Wine and chocolate

OK. I admit it. I like a glass of wine every now and then. OK ... more like a couple times a week. I'm not a big spender when it comes to wine but I know what I like. Usually I check out the "specials" section of the local liquor store and am drawn to anything under $10 with a pretty label. I'm such a girl.

Anyway, when I want to treat myself, I head out to Vynecrest in Breinigsville, just outside of Allentown. They make a sweet and tart cherry wine that is awesome. It's not the kind of thing you drink with a meal. It's a dessert wine called Cherry DiVyne.

Last time I was there, the folks at Vynecrest were selling small bags of dark chocolate Wilbur Buds to go along with it. For anyone not familiar, Wilbur Buds are little solid chocolate pillows similar to Hershey Kisses made in Lititz, Pa. Eat them while drinking the wine and it rocks!   

Cherry DiVyne is definitely a chick wine. Why do I say that? Because it's the perfect wine to bring to any girls night out get-together. Most women are into sweet wines so it will be very popular.

Personally, I buy a bottle and some Buds for myself and sip on it in small juice-glass-sized amounts in the evenings as my dessert and nightcap in one. Treat yourself to a bottle. You won't be sorry.

So I'm curious: Do you drink Lehigh Valley wines, and if so, which winery is your favorite and why?

Comments

[Jenny Poust]

I don't drink much wine anymore, but when I did, it was from Blue Mountain Vineyards (www.bluemountainwine.com). Why BMV? Because I grew up, literally, right next to the vineyards and live less than a mile away from them today. My recommendations from BMV: Bri's Blush for any White Zin lovers and Victoria's Passion for sweet red fans.

[Megan Billowitch]

Tracey,
I too love Lehigh Valley wine. Cherry DiVyne is a favorite but I tend to eat all the candy first
:-). I love Amoré's Concord and Franklin Hill's "Passion". I vote that you bring the wine during our next "Girls Night Out" You can drink wine and bowl right??

[DS]

I love wine! Not sweet wine though I think you always tend to start out drinking sweet then as your taste mature you lean towards dryer less sweet wine. My favorite wine is boxed wine yes boxed...white grenache by Franzia. I do frequent our Lehigh Valley wineries, love Galen Glen, Vynecrest, Pinnacle Ridge anything white and tart tasting! You need to check out Blues in the Barn at Pinnacle Ridge winery when they have it...great afternoon ... great blues band, wine and a pig roasting- pulled pork sandwich to dye for!

[Nancy]

Hey Tracey...You're probably right that more girls than guys like sweet wines however Vynecrest's Cherry DiVyne is a hit with everyone! Don and I brought a bottle to our friends Lin and Fred at Christian's Springs and they ended up buying a case! To answer your question, I find wines I love at all 9 Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries and love to compare each version of Chambourcin. Can't wait until "March Madness"!

[Jim Hutchings]

The LVWT is actually one of the reasons for my relocation to the Valley from NYC Metro area (following closely behind having family and friends in the area of course)! Vynecrest is absolutely one of my favorite wineries in the trail, and I love hanging out in the Vyneskeller on any weekend afternoon - rain or shine, crowd or empty. It's great to go with a friend or two and share a bottle of wine with some snacks. Vynecrest's dry reds are my favorite - Shiraz and Lemberger are fantastic this year. The owners and entire staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.

I take my college buddies there when they're in the area for a visit and everyone loves it there - and they usually go home with a case of wine!

[Tracey]

Hi Jim - thanks for the comment. I'm delighted and impressed by your love of the wine trail and am glad to hear that you share it with your friends when they visit. That's awesome!

[Emily McDonald]

My friend Jim was the first inform me that wine actually existed in PA and he kept telling me about the perfect winery, Vynecrest. Finally, curiosity got to me, and I jumped on a bus from NYC. After a beautiful drive we arrived at Vynecrest and I could see the appeal. Everyone was so friendly, and the first sip of sold me. I bought half a case, piled it in my backpack and dragged them up my 4 floor walk up. It was worth the effort since at my next house party my friends kept asking me where I got the wine so they could pick up a few bottles. Everyone was amazed when I told them PA. Thankfully, Jim now drives me back to NY and helps me get my case of wine up the stairs.

[Tracey]

Emily - it sounds like Jim is a good friend; not only for introducing you to Vyncrest and Lehigh Valley wines, but also for helping you get them back to NYC. Sounds like you are in turn spreading the word too. Maybe if each of us tells just 5 people we know about how good PA wines are, especially those in Lehigh Valley, we can start to create awareness and change minds. Just a thought...

[Silverkat]

I first started exploring the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail about 5 years ago. After visiting most of the wineries on the trail a half dozen times or so, I found myself drawn most often to Vynecrest. Having spent my “formative years” on old farmland in Bucks County, I felt comfort and familiarity with the converted barn tasting room. The comfort of being surrounded by the old wood in cozy lighting was enhanced by the welcoming friendliness of the staff. I was delighted to be recognized by name after visiting only a few times. The Vyneskeller, which is like a cozy bar under the tasting room, has tables constructed of wood from old wine barrels, built around the old beams of the barn, a beautiful copper bar, and a wide view of the hillside. I love to visit on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy a plate of Amish cheese, crackers, and a glass of Chambourcin (my favorite from Vynecrest’s five or so robust dry reds). The Chambourcin goes really well with a good strong cheese. I suggest the Smoked Cheddar. If you’re a lightweight like Jim, you might want to let someone else have the outside pieces, which contain the strongest smoke flavor. I can’t wait for the Nouveau to come out (November 15 and 16 release!). I look forward to having a glass (or two) and some snacks with my friends in the Vyneskeller.

[Tracey]

Hey Silverkat - I too love the Amish cheeses they sell at Vynecrest and a few of the other Lehigh Valley wineries. The one made with garlic rocks! But you won't get a good night kiss that night if you've been eating it!

Thanks for the comments on my post. Keep 'em coming!