Pennsylvania is home to nearly 300 wineries, both large and small, that produce a combined 2 million gallons of wine annually. That's a lot of vino! In fact, it makes the Keystone State fifth in the nation in wine production. When you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House, you can visit some incredible wineries and vineyards here in Central Pennsylvania and sample their award-winning wines when you embark on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail.
The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail encompasses vineyards stretching from York County to Hershey, Gettysburg and Lancaster through Pennsylvania Dutch Country and south to the Mason-Dixon line. Each winery has something unique to offer, from stunning views overlooking carefully tended vineyards to cozy tasting rooms and cafes – not to mention special events, concerts and festivals held throughout the year.
With more than a dozen wineries along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, you'll surely find something that suits your palate. The following stops on the trail are all 35 minutes or less from B.F. Hiestand House.
Nissley Vineyards │ Bainbridge, PA (11 min.)
The stone-arch winery at Nissley Vineyards is beautifully set by an 18-century mill and a winding creek. They grow 14 varieties of grapes on 30 acres of fertile vineyards and have been producing distinctive wines since 1977. In the summer, Nissley's Summerfest concert series is immensely popular, drawing large crowds for live music, dancing, food and wine.
Moon Dancer Winery │ Wrightsville, PA (15 min.)
Moon Dancer Winery is modeled after a French country chateau and overlooks the beautiful Susquehanna River. Not only do they offer premium European-style dry wines and Pennsylvania sweet wines, but they're a cider house and taproom, too. Wood-fired pizza and live music on the weekends plus fun events throughout the year, including the upcoming Harvest Moon Women of Folk Fest in September.
Mount Hope Estate & Winery │ Manheim, PA (28 min.)
What began as a lavish summer home some two centuries ago has become an impressive winery, brewery and entertainment venue today. Stop in to sample Mount Hope's wide variety of award-winning, hand-crafted wines, then stay for one of their rousing special events, like the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire that runs through October.
CrossWinds Winery at Hershey │ Hummelstown, PA (34 min.)
Located just north of Hershey Park, CrossWinds Winery at Hershey is an urban tasting room with wines crafted from grapes grown in their vineyards in Juniata County. The owners are pilots and they even built an airport in the vineyard as the perfect way to check on their vines from above. Make a reservation for an upcoming wine pairing dinner or check out their other special events.
Cassel Vineyards of Hershey │ Hummelstown, PA (34 min.)
On land cultivated by the Cassel family for nearly 120 years, Cassel Vineyards of Hershey grows six varieties of grapes that go into their quality wines. You can help pick the crop that will become next year's vintage at one of their Grape Harvest Parties. Other special events include Music in the Vines, a free concert series that runs through September, plus the Harvest Festival and Ciderfest in October.