Nissley Vineyards: 2009 Music in the Vineyards Concert Series

If the idea of dancing under stars makes your feet start to tap, then start tapping. Nissley Vineyards at 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge, PA is about ready to kick off its 2009, Music in the Vineyards, Saturdayevening concert series. This is Nissley's 27^th season of having lawn concerts available for summer time patrons.

Nissley Vineyards wines are chilled for your pleasure and delectable picnic fare is available for purchase from 6 -10 pm. No carry-in alcoholic beverages allowed. If you are uncertain which wine to choose to blend with your dinner, the knowledgeable staff at Nissley will happy to guide you with your choice.

My tastes in wine run on the dry side; my husband prefers the sweet. Here are two wines on which we agree:

Naughty Marietta, which is a semi-dry red wine with a light sweet flavor. It will not overpower summer foods. It is perfect for inclusion in meals that have vinaigrette style salads, sharp cheeses or cheese and meat trays.

Rhapsody in Blue, is another semi-dry wine but this is a white wine. It comes in a distinctive cobalt blue bottle. Again this is great with cheese but works best with a semi-firm cheese, such as a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, fresh fruit, and crackers. It is best well chilled.

Wines range in price from $7.25-15.75 per bottle, discounts are offered when wines are purchased by the case or ½ case.

Food is provided by Events Etc.by the Hershey Pantry. Speaking from experience, all of their offerings are delicious and perfect for a mid-summers eve. If you wish to see their menu items in advance please visit www.event-etc.com. However, feel free to bring your own picnic fare and don't forget a lawn chair or blanket for your comfort.

The price of admission is $15.00 and available at the gate. Season Passes are available in advance or at the gate and are $75.00. You must be 21 to enter due to PA liquor laws (this includes babies and small children). Those between the ages of 21 to 30 will need to show valid photo ID.

My husband I have attended the summer festival concert series for years. The music and atmosphere always make for a romantic and enjoyable evening. There is always something special when they have the big band nights. Prior to the rules changing on not being able to bringing those under 21 into the Vineyard, much to my surprise, the big bands were always my teens and tweens favorites. It was a Nissley Vineyards that all three of my children learned to swing dance. If you attend no other concerts, make certain you get to these two shows.

Below is the summer concert schedule for the 2009 series:

Uptown Band (rich variety, Motown to present)-------------------------------------------------- July 4

Fabulous Cheeze Brothers and Sisters (60's & 70's variety band)------------------------ July 11

Big Band Nostalgia (big band era & soft rock)--------------------------------------------------- July 18

Nightwind (classic light rock)------------------------------------------------------------------------- July 25

SilverHawks (classic rock, soul & Motown)------------------------------------------------------ Aug 1

Blue Mood Big Band (big band swing)-------------------------------------------------------------- Aug 8

Headliners (top 40 variety, from 60's thru 90's)------------------------------------------------- Aug 15

Pentagon (rock variety, 50's thru 80's)------------------------------------------------------------ Aug 22

Roof Rockers (classic horn-driven rhythm & blues) ------------------------------------------ Aug 29

Flashback with Donna Mark (60's & 70's variety) --------------------------------------------- Sept 5