Lancaster is a small county in the State of Pennsylvania. It’s most notably known for its historical attractions such as Amish siteseeing and fascinating museums, but did you know it boasts some pretty fine wineries as well?
Once you’re done with all the incredible attractions, you can find yourself sitting back and enjoying all the wine, food and stunning views this place has to offer. It’s on par with the best of the wine industry in the USA and is part of one of the top ten wine contributing states of the country. So, you won’t be disappointed with everything that the best Lancaster wineries have to offer.
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How Many Wineries Are In Lancaster?
Where Lancaster lacks in quantity, they surely make up for in quality.
Lancaster is home to around six quaint vineyards and wineries, where you can visit to see the production of wine, stay the night, or enjoy tasting a satisfying meal. That means you’ll probably be able to visit them all in under a week, and still have time to see the many other attractions the county has to offer.
There are also fun ways to get around the wineries in Lancaster PA to make sure you don’t miss any possible tastings.
All Aboard The Lancaster Wineries Train
Wine tasting is all about taking your taste buds on a journey, and the Lancaster wineries want you to sit back and enjoy the ride. What better way to do that than with a relaxing train ride in an adorable authentic carriage train.
These little trains feel like something out of Harry Potter, with food service available and a guide through the Winelands like no other. Your tickets include a 45-minute ride with a carefully selected wine tasting and cheese pairing, so no thought or effort is needed! All you’ll need is a photo ID and booking in advance, and you’re all set.
What Is The Oldest Winery In Lancaster?
The introduction of the vineyards in Lancaster starts with a very smart man named J. Richard Nissley. He noticed that the soil at Lancaster was rich with limestone, a mineral found in some of the best winemaking countries in the world.
In the 1970s when this discovery was made, there were only a handful of vineyards across Pennsylvania, and there was some serious doubt about how the quality of the Lancaster wine would turn out. To the surprise of many, the Nissley family-run farms are still going to this day and churning out wines of a superior standard and quality.
What Is The Biggest Winery In Lancaster?
The Grandview Vineyard of Lancaster County offers exactly that; a Grand View. With acres of vineyards spanning as far as the eye can see, this remarkable piece of land is the grandest of the lot. They offer a wide selection of dry reds and whites, along with some classic sweet wines like Riesling.
The grapes grown in the vineyard are the Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot and France, so you will know when buying wines in these categories, the grapes were grown on-site.
More Than Just Wineries
Once you get to the lush landscapes of the serene wineries in Lancaster PA and its surrounds, it’s likely you won’t want to leave. It’s a good thing the place is filled with the most adorable bed and breakfast inns, themed with old country cottage vibes and a relaxing atmosphere.
The places that offer lodgings a stone’s throw away from the wineries and overlooking the landscape include the Smithton Inn, which is known for its prolific gardens that are pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Then there’s the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Association, where you can check out a multitude of bed and breakfasts in the Lancaster area, and compare to see which ones are the closest to stumble to after a long day at the wine tastings.
Say Cheese – The Best Lancaster Winery Pairings
For every local wine on offer at the wineries near Lancaster PA, there’s a perfect cheese pairing waiting to be enjoyed. This harmonious pairing not only works on all flavour levels, but it’s convenient too.
As much as the Lancasters love their wine, they love their cheese. Lancaster County is known to have the best farmlands, and dairy farms, 1776 farms to be exact, are making cheeses of global recognition. The town is named after a famous English cheese after all (or maybe it’s the English town), either way, the cheese is undeniably popular.
Some notable names to pair include Linden Dales Farm Chevre with Waltz Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp citrus and apple notes of the wine pair perfectly with the creaminess of the goat’s cheese.
The legendary Nissley Vineyard’s merlot goes tremendously well with September Farms Cheese’s Honey Brook Jack. This mild Monetary Jack compliments the stronger black pepper notes of the Merlot, which is a great flavour combo for those who aren’t crazy about strong cheese.
If you’re the type to favour cheese courses over desserts, then the Lancaster Farmhouses’ balsamic and fig white cheddar paired with Grandview Cabernet Sauvignon will be your match made in heaven. The flavours of fruit, cheese and spice from the wine will have your taste buds dancing to the song of this moreish combination. Whatever your tastes, there’s a Lancaster wine and cheese pairing to satisfy it.
Don’t Overlook The Little Guy
Just because the town of Lancaster looks small, it doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. Besides its wealth in history and wonderful and safe landscapes asking to be explored, the wineries in Lancaster PA are shining with some incredible wines. The local produce is some of the best in the US, and the town hasn’t been influenced yet by herds of tourists upping the prices and overbooking the accommodation.
Look to Lancaster for local cheeses, wineries, pet-friendly accommodation, museums and serenity and come and get it while you still can. The small towns and wineries need our support and have so much to offer. So, why not save a buck and enjoy all the activities that might cost double elsewhere, in a comfortable retreat to the farmlands of Pennsylvania?