February 17th, 2010
The vineyards on Franklin Hill. Credit: Eliza.
Eliza, my mother-in-law Carla and I took a drive last week to visit a few wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Due to winter hours, a long lunch, and some shopping – we only got to two wineries along the trail.
The first winery was Amoré in Nazareth, Pa. Although having recently been through a fire that ripped through their tasting room – they were still open for business. One of the things I enjoyed the most about Amoré, besides their decent selection of wines, was that they offered crackers, pretzels, and even chocolate with some of them. During the summer months, we were told, they sometimes have cheese too. More wineries should do this. Although some do have crackers it is rare that they are of any quality or that they have other things available.
The second winery was Franklin Hill in Bangor, Pa. and my favorite of the day. Franklin Hill Winery sits far back off the road, nearly a half mile I’d say, and was recently renovated. This was my favorite of the day because we got a tour and got to meet the woman winemaker while she was working on some of their wines. Everyone there was very free with information when I asked questions about winemaking and the wines were good too.
We ended up coming home with a few bottles of wine. One thing I enjoy about buying wine directly from the wineries is that you have a chance to taste the wines before you purchase any. This way when you’re home and wondering what wine to have – you know exactly what each of them tastes like.
Hopefully we’ll find time this year to get to the other seven wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.
Can’t wait to do it again!
Good stuff! My wife and I made a similar trip last year to the wineries just outside of Tucson.
We don’t really have to worry about the winter hours here so we made it to several different wineries. It was a fantastic, relaxing weekend trip and we discovered a couple of new favorite wines while there.
Love Franklin Hills.
About Franklin Hills. I literally grew up down the hill from the winery. It’s a great place but if you extended hours, try their store in Tannersville, PA. It’s right on 611 next to Friendly’s Restaurant. That’s where I got hooked. Went in for a Christmas present for someone else, found the people very nice and helpful and they hooked me! I bought my very first bottle of wine that day! Now we’re on the trail and doing the March Madness!