With warmer weather right around the corner, many of you may be eager to start spending weekends tackling spring cleaning. Not so fast! Consider pushing the mundane chores back a bit, jumping in the car and reserving your weekends for adventures on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail.
Saturdays and Sundays in March, travel through south-central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland as 17 family-owned wineries play host to the 12th annual Tour de Tanks event. Organized by the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tour gives guests an opportunity to take a closer look at the grape-to-glass process and talk to those who flourish in this craft.
Event Offerings
The purchase of a $30 Tour de Tanks pass includes admission to all 17 wineries over all eight days, a wine glass, 10% off wine purchases, light refreshments, exclusive barrel and tank tastings, as well as tours and educational presentations at some locations. Enjoy a different experience at every stop, each one characterized by the uniqueness of its owner, and meet new wine lovers, connoisseurs and novices alike.
Be sure to have your pass stamped at each winery visited. When you have at least eight stamps, you can be entered to win a prize. Just hand in your pass at the last location you visit! Passes can be purchased at each of the participating wineries on the trail.
Designated drivers will receive a wristband and free admission and are able to take advantage of sale prices on purchases, tours and food offerings.
New to the Trail?
If you are new to the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, you are in for a treat. The 17 wineries can be broken up into regions, making it easier to plan out a course.
York County is the center of it all. 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 Naylor Wine Cellars. Logan’s View Winery will host visitors during Tour de Tanks with a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking at its production factory in Glen Rock. Maple Lawn is excited about a few new wines, including an Apple Riesling that you’re sure to love.
For the second leg of the road trip, head west toward Hanover and Gettysburg for three more stops. Thunder Ridge Vineyards is tucked away just outside of Hanover, not far from High Rock Winery. Thunder Ridge will be participating in a fundraiser for the local Roots for Boots, with proceeds from specific wine sales benefiting area veterans. The winery will also be serving soul-soothing homemade chicken corn soup to complement the cozy ambience of the vineyard, which grows 34 grape varieties. Then take the time to drive to Hauser Estate Winery on the outskirts of historic Gettysburg in the hills of Biglerville.
Just south of York County and across the Mason-Dixon line into northern Maryland are five more makers on the trail: Boordy Vineyard, Dejon Vineyard, Fiore Winery, Harford Vineyard and Winery and—new to Tour de Tanks this year—Galloping Goose Vineyards. Feel free to take some time at Galloping Goose to get a healthy dose of fresh air during a stroll on the grounds, complete with wooded trails and ponds.
Finally, head North toward Hershey and Harrisburg to round out your travels. Four wineries make up this region on the wine trail, including Spring Gate Vineyard and Brewery, The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey, CrossWinds Winery at Hershey and Mount Hope Winery. During the last weekend of the Tour de Tanks, March 25–26, Mount Hope Winery will offer a “hard hat tour” exclusively for pass holders. Get a first look at the new construction on a historic barn at the estate, which is set to be completed at the end of April and ready for wine production, educational tours and sampling. Five featured wines will be available for sampling in addition to ciders, all paired up with Halladay’s Cheesecake Dips. (Guests of this excursion, please keep in mind: no open-toe shoes.)
Make It a Getaway
Packages for the Tour de Tanks weekends are available through many local lodging locations and are a great opportunity to escape and unwind with friends or a loved one. Local bed and breakfast locations participating in the event include B.F. Hiestand House, Grace Manor, Jackson House and Red Lion Bed and Breakfast. Premiere #1 Limousine Service is also available for couples or groups that want to experience the trail without the worry of driving.
Sometimes the best adventures are in our own backyard. Whether you are looking for a large estate winery serving ciders and wines or a smaller boutique vineyard, York County has it all. To find out more about the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail and the Tour de Tanks event, visit Explore York online and request a guide.
While you’re in York County, don’t forget to stop by some of York’s amazing restaurants. Check out PA Eats’s York community page for our recommendations.
Familiar with any of the wineries on the trail? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
- Top photo: Naylor Wine Cellars
- Remaining photos (Thunder Ridge Vineyards): Alex Gormley Photography
