look no further than Niagara and Summertime Red.
Tasting complete, we ventured downstairs to the Wine Bar which heartily serves up beer, appetizers, wine slushys, charcuterie boards and hot dogs and of course, wine by the glass or bottle. The lower section of the Wine Bar has less foot traffic and a cushy leather sofa, making it a great cubbyhole for reading. There we spent a delightful hour sipping wine, splitting a cheese board and reading our kindles. We could have easily passed the entire afternoon there but alas, it was a Wine Trail Weekend and the road was beckoning. Since Vynecrest also offers free live music every weekend in their dog-friendly outside tent, a return visit with Domino the Winery Dog will soon be forthcoming. The warmer months bring food trucks, vineyard tours and other outside entertainment and I can't wait to check those out as well. No matter what the weather, you will always have a great time at Vynecrest!
A great venue for wine tasting! Looks amazing! Very chilled.