“What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile.” –William Sokolin
 Those who enjoy fine wine and the great outdoors look forward to area wine festivals. Taste wine from the finest Pennsylvania wineries at an extremely reasonable price and enjoy great food and live entertainment.
The Wine Festival at Sno Cove, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, will take place on Saturday, June 4th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy more than a dozen PA wineries and pay tribute to the military. Information is available at www.snocove.com.
The Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival is a two-day outdoor festival at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club, Lake Harmony, on June 18th and 19th, from noon-6 p.m. Educational seminars will be available. Visit www.splitrockresort.com for details.
The Back Mountain Wine Festival, at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas, will take place on Saturday, July 30th, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Inquire at (570) 836-5253.
One of the largest in NEPA is the 8th Annual Wyalusing Valley Wine Festival (www.wyalusingwinefestival.com). This year it will be held on Saturday, September 10th, from noon-6 p.m. Enjoy 15 Pennsylvania wineries. Proceeds benefit the Wyalusing Valley Museum Association and Wyalusing Lions and Lioness clubs.
Visit the Harvest Wine Festival, at Lazybrook Park, in Tunkhannock, on Saturday, October 8th, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. If interested, contact the Tunkhannock Rotary Club at (570) 836-1247.
Basic Senses
Before pouring that glass of wine, let’s discuss glassware. The shape of a wine glass can have a subtle impact on how wine is perceived. An egg-shaped glass will serve the purpose perfectly. Often at wine festivals, a complimentary glass is included with the admission price.
Examine the color and clarity of the wine. Don’t see red, white, or blush. Instead, notice maroon, purple, ruby, or garnet hues. An older red wine will have more of an orange tendency than younger reds. Is the white wine clear, pale yellow, light green, or golden? Older white wines tend to be darker than their younger counterparts. Also examine the wine’s opacity, looking for sediment or bits of cork.
When you swirl your glass for 10-12 seconds, some of the wine’s alcohol will vaporize and release more of its natural aroma, an excellent indicator of quality and unique characteristics. What do you smell? Hints of citrus, flowers, oak, berry, or citrus? Swirl your glass again and let the aromas mingle for a second impression.
Start off with a small sip and let the wine roll around in your mouth, noting sensations on the palate. With a red wine, experience fruity flavors like berry, plum, prune, or fig; spices such as cinnamon, pepper, or clove; and smoke or wood flavors such as oak or cedar. A white wine may taste more earthy, with an apple, pear and tropical or citrus fruit flavoring and perhaps even spiced with honey, butter, or herbs.
Take notes. Jot down the overall performance of the wine and how it might pair with food. Was it sweet, sour, or bitter? What would it taste like with cheese, breads, and yes, of course, chocolate? What type of meals would you serve it with? Be sure to record the winery and vintage year.
Visit a Local Winery or Vineyard
Bartolai Winery 2377 SR 92, Coolidge Avenue, Exeter Township. Fourth-generation winemakers, Vince