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The Main Line region is home to an active wine-producing scene where charming wineries and tasty vino thrive.
While the Main Line is famous for lots of reasons, it’s the area’s flowing wine trails that distinguish it as an adored wine region. Locally, winemakers create vintages that are consistently a cut above the rest. These Main Line area wineries strike the perfect balance between modern methods and age-old traditions, whether they’re keeping production as close to the estate as possible, putting an emphasis on sustainable practices or switching it up with cider.Â
The outcomes (a.k.a. the wines) suggest that their dedication is a surefire recipe for success. Fortunately, these hotspots are all within easy reach for residents of the Main Line area.
Whether you’re an experienced sommelier, sophisticated oenophile or enthusiastic and curious novice, you’ll find something to love at each and every one of these wineries in the Philadelphia suburbs. Each one has its own atmosphere in addition to unique and delectable wines (some provide just a few vintages, while others offer as many as 50). Some offer lunch and dinner, while others have live music, dancing and even wagon rides, in addition to tastings, pairings and tours. Visit one or several over the course of a weekend as a fun outing with friends or a date with your special someone. Just make sure you have a designated driver!
Karamoor Estate Vineyard & Winery
Blue Bell
The atmosphere: Karamoor has contributed to the national recognition of Pennsylvanian wines. The Blue Bell winery has established itself as a regional gem by paying close attention to detail and putting forth a lot of effort. The unique selling point of Karamoor Estate is that it only uses 30 acres of 100% estate-grown chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, viognier, merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot grapes to make its world-class wines.
Perks: This location is gorgeous and tucked away in Blue Bell. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, the wine is unquestionably outstanding, and the tasting experience is to-notch. Plus, the yard/outside tasting area is exquisite and tranquil, making it ideal for enjoying wine with friends.
Try this: The cabernet franc rosé from the 2022 vintage collection is a lovely wine that conveys the feel of a hot summer day. You’ll taste subtle aromas of Jolly Ranchers, watermelon, and Red Delicious apples as you take a sip.Â
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1723 Vineyards
LandenbergÂ
The atmosphere: The first vines were planted by 1723 Vineyards in 2015, and they have since expanded. The business’s proprietors, Sarah and Ben Cody, are both fifth-generation farmers from the Midwest who love fine wine and hard work.
Perks: 1723 is committed to making exceptional wines in styles like cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit verdot that grow well in the mid-Atlantic region.
Try this: The newest addition to the estate portfolio is a white wine favorite from the 1723 Vineyards line: the Albariño. Albariño is utterly lovely, with stunning glass tones that are greenish-gray. This wine has rich notes of grapefruit and lemon oil followed by a lively palate opening, balanced by wet stone and brioche.
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Va La Vineyards
Avondale
The atmosphere: On a small farm in Avondale, Va La Vineyards makes four wines that are exclusive to this location.
Perks: The wines can be purchased by the bottle, by the glass or, if there are enough supplies, in a small sampling flight.
Try this: La Prima Donna, a one-of-a-kind field blend, is as nuanced and textured as any “orange wine” you’ve ever tasted, and it’s all cultivated on a single hillside just outside of Philadelphia. To really savor it, give it at least an hour in your glass or, better yet, two hours in a decanter.
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Penns Woods WineryÂ
Chadds Ford
The atmosphere: Penns Woods Winery is a family-owned winery in Pennsylvania. Gino Razzi, a winemaker with more than 40 years of experience, and his daughter Carley Razzi create acclaimed wines from grapes cultivated in Pennsylvania. Restaurants all across Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs serve Penns Woods wines. You can choose from a small variety of the wines at your local Wegman’s across Pennsylvania or pick up the entire collection at the Penns Woods tasting room if you stop by.
Perks: The Chadds Ford tasting room offers a whole vineyard experience and hosts live music, wine and food pairings, and other fascinating activities at select times which can be found on their website.Â
Try this: Enjoy the 2022 sauvignon blanc with citrus, lemongrass and yellow flowers on the upbeat nose. This vino is supple in texture with crisp acidity.Â
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A’Dello Vineyard and Winery
PerkiomenvilleÂ
The atmosphere: The history of A’Dello Vineyard and Winery can be traced back to an ancient, secret family recipe that was created in Italy and passed down through many generations of winemakers. A new generation has now introduced this expertly produced art to Pennsylvania’s picturesque hills.Â
Perks:Â Visit the tasting room for live music on Saturdays and Sundays.
Try this: The pinot grigio is a clear, dry white wine produced in the traditional Italian manner. When delicate fruit tastes are fermented in stainless steel, they are intensified and allow fresh notes to stand out on the palate without leaving a lingering aftertaste.
