This summer has flown by with plenty of happenings up and down the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. As the hot weather soon begins to fade, the juicy grapes are almost ready to be plucked from the vines. With a fresh batch of sweetness comes a busy time for the local wineries.
Harvest Time
To celebrate the harvest, the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail will play host to new flavors during the Wine Just Off The Vine event on November 11–12 and 18–19. As the fruits hit their peak, many wineries are eagerly preparing to develop their flavors with new batches of bottled goodness.
The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail
The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail has 16 participating locations throughout southcentral Pennsylvania and northern Maryland, with a central hub in York County.
Throughout the York area, you will find Four Springs Winery; Logan’s View Winery; Maple Lawn Winery; Moon Dancer Winery, Cider House and Taproom and a local favorite, Naylor Wine Cellars Inc.
To the north in the Hershey and Harrisburg area, five wineries await your arrival: Spring Gate Vineyard and Brewery, The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, CrossWinds Winery at Hershey, Cassel Vineyards of Hershey and Mount Hope Winery.
Head west toward Hanover and Gettysburg for more relaxation hot spots. Thunder Ridge Vineyards is tucked away just outside of Hanover and offers a variety of dry wines, in addition to semisweet and fruit wines. Head west to complete your day of tasting at Boyer Cellars, a new member of the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding orchards and farmland.
Look to the south of York County and across the Mason-Dixon Line into northern Maryland. Here you’ll find four more makers on the trail: DeJon Vineyard, Fiore Winery, Inc., Harford Vineyard and Winery and Galloping Goose Vineyards.
Each locale is working on its exclusive wine offerings for the Wine Just Off The Vine event. Expect some tasty concoctions at any of the participating locations, along with scrumptious refreshments to bring out the best in each glass of thirst-quenching refreshment. Some locations will feature nouveau wines to bring out the best in this year’s crops.
Getaway Packages
Make your plans for these weekends soon with some local lodging packages available in and around York. This a great time to reconnect with a girls’ weekend or romantic getaway before the stress of the holidays hits.
The Wingate Hotel is offering a package of deluxe accommodations with a bottle of wine and hot breakfast for those ready to explore the trail. The Shrewsbury Hampton by Hilton will set a great scene for a romantic gateway with chocolates, a bottle of wine and wine glasses, a hearty breakfast and the perfect location to set out on the southern part of the tour. The Country Inn and Suites by Carlson includes a goodie bag in addition to a bottle of Naylor’s wine, wine glasses and a corkscrew. Many of these locations also offer late checkout options.
Tickets are now on sale for Wine Just Off The Vine and include tastings at every Mason-Dixon Wine Trail location over both weekends, plus 10 percent off all wine purchases during the event. Starting points are available at all of the participating wineries.
Enjoy the fall scenery during these November weekends before the winds of winter sweep in. Tell us about your favorite stops along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail in the comments below. Happy trails!
- Photos: York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
