Blue Mountain Vineyards and Winery
A trip to Blue Mountain Vineyards in New Tripoli is likely to appeal to all your senses. The drive on Route 143 to the winery is, by itself, worth the trip. This route encompasses some of the most scenic farmland in the state of Pennsylvania and perhaps the entire country. As you turn onto Grapevine Drive and approach the winery, you are greeted by a picturesque scene of trees and water; something you might expect to see in a Norman Rockwell painting. If you're lucky, you may also get a glimpse of a blue heron, large turtles, deer, a fox or the owners' two friendly rottweilers, "Chardonnay" and "Merlot". And... that's just the beginning. Chances are, if you're visiting a winery, you didn't go for the scenery.
The owners of Blue Mountain Vineyards, Joe and Vickie Greff, had a very successful
insurance business prior to giving it up to pursue their passion. In 1986, they began growing grapes and discovered the climate and soil conditions were conducive to growing many wine varietals. They soon expanded their acreage and their grape varieties now include, merlot, cabernet franc, Chardonnay, vignoles, pinot noir, chambourcin, vidal blanc and cabernet sauvignon. For the Greffs, wine making is truly a labor of love. Joe is the wine-maker and personally planted the grape vines and his wife, Vickie, is very involved in the day-to-day running of the business. A task that must keep her quite busy. In addition to the winery in New Tripoli, Blue Mountain has several retail locations in Pennsylvania and is planning to expand in the near future. Todd Hedrick, Territory Manager, is committed to his role in marketing their line-up of fine wines and promoting the Blue Mountain brand name.
A stroll through the vineyard showed evidence of the pride, dedication, and care the Greff's have for their craft. Tending the vines is labor intensive and is done by Joe and a couple of vineyard helpers. Harvesting is done by hand so that the grapes are handled with care.
We had the opportunity to do a sampling of all their wines and even accounting for individual preferences, found there wasn't a bad one in the bunch. For a couple who doesn't particularly care for Chardonnay, we walked away with three bottles! And, if you're an ice wine lover like myself, you really need to try Blue Mountain's Vidal Blanc. It is unarguably the best ice wine I have ever tasted and although not inexpensive, priced reasonably when compared to many other ice wines.
Todd Hedrick in tasting room at Blue Mountain
Throughout the year, the winery hosts many seasonal events. On Sunday afternoons, during the summer, for a nominal admission fee, you can buy a bottle of your favorite wine and a block of cheese made in Lancaster County, then enjoy them while listening to local musicians. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon! In addition they have several promotional programs such as a wine club, adopt a vine, a frequent buyer program and a barrel club.
While Pennsylvania is the 5th largest wine-producing state in the country, Blue Mountain Winery is the 3rd largest winery in Pennsylvania and produces some of its best wines. Joe and Vickie are justifiably proud of having won numerous awards and a visit to their tasting room will give you the opportunity to learn (taste) why.
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