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Wayvine Vineyard & Winery
Nottingham
The atmosphere: In 2008, 3,000 vines were planted on the family farm to start the grape plot that would eventually become Wayvine Winery & Vineyard. The 11 distinct varietals of grapes grown on-site in the small rural community of Nottingham are now supported by 12,000 vines.
Perks: The tasting room and a few local restaurants sell all of the estate wines.
Try this: Try the Italian Barbera, which is renowned for its strong acidity and light body. It is a versatile wine that goes well with fatty or rich meals like cheese, mushrooms, pizza and anything else that needs a bit extra acidity to cut through it.
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Vintner’s Table
PhoenixvilleÂ
The atmosphere: Vintner’s Table, a second location of the renowned Folino Estate in Kutztown, provides an authentic Italian experience amid the commotion of Bridge Street. Sit and stay a while in the chic and stylish Italian-style café.Â
Perks: Take advantage of one of the beloved wine flights, a glass, or a bottle to share with your table.Â
Try this: The Lorenzo Forte, a two-time Gold and Silver Medal winner, is a French-oaked Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. It is a dark red wine with flavors of dark cherry and raspberry that are followed by a smoky, peppery aftertaste.Â
Cardinal Hollow Winery
Lansdale
The atmosphere: In 1995, owner and winemaker Christopher Boyd began producing wine in the cellar of his home. In a decade, that swiftly increased to more than 3,000 gallons, and the winery was formally established in 2006. Between Blue Bell and Lansdale, Pennsylvania’s small community of West Point is home to the main winery.
Perks: Boyd enjoys creating distinctive wines from fruit produced by nearby farmers, including agave (tequila) wine, peach wine, blueberry wine, mango wine, black forest wine and hazelnut port, among others.
Try this: You have to try the jalapeno wine, made entirely from peppers, no grapes. It won a silver medal in Pennsylvania and California. It pairs well with brie cheese on a cracker and can also be used in cooking (the website has more than 20 recipes). And yes, it is hot!
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Stargazer’s Vineyard
Coatesville
The atmosphere: Just north of Unionville in southern Chester County, this vineyard has a south-facing slope that provides views of the Brandywine Creek. The “Stargazers Stone,” which is next to the winery and marks the observatory Mason and Dixon used to study the line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, is where the vineyard derives its name.
Perks: Stargazer’s Vineyard produces wines with elegance, complexity and depth of flavor as well as an intensely mineral-forward character due to the schisty Chester County soil.
Try this: The 2020 Riesling has a strong floral scent and is fruity and just a little bit sweet. There’s a floral aroma that enhances the sweet nuance. It is the ideal match for Sunday brunch and charcuterie.
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Chaddsford Winery
Chadds Ford
The atmosphere: One of Pennsylvania’s first vineyards, Chaddsford Winery is situated in the Brandywine Valley, in the stunning southeastern region of the state. With an annual production of about 30,000 cases, Chaddsford Winery continues to be one of the biggest by volume in Pennsylvania’s wine business. It was founded in 1982 and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the state.
Perks: Chaddsford shows its artisanship through a varied portfolio of dry whites, reds and sweet wines with a focus on producing approachable, food-friendly wines that reflect its distinctive “Mid-Atlantic Uplands” environment. Visit Chaddsford Winery to partake in a wine tasting or flight, which is available seven days a week, or go on the weekend to attend a festival or special event.
Try this: The chardonnay spends a full year in French and Hungarian oak after undergoing a thorough malolactic fermentation and resting on creamy lees. These elements combine to create a fruit powerhouse that is warm, butter-crusted and sweetened with honey.
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Stone & Key Cellars
Montgomeryville
The atmosphere: Stone & Key Cellars is a full-service urban winery and cidery that also serves artisan beer from Pennsylvania. To produce wine and cider here in Pennsylvania, it only uses the best grapes from Chile, California, Washington and other grape-centric regions. It also uses apples from nearby orchards.
Perks: The vineyard provides charcuterie plates, hummus and cheeseboards Monday through Thursday. Keep an eye out for events and a complete menu on weekends.
Try this: The beloved malbec pours a deep red color. The more you allow it to breathe, the more plum, black currant and blueberry jam notes can be detected on the nose. It also features layers of cocoa, mineral and leather on the palate, with a peppery aftertaste.Â
Paradocx Vineyard
Landenberg
The atmosphere: Ninety percent of the grapes used to make the unique wines at the 5,000-case winery known as Paradocx Vineyard are cultivated on-site. The home vineyard of Paradocx produces 23 wines from more than 36,000 grapes and is tucked away among the undulating hills.
Perks: The tasting room at Paradocx Vineyard is open on the weekends from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and hosts live music and other regular activities.Â
Try this:Â Get a taste of the unique T-Wine! T-Wine is a blend of sweet white wine that has been lightly flavored with natural tea to give it a refreshing flavor.
Related: Why Chester County’s J. Maki Winery Caused an International Stir
