Doc Grog's Homepage

Doc Grog's Pennsylvania Wine Page

Pennsylvania Does Wine!!

Why Pennsylvania?!

Pennsylvania is blessed with all the important elements of great wine growing-
- The major appellations have mild winters thanks to their proximity to warm bodies of water- Lake Erie in the West and Gulf Stream waters of the Atlantic in the East.
- Long moderate growing seasons, Pennsylvania does not get the burning heat of other American wine growing regions, but at the same time, the growing season is long and warm leading to ideal fruit ripening with plenty of sugar and flavor!
- Plenty of rain. Pennsylvania is not reliant on artificial irrigation, thus not only are we friendly to our natural resources, we are not subject to the build-up of heavy metals and salts in the soil that has been growing as a problem in California in recent years.
Pennsylvania's various climates parallel those of the better wine regions of France!
- Just check out today's weather in Pennsylvania and compare to France- Southeast Pennsylvania is like Bordeaux (or Burgundy depending on which part of each region you're looking at). This means we can make the great Bordeaux and Burgundy wines- like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, etc.- naturally.
- South East Pennsylvania's rolling hills provide wonderful southern exposures and good drainage that make European grape styles thrive.
Your trip to Southeastern Pennsylvania can readily combine American History and America's Wine
- If you're traveling on Route 30 in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, you're in the Federally designated Lancaster Appellation, many delightful wineries are just off the beaten path to delight you with tastings, and if you time it right, maybe an open air Jazz concert!
- If you're on Route 1 traveling the same road that Washington took on his way to Valley Forge, you will pass Chadds Ford and Smithbridge Wineries- two wineries that are very different, but yet offer their own unique great wines!
- Bucks County, Pennsylvania's summer playground and art colony has many old established wineries to add spice and variety to your visit!
- The Lehigh Valley, known for its beautiful vistas, outdoor activities, and booming economy is also the location for many fine Pennsylvania Wineries.

Information and contacts for Wine Grape Growers and anyone who would like to learn more about growing wine grapes in Pennsylvania:

The SEGA page we're 4^th in grape production, but only 12^th in wine production in the US! Why? Are you interested in winegrape growing or wine making?

Wine and Health

PWA

PWA is the Pennsylvania Wine Association, the association of wineries state wide.

These are primarily in South East and Northwest Pennsylvania. Check these links to find out how to contact or visit a Pennsylvania winery soon!

Pennsylvania's wines are coming of age!