Discover Lancaster County's Wineries and Vineyards
Pennsylvania's long legacy of winemaking dates back more than 300 years to when our founding father, William Penn, planted a vineyard in what is now Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. It wasn't until 1969, however, that Pennsylvania licensed its first wineries. In the 50+ years since, Pennsylvania's wine industry has exploded to nearly 300 wineries and 14,000 acres of vineyards. We are fifth in the nation in wine production, yielding 2 million gallons of wine annually — more than 10 million bottles!
No matter where you travel in Pennsylvania, you're never far from a top-notch winery. Here in Lancaster County, we have numerous wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms for you to explore. Plan a self-guided wine tour during your next getaway at After Eight Bed and Breakfast, with maps from the Lancaster County Wine Trail, the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail or the Pennsylvania Winery Association. We'll get you started with a few of our favorite wineries.
Head south from our historic inn to North Quarryville, where you'll find Britain Hill Venue and Vineyard. Sip on red, white, blush and fruit wines while taking in the views and serenity of the southern Lancaster County countryside. They have special events throughout the year, such as murder mystery nights, live music and food trucks, sip-and-create art parties, and more. Britain Hill's tasting room at The Livery is a little closer to After Eight and would make a great stop if you're doing other sightseeing in the area.
Waltz Vineyards is situated atop a hill on the Waltz family farm in Manheim, where the family tends to 35 acres of grapevines. Only estate-grown fruit is used in Waltz Vineyard's wine-making process. You can sample a select flight of five current-release wines in the European-inspired tasting room or enjoy your favorite red, white or rosé by the glass. Waltz Vineyards also has tasting rooms at Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse and at The Wilbur in Lititz.
While you're in Manheim, you'll also want to visit Mount Hope Estate and Winery, which has been producing award-winning wines since 1980. Over 200 years ago, the property was built as a lavish summer home. Today, it's an impressive winery, brewery and entertainment venue. Walk-ins are welcome to do a five-sample tasting, or plan ahead and reserve your space for a tasting and tour. Mount Hope will host its annual wine festival, FlavorFest, on May 27-28, where you can sample products from 25 wineries and distilleries.
Grandview Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard in the rolling hills of northwest Lancaster County. It all started in the early 2000s, when the family's patriarch developed a hobby for wine-making — a surprise to his children, as they'd never seen him consume alcohol in their Mennonite home. Visitors are invited to escape the busyness of life and sip wine in an unhurried atmosphere on Grandview's tasting deck that overlooks the 5-acre vineyard and adjacent farmland. Have a glass of their flagship wine, Grande Rouge, which represents the finest selection of their estate grapes, or sample several selections of their dry and sweet wines.
Continue your wine-tasting tour west toward the Susquehanna River, where you'll reach Nissley Vineyards. This picturesque property is beautifully set by an 18-century mill and winding creek with a stone-arch winery and 30 acres of fertile vineyards. Nissley has produced its distinctive wines here since 1977, and you can sample six wines of your choosing with guidance from their knowledgeable staff. Feel free to bring a carry-in picnic to enjoy with your wine on the spacious lawn. In the summer, Nissley's Summerfest concert series is immensely popular, drawing large crowds for live music, dancing, food and wine.
