Enjoy an afternoon at these best wineries near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
If you’re in Pennsylvania and want to spend an afternoon amongst the grapevines, the Clarks Summit area has a vast amount of wineries to choose from for your visit. The team at Northeastern Eye Institute invites you to check out some of the best wineries around Clarks Summit, whether you’re just visiting or a life-long resident.
Pennsylvania Wine History
“grapevines” licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr by MissMessie
Winemaking in Pennsylvania can be traced back to 1682 when the first grapevines were brought from England by William Penn. Although these crops did not survive the new climate they were planted in, hybrid species of native grapes, nicknamed “wildings” began to spread across the area. By 1770, locally-made wines started to gain popularity, as their unique flavor profiles were distinct from other wines of the time. Soon commercial vineyards drew people to the area and wine production spread through the region, a practice that returned to Pennsylvania after the prohibition era ended.
Since then, generations of farmers have been cultivating this delicious fruit and creating some of the most well-known wine recipes in the world. Through the years, many wineries have added to the area’s rich legacy and built a reputation for hand-crafted, flavorful, and bold wines beloved by all.
It’s said that during peak harvesting times, the mountains of Pennsylvania run red from the hundreds of acres of grape filling the landscape. The time-honored tradition of winemaking is not only a practice of the past, and this area is still home to many award-winning wineries, perfect for every wine enthusiast. Here are our picks for some of the best wineries when visiting the Clark Summit area.
Capra Collina Winery
With roots dating back to 1894, Capra Collina Winery, located in Blakely, has created a legacy of excellence when it comes to artisanal wines. Capra Collina boasts a wide variety of unique fruit wines that are sure to surprise you with rich and bold flavors. If you’re looking for a more traditional wine, their variety of dry red and whites are sure to keep you coming back. This winery also features a party room that can be rented for private parties and events, and make sure you pick up a bottle of their fan-favorite Mistletoe wine this holiday season.
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
This beautiful winery located in Scott Township is home to some of the most decadent wines in Pennsylvania. Owner Sal Maiolatesti has proudly created more than 30 varieties of wines from fruit-sweetened bottles to delicate drys. Since 1999 Maiolatesi has been part of the community, operating in several locations over the years, opening a new 10,000 square foot facility in 2009 that features a gorgeous retail space, wine bar, and Tuscan themed tasting room. Make sure to swing by one of their tasting events when in the area to sample a variety of their specialty wines.
Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery
Nimble Hill is a family-owned and operated winery located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its opening in 2007, Nimble Hill has produced over three-thousand gallons of wine. With a self-described minimalist approach to winemaking, they believe winemaking is a series of delicate decisions rather than a recipe. The extensive list of offerings, both red and white, is crafted at all sweetness levels to please a variety of customers. Nimble Hill’s new 2019 Dry Riesling features floral notes accompanied by peach and apricot and is a must-try for anyone passing through Tunkhannock.
Wood Winery
Wood Winery, another family-owned and operated vineyard, prides itself on making quality small batch wines using Pennsylvania fruit. Selections include a wide range of flavors for any palate, from sweet and fruity, dry and oaky, to sparkling and port-style. Wood Winery can be found in Madison Township and features both a retail store and a tasting room. Their wine tasting flights are a local favorite and offered by reservation or during their many events throughout the year. Wood Winery’s collection of fruit wines are sure to be a hit, with a list that includes blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, and spiced apple wines.
Hidden Creek Winery
Hidden Creek Winery is located in Laceyville and overlooks the picturesque countryside of the Endless Mountains. Breathtaking views are not the only thing special about this winery, whose list of wines includes both state and international award winners. Take in all the wonders this quaint and friendly vineyard has to offer during a tasting you won’t regret, including the 2021 Finger Lakes International award-winning Daniel Hunter ‘18, a dry red, slightly oaky Cabernet.
Mountain View Vineyard
Located in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, Mountain View Vineyard was awarded Best Pennsylvania Wine by the American Wine Society. Mountain View prides itself on its earth-friendly farming practices and wine-making techniques, working to preserve the area’s natural beauty. The on-site bistro inside the tasting room features a menu of flatbreads and soups that will make your mouth water. Fortunately, their selection of specialty wines will quench your thirst, including the award-winning Bliss, a dry oaky white with notes of citrus and melon. Visit the wine bar at Mountain View next time you’re looking for a peaceful mountain getaway.
Grovedale Winery
Grovedale Winery is home to some of the most flavorful wines that Pennsylvania has to offer. The farmstead, preserved for over 200 years, sits on eight acres and has been producing wine since 2005. Rows of grapevines border the land and birth 11 different varieties of grapes, each hand-chosen by skilled winemakers to create a line of rare wines. The award-winning and highly recommended bottles can be sampled in their tasting room or during one of their many public events held on the property. This savory piece of history is a must-see for everyone and can be found in Wyalusing.
Thank you for reading our list of the Clarks Summit area’s best wineries. If you feel that we missed your favorite, reach out to us. The team at Northeastern Eye Institute would love to have a chance to try your favorite winery. You can reach us at 855-204-2130 or via our secure online messaging service. We hope you have an opportunity to get out and try any or all of these great local wineries and experience the best that Pennsylvania has to offer.