Breinigsville Boasts Two Of The Lehigh Valley's Best-Known Wineries

For most people, talk of wine country might conjure up images of sunny Napa Valley and its lush vineyards or make-your-own wine, a messy yet enjoyable adventure. But some Lehigh Valley residents might be surprised to know that good wine isn’t a time change away; it’s in their own backyard.

The Lehigh Valley is home to nine family-owned wineries, the group of which composes the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. With locations in towns like New Tripoli, Kutztown and Blue Mountain, the Valley is the fastest-growing wine region in Pennsylvania.

Fortunately for Upper Macungie Township residents, two of these nine wineries are located in Breinigsville.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery and Vynecrest wineries have had a Valley presence for a number of years. Patch recently visited each location for a complimentary wine sampling and a look into the business.

Lehigh Valley Presence: Clover Hill might be an easily recognizable name for most Lehigh Valley residents because of its satellite locations in places like Allentown and Reading Farmers Markets, as well as a vineyard extension in Robesonia. The winery has also previously had stores in both the Lehigh Valley Mall and King of Prussia Mall.

For Wine Lovers: The selection at Clover Hill’s winery gift shop makes it harder for you to choose a souvenir than it is to choose a wine. Wine racks, glass corks, wine-related card games, cocktail napkins and wine glasses are just a sampling of what you’ll find in their expansive shop.

For Wine Rookies: Customers can sample up to five different wines at the sampling bar, where Clover Hill rates wines based on their dryness or sweetness, so even rookie wine drinkers can learn more about the tastes, smells and flavors of each selection. (Check out the Turtle Rock Red—a Lehigh Valley favorite)

Events: Clover Hill hosts both public and private events. This spring, the winery will host ‘A Taste of Berks’ wine event and a Paella & Sangria Weekend in the middle of June. Check out their website for more information.

Lehigh Valley Presence: Vynecrest’s award-winning wines are available in restaurants across the Lehigh Valley, from upscale locations like at the Promenade Shops and the Glasbern Country Inn to the and Kutztown Tavern. Although their wines are popular among locals, the staff maintains the number of out-of-town visitors is impressive, too.

For Wine Lovers: Each month, Vynecrest offers a wine and three-pack of the month. This month, Pinot Noir is 10 percent off, and a three-pack of semi-sweet Riesling is only $30.

For Wine Rookies: The wine-sampling bar at Vynecrest lets you select six different wines off of their menu to sample, starting with dry white wines and ending with sweet reds. In between, cleanse your palate with oyster crackers or nibble on tortilla chips and raspberry, mango or peach salsa. Qualified staff can talk you through your first tasting.

Events: The ground floor of Vynecrest includes the Vyneskeller Wine Bar and Patio, which overlooks the winery’s 28 acres of vineyards. Enjoy live music and bands on weekends from February through December as you enjoy your favorite bottle of Vynecrest wine. Check their website for full details.