Experience the Wines and Brews of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads Region

Variety of Offerings Linked Together by Quality, Culture, and History

Harrisburg, PA – The south central area of Pennsylvania known as Dutch Country Roads is a region woven together in many ways, especially its local food and drink. Adding to this shared bounty is a growing mix of wineries and breweries, from Chambersburg to Reading, which provide a perfect opportunity to explore the region’s cuisine, culture, and history.

A gustatory adventure might begin with a free tour of Tröegs Brewing Company in Harrisburg. This award-winning family-owned and -operated microbrewery features a new Tasting Room and gift shop where visitors can sample the brewing brothers’ whimsically named ales such as Mad Elf and Tröegenator Doublebock. Saturday tours take place at 1:30, 2:00, and 2:30 pm, and reservations are encouraged.

Wine lovers traveling the Harrisburg-Hershey area can partake in great local products from Hunters Valley Winery in Liverpool, with majestic views of the valley; Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim, home to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire; and the West Hanover Winery in Harrisburg, known for its homegrown grapes and berries.

Wine has also become a big part of the culinary scene in nearby York County. Visitors are invited to sip splendid young vintages during the UnCork York Wine Trail’s new “Wine Just Off the Vine” event, November 20 – 22. Join 10 wineries behind the scenes after harvest to sample young wines right from the barrel. Newly harvested wines are typically fruitier and more vibrant than their finished counterparts, offering up an edgy taste and fruity aroma. A $10 ticket includes a collectible UnCork York Wine Glass, tasty fall treats, and a 10% discount at participating UnCork York wineries.

If a fine brew sounds appealing, sidle up to the bar and sample an impeccable selection of nearly 100 fine ales and porters at Market Cross Pub & Brewery in Carlisle. Hard-core beer buffs are often excited to learn that the pub’s custom, 10-barrel, open-fermentation brewing system was brought over from England more than 75 years ago. They offer a 15-20 minute brewery tour with sampling. And don’t forget to time your visit to coincide with regularly scheduled “pubtivities” like Pub Trivia contests and Pint Night. The Appalachian Brewing Company in Camp Hill also serves up hand-crafted ales and lagers, and features a new draught wine system with 12 rotating wine taps.

For an area featuring both beer and wine, head east to Lancaster, where old German influences and creative personalities blend to make special microbrews hard to find anywhere else. Follow the Ale Trail, from the unique setting of Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy to the renowned malt flavors in the ales and lagers at Lancaster Brewing Company in Lancaster.

In addition, Lancaster County’s verdant soil and lush vegetation result in some of Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s best winemaking. Relax and enjoy the unique tastings, tours, and events offered at Nissley Vineyards in Bainbridge, Waltz Vineyards in Manheim, Tamanend Winery in Lancaster, and Twin Brook Winery in Gap.

Over in Adams County, the countryside surrounding Gettysburg is rather new to the wine industry, but is already getting attention from around the country. Adams County Winery in Orrtanna is tucked into the valley below the Blue Ridge Mountains and features a wide assortment of wine. Hauser Estate Winery in Biglerville is only a year old, but is popular among locals and travelers alike with its grand tasting room and spectacular view of the scenic countryside. Reid’s Orchard & Winery in Orrtanna brings together the rich fruit flavor of Adams County with its variety of wine. New to the region is the Gettysburg Fruit & Wine Trail, combining farms and vineyards for a unique vacation experience.

Travelers can also take a ride on Reading’s country roads through acres and acres of this wine growing region. A leisurely drive through Berks County leads to its family-owned, award-winning wineries, so plan to uncork and unwind with a day or two of wine tasting. Learn about the science and art of wine making, and sample warm hospitality along with varietal reds, whites, and sparkling wines. For those who aren’t grape lovers, stop at Stoudt’s Brewing Company in Adamstown, makers of seasonal and specialty beers, and enjoy a free tour of the microbrewery on Saturday or Sunday as well.

More delicious suds can be had at the Roy Pitz Brewing Company in Chambersburg, where beer is viewed as liquid art. “America’s Freshest Brewery” routinely serves up its art for every season – Ludwig's Revenge Smoked Lager (Fall, Winter), Lovitz Watermelon Lager (Summer), Daddy Fat Sacs IPA (Winter), Ichabod Crane Pumpkin Spice (Fall), and [Back to Press Releases Main]