If you have ever found yourself staring out the window and daydreaming about relaxing at a little bistro table sipping a glass of wine while overlooking a serene vineyard, you are not alone. Wine lovers in Western Pennsylvania need not lament the false notion that they must pack their bags and travel hundreds or thousands of miles to live that dream. 

Pennsylvania is home to more than four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do. 

Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy the tranquil ten-acre vineyard from a Tuscan-inspired winery as they savor a glass of their estate-made wine.  Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today, it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo, and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351

Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned farm that specializes in berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500

Up we go into the Allegheny Mountains to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery will surely include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424

Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658

If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in Pittsburgh’s “Strip District”. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000

These are only a few suggestions to pique your interest. I will add new wineries for you to try in future posts. I urge you to do a little research on the Internet, and I’m sure you will be surprised by the number of interesting options you will discover in your area. Have fun, and always drink responsibly. Cheers!

Photo Credit: (Left To Right) Ripepi Winery & Vineyard, Bella Terra Vineyards, Greendance Winery