Wineries Are Abundant In Chesco

CHESTER COUNTY, PA —Fall is the favorite time of year for Chester County wineries.

The grapes begin to grow in March throughout the more rural areas of Chester, Lancaster, Montgomery and Bucks counties and other wine-growing areas. In September and October, the grapes are harvested for winemaking.

The wine industry began to ramp up in Chester County in the 1980s when a state law was passed to allow wineries to produce wine with grapes grown in Pennsylvania.

Here is a sampling of the wineries in Chester County:

• Chaddsford Winery: located a mile from the Brandywine River Museum, Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike. The winery is among the oldest and largest wineries in Pennsylvania. The winery produces dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. Dogs are welcome at the winery on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24 dogs are welcome.
• Penns Woods Winery: 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford. The winery was founded by Gino Razzi, and Italian immigrant, in 2001. In 2012, he added a second winery in Coatesville. The vineyard features live music every weekend in October.
• Stargazers Vineyard: 1024 Wheatland Drive, Coatesville. Grapes were recently harvested for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Bottle service ends one hour before closing. Reservations are available at 610-486-0422.
• Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery: 700 Folly Hill Road, Kennett Square. Produces Pinot Noir, Gris, Chardonnay, French-style, Rose. Wine tastings are offered. Open Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m.
• Stone Barn Cellars Winery: 3025 Pottstown Pike, Spring City. A tasting room in a 150-year-old stone barn with a deck overlooking French Creek. Open 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Serves Artisan pizza and charcuterie boards.