Day Trip Guide: Wineries Within 2 Hours of Philly

Wine country in Pennsylvania and New Jersey may not be as well known as say, Napa, California, but there are many area wineries where you can enjoy a relaxing tasting experience.

Arindam Basu, a local wine educator, shared his recommendations for wineries near Philadelphia on the City Cast Philly podcast last fall — though according to Basu, vineyards and wineries have something to offer every season. Here are some of his recommendations (plus some of our own research, too).

History

In 1682, William Penn planted grapes to make wine in what is now Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, according to the Pennsylvania Winery Association. By 1900, wine production had spread to every county in the commonwealth. Today, there are over 350 wineries in Pennsylvania, while neighboring New Jersey is home to more than 50.

What To Expect

Area vineyards offer a wide variety of experiences. Some invite food trucks or bands to perform on the weekend, while others specialize in low-key tastings with cheese and crackers. Some wineries allow outside food, but many do not, so it’s best to do your research before visiting. Find out if reservations are required, and ask if the winery has rules about bringing kids, or bringing a dog, if you are planning an excursion for the whole family.

What Kinds of Wine You’ll Find

Most local wineries make a broad range of wines, said Basu. Rosés and blushes are popular, as are sweeter wines like moscato. Hybrid varieties such as Vidal Blanc, a white grape, or Chambourcin abound in our area. Vidal is often used to make a sweet, dessert wine, while Chambourcin is often pressed to make dry red wines, or blended with other reds, according to Basu.

Here are his picks for wineries to visit, all within a couple hours of Philly.

In Pennsylvania

In New Jersey

🍇 To make a whole weekend out of your wine-tasting adventure, check out Pennsylvania's Wine Trails.