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Among other historic firsts, Pennsylvania is the site of America's first commercial vineyard — the Pennsylvania Vine Company established in 1793 along the Schuykill River at Spring Mill.

Today, with approximately 14,000 acres of grapes, Pennsylvania ranks 4th nationally in the amount of grapes grown (including juice grapes) and boasts 100 wineries throughout the state.

Popular grape varieties grown within the state are well-suited to Pennsylvania's varied climate -- which ranges from humid summers to frosty winters -- and include Concord and Niagara grapes as well as classic European varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Most of Pennsylvania wineries are concentrated in the warmer, southeastern portion of the state along the Bucks County wine trail, Lancaster County, and Cumberland Valley. Other official designated wine regions throughout Pennsylvania include Lake Erie wine country, the Lehigh Valley wine trail, and a portion of the Central Delaware Valley (which it shares with New Jersey.)

With wineries only a short drive from any location within the state, wineries near Pittsburgh and several wine trails in and around Philadelphia -- including the Berks County wine trail, the Brandywine wine trail and the Bucks County wine trails just north of the city -- provide a booming Pennsylvania wine tourism industry.

Above, a view of grape harvesting time at the Buckingham Valley vineyard in Bucks County.


More information about Pennsylvania wineries around the Web:

Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries - Search their directory by Pennsylvania wine region or wine trails, with interactive maps and printable page, with related wine news and events, Pennsylvania wine facts, recipes and more.

Wineries & Vineyards in Pennsylvania - Check out TripAdvisor for the top vineyards and wineries in PA as rated by visitors, with tips on nearby attractions.