Palmer Franklin Hill Vineyards Store Gets A Makeover

Walking into the newly renovated store in Palmer Township, you’d never guess that it’s one of four Lehigh Valley stores that sells the wine of the oldest vineyard in the area.

Recently the proprietors repainted, dropped in a new hardwood floor, put it a new wine cabinet and spread out some of their exclusive merchandise for ease of customer access and probably some good feng shui.

Franklin Hill Vineyards, which was founded in 1976, makes 24 varieties of red, white, rose, sparkling and specialty wines. The vineyard’s top-seller, Sir Walter’s Red, is made from the Chambourcin grape, a French-American hybrid designed to grow well in East Coast soil.

This year’s new addition to the wine list is Pomegranate Peach, a specialty wine made with 100 percent pomegranate juice. Also returning to the repertoire is Breathless, a port-style red wine with a warm berry flavor.

Among the various merchandise the store sells are all sorts of wine-oriented accessories -- things like replaceable corks, colorful and ornate wine glasses and wine purses, hinged bags large enough to hold a standard wine bottle.

The store also sells Robert Rothschild dips from Ohio, Scentation candles from Arkansas and wine-enthusiast apparel like T-shirts and hats.

According to manager Michael DiLorenzo, fall is a great time for customers to stop by for some wine.

“Harvest has started,” he announced. “Harvest season is a good time; people start mulling in the fall and winter.”

“Mulling” refers to the process of combining wine, usually red, with spices like cinnamon or cloves and serving it warm for a delicious cider-like treat.

Check out the accompanying photo gallery for some shots of the store’s new look, or better yet, stop by in person at 3625 Nazareth Road in Palmer Township and sample some of Franklin Hill’s wines.