What are the best wines made in Pennsylvania this year? While we surely all have our own favorites, according to the Pennsylvania Winery Association 2019 PA Sommelier Judgment, a blind-tasting of locally produced vinifera wines judged by a panel of top sommeliers, the Best in State is Galen Glen Winery‘s 2018 Riesling. Galen Glen is a family run winery in Andreas, PA, headed up by Sarah C. Rhodes, her husband, Galen, and their daughter, Erin. Galen Glen is perhaps best known for its Grüner Veltliner, but it was the Riesling which wowed the judges.
Best Red was awarded to Lewisburg, PA-based Fero Vineyards & Winery‘s 2017 Saperavi, a full-bodied, bold red wine made with this Eastern European varietal which is aged in oak for 18 months. Best White went to Flickerwood Wine Cellars‘ 2017 Riesling. These accolades, known as the Saber Awards were presented on Monday, October 21, 2019, at a private tasting at Talula’s Daily in Philadelphia.
“This year’s list of top wines from the PA Sommelier Judgment doesn’t just demonstrate the varietal diversity we have in Pennsylvania, it highlights the multiple wine regions that are spread across the state, with top wines coming from the Southeast, North Central and Northwest,” notes Jennifer Eckinger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Winery Association. “Most of the wineries recognized in the 2019 PA Sommelier Judgment are members of active wine trails, which provide easy-to-navigate itineraries for day trips or weekend getaways devoted to local wine discovery.”
The original blind tasting of over 100 Pennsylvania wines by a panel of 20 sommeliers was organized by Scott Zoccolillo, who is the wine director for Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in partnership with the Pennsylvania Winery Association.
“In addition to increased winery participation, we had a wonderful show of support from local restaurants, sommeliers, and wine writers who volunteered their time and committed to adding more local wineries to their beverage programs,” says Zoccolillo. “Just three years ago only a handful of restaurants participated in PA Wine Month and now we have more than 25 restaurants, including some of the biggest wine programs in the area. This increase and support is further proof that the Pennsylvania wine scene is a force to be reckoned with!”
Find the full list of top wines below. How many have you tried?
The Top Wines of the 2019 PA Sommelier Judgment (listed in alphabetical order):
- Chaddsford Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc (Chadds Ford, PA)
- Fero Vineyards & Winery 2017 Saperavi (Lewisburg, PA)
- Fero Vineyards & Winery NV 1812 (Red Blend) (Lewisburg, PA)
- Flickerwood Wine Cellars 2017 Riesling (Kane, PA)
- Galen Glen Winery 2018 Riesling (Andreas, PA)
- Galen Glen Winery 2018 Cabernet Franc, Stone Cellars (Andreas, PA)
- Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery 2018 Rosé (Kennett Square, PA)
- Maple Springs Vineyard 2018 Albariño (Bechtelsville, PA)
- Mazza Vineyards 2017 Teroldego (North East, PA)
- Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery 2016 #39 (Red Blend) (Breinigsville, PA)
- Wayvine Winery 2016 Carmine (Nottingham, PA)
Honorable Mention Wines of the 2019 PA Sommelier Judgment (listed in alphabetical order):
- Galen Glen Winery 2017 Grüner Veltliner (Andreas, PA)
- Grace Winery 2017 Dragonfly (Red Blend) (Glen Mills, PA)
- Grace Winery 2017 Pinot Gris (Glen Mills, PA)
- Grandview Vineyards 2016 Merlot (Mount Joy, PA)
- Karamoor Estate Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc (Fort Washington, PA)
- Karamoor Estate Winery 2016 Chardonnay (Fort Washington, PA)
- Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc (Centre Hall, PA)
- Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery 2018 Rosé (Centre Hall, PA)
- Penns Woods Winery 2018 Rosé (Chadds Ford, PA)
- Presque Isle Wine Cellars 2018 Grüner Veltliner (North East, PA)
- Shade Mountain Winery 2016 Lemberger (Middleburg, PA)
- Stony Run Winery 2017 Brut Sparkling Wine (Kempton, PA)
- Stony Run Winery 2017 Viognier (Kempton, PA)
- Tolino Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Franc (Bangor, PA)
Congrats to this year’s winners. Enjoy these wines during October, which is Pennsylvania Wine Month, and all year long!
- Photos: Courtesy of Pennsylvania Wine
