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Don’t Miss the Inaugural Harvest Celebration of PA Wines

Don’t Miss the Inaugural Harvest Celebration of PA Wines

by Leigh Green

Connection is vital to any industry and key to the success of Pennsylvania’s network of wineries. The Pennsylvania Wine Association (PWA) connects consumers to locally grown and produced wines while strengthening the growing number of winemakers, viticulturalists, educators and other wine professionals throughout the state. In this spirit of connection, the PWA invites you to Harvest Celebration, an exclusive event on October 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that brings together 17 wineries, artisanal cheesemakers, gourmet food trucks, live music and your fellow wine lovers from across the Commonwealth.

The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate.

Stone Gables Estate

We learned all about this special celebration from Abigail Miller, PWA Association Director. She shared the inspiration behind this event and how it all came together.

Launching a Signature PA Wines Event

Many states designate a “wine month” to celebrate their unique wines and wineries. For California, it’s September. For Washington, it’s March and August. And, for Pennsylvania, wine month is October, corresponding with grape harvest for many of the state’s wineries. Wineries host special events all month long, allowing consumers behind the scenes into vineyards and bottling rooms. It’s a great time to explore your local wineries and sample the diverse array of fine wines the state has to offer.

Wine on table as man harvests grapes in background.

This year’s inaugural Harvest Celebration offers something new by bringing together the wineries, themselves. 17 different wineries from all parts of the state will head to Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, where you can experience them all in one place for a truly immersive day of Pennsylvania wine. 

Miller says, ”Harvest is the most exciting time of year in wine country — it’s when all the hard work of the growing season comes to fruition. We wanted to create a signature event that celebrates that energy and invites people to experience Pennsylvania wines at their best. This celebration offers the PA wine community a chance to come together, showcase the incredible diversity and quality of wines being produced here and connect directly with both seasoned wine lovers and new audiences who are curious to learn more.”

Participating wineries include:

White wine at sunset in a vineyard.

“We’re thrilled to welcome 17 wineries from every corner of Pennsylvania, representing the breadth of our state’s wine regions,” Miller says. “This group was selected to showcase a balance of styles — from bold reds and crisp whites to sparkling wines, rosés and even ciders. It’s truly a taste of the state in one place. While it’s impossible to pick favorites, we encourage guests to try something new — whether that’s a signature Bordeaux-style blend, a fresh and aromatic Grüner Veltliner, or a surprising fruit-forward cider. All of the wines featured are PA Preferred® — grown and produced right here in Pennsylvania — offering a chance to experience the terroir, craftsmanship and quality that make the PA wines so distinctive.”

The venue, Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, offers a centralized location for wineries and guests. It’s less than 20 miles from Harrisburg and offers cozy, elegant accommodationsfor those who might wish to plan a weekend getaway.

Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate.

A view of Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate

Miller says, “Stone Gables Estate offers a truly breathtaking setting that feels both historic and elevated — exactly the type of backdrop we envisioned for this celebration. With its rolling hills, a vineyard onsite, and elegant event spaces, it provides a sense of occasion while still being approachable.”

Guests are encouraged to explore the beautiful grounds of Stone Gables Estate, so wear comfortable walking shoes and layers for any temperature shifts. Bring chairs or picnic blankets to set up camp and sprawl out, or find seating in a number of areas throughout the estate. There’s ample parking in a grass lot just a short distance from the check-in tent.

Vineyard at Stone Gables Estate.

Grapevines and greenery at Stone Gables Estate

Tastings & To-Dos

While it will surely be tempting to sit back and sip at Harvest Celebration, there will be ample immersive learning experiences available to guests. 

“Education is a cornerstone of this event,” Miller says. “Guests can take part in vineyard tours to see harvest up close or attend wine education sessions led by some of Pennsylvania’s most respected wine educators and industry professionals. Highlights include: a vineyard tour with the winemaker who oversees Stone Gables Estate’s vineyard, a PA vs. the World tasting, a deep dive into Pennsylvania Pinot Noir, regenerative viticulture and more. The goal is to make learning fun, hands-on and approachable — whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a true enthusiast.”

In addition to the Harvest Celebration, PA Wines will also celebrate the winners of the 2025 Sommelier Judgement of PA Wines. The “Best of” Category winners will be announced and the Top 10 winning wines acknowledged.

Grapes hanging on the vine.

The day’s schedule includes:

  • 12:00 – 12:30pm: Announcement of Best of Category Winners for Sommelier Judgement of PA Wines (Star Barn)
  • 12:00 – 1:00pm: PA Wine & Cheese Pairing with Somm Judgement Winners (Star Barn)
  • 12:30 – 1:00pm: PIWIs: Fungus Resistance to Future Vineyard Strategies with Matt Kirkland, PhillyWine (St. Michael’s Vineyard)
  • 1:00 – 1:30pm: A Wines takes on the World with Bob Trimble, Philly Wine Guy (St. Michael’s Vineyard)
  • 2:00 – 2:30pm: Vineyard Tour with Zach Waltz, Waltz Vineyards (St. Michael’s Vineyard)
  • 2:30 – 3:00pm: Wine & Chocolate Pairing with Estelle Tracy, 37 Chocolates (Star Barn)
  • 3:00 – 3:30pm: Pennsylvania Pinot Noir with Carrie Lyn Strong, Strong Wine Consulting (S. Michael’s Vineyard)

There will also be gourmet food trucks, PA-made artisanal cheeses and live music performed by The Quixote Project, who blend Americana, folk and roots-inspired sounds in an upbeat, soulful style.

Man and women with wine.

The inaugural Harvest Celebration is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth and set to become a hallmark event for Pennsylvania wine. Miller says, “Our vision is for this to become an annual celebration of Pennsylvania wine and harvest. Each year, we hope to expand, welcoming new wineries, adding fresh educational components and continuing to elevate the guest experience. Our goal is to make this a ‘must-attend’ event that highlights the quality, diversity, and vibrancy of the Pennsylvania wine industry.”

A vineyard at Stone Gables Estate.

Vineyard at Stone Gables Estate

To be a part of this very special fête, reserve your tickets today. Harvest Festival takes place October 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stone Gables Estate, 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown. General admission tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For questions or more information, contact The Pennsylvania Wine Association at [email protected], (717) 308-8488.