A Great Weekend Getaway - to - York, PA…

Imagine spending a weekend among picturesque vistas of rolling hills dotted with sloping vineyards. Add some charming towns and a few quaint Bed and Breakfast Inns and you have a great weekend getaway.
Imagine spending a weekend among picturesque vistas of rolling hills dotted with sloping vineyards. Add some charming towns and a few quaint Bed and Breakfast Inns and you have a great weekend getaway.

It's the location that makes this trip above the norm. Nestled in the scenic heart of Pennsylvania's top tourist region lies York County about 100 miles from Philadelphia. Eleven family-owned wineries comprise the UnCork York Wine Trail. This area is becoming a prominent destination for travelers who enjoy touring wineries and tasting wine.

Pennsylvania is no stranger to the art of winemaking. The Alexander grape was first planted by Thomas Eichelberger in 1518 in York County. Over a century later, in the spring of 1683, William Penn planted the continent's first vineyard, predominantly Vinifera vines, near Philadelphia. The modern Pennsylvania winemaking industry only began to grow rapidly with the passage of a liberal Farm Winery Act in 1978. So, many of York's wineries are children of the 70s, young compared to the wine regions of California and New York, but growing in reputation, quality and appreciation.

South central Pennsylvania's moderate climate and rolling terrain provides one of the most excellent growing conditions on the east coast. The high plateau and elevation, adequate rainfall, mica-rich soil, air currents and proper drainage all contribute to the award-winning vintages produced in the region. This area seldom has spring frost damage, which is almost unheard of.

Vineyards are only the start of what makes a trip along this wine trail so special. After a romantic walk through vineyards overlooking meandering streams and enjoying the quiet rural countryside, you'll be ready to visit the tasting room for a taste of the grape. Area vintners are happy to share their passion for the winemaking process. Then there is antiquing, shopping, cycling or horseback riding also available.

York area vintners make many award-winning wines. Wines from the UnCork York Wine Trail have won awards from the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Atlantic Seaboard Vinifera Wine Competition and the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition and others. Area visitors can sample a wide variety of wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Vignoles and fruit wines. Pennsylvania has a reputation for sweet wines, with 85% of the wine sold tending to be on the sweet or fruity side, although many dry wines are produced as well.

The wineries of the UnCork York Wine Trail offer a variety of interesting events all year long. From summer concerts to holiday food and wine pairings to harvest celebrations, there's always a reason to travel to York County. Allegro Vineyards will hold a nouveau weekend on Nov. 11-12. They'll offer samples of Nouveau wine and great harvest foods. The hours are - Saturday 10:00 -5:00 Sunday 1:00 - 5:00. The following weekend, Moon Dancer Vineyard in Wrightsville will host a similar event.

An interesting winery to visit is the Nissley Vineyard & Winery Estate in Bainbridge. This family has been growing grapes and producing Nissley wines for over 25 years. It's situated down a country lane bordered by tended vines and sun-dappled meadows. Their stone-arch winery is set near an 18th-century mill and a winding creek. Nissley Vineyards, and its companion Winery Estate, is located on 300 acres within the fertile Lancaster Valley viticulture area. They have self-guided tours for individuals and groups under eight, and offer hosted tours for groups of eight or more. They hold lawn concerts every summer. (Visit them at nissleywine.com for details.)

York County, the Factory Tour Capital of the World, is just a short drive to Lancaster Amish Country, Gettysburg Battlefields and Hershey, for those who enjoy wine with their chocolate. This makes York a convenient location for a weekend getaway to the PA Dutch Country Roads Region. And, there are numerous other things to do if you prefer not to visit the area wineries.

The Jackson House is a charming B & B located in the quaint little town of Railroad, Pennsylvania only 3 miles from the Maryland border. Originally built in 1859, it is the only PA Bed and Breakfast that is right on the Heritage Rail Trail. This nature trail starts in Ashland, Maryland traveling north into Pennsylvania where in joins the railway and continues another 22 miles to historic York. During your stay at the Jackson House Bed & Breakfast you can relax in the garden by the waterfall, stroll through the terraced gardens to the top of the hill for a view of the valley, or enjoy rocking and relaxing on the front porch. In addition to a hearty breakfast, there is always a snack or cake for guests to enjoy. They keep a refrigerator stocked with drinks plus fresh fruit and juices, coffee and/or tea for guests to help themselves. (Please check out their website at jacksonhousebandb.com for more details.)

There are other B & B's in the area along with motels and hotels to match every style and budget. There are also many packages available which will save you some money. Please remember to make reservations before you go.

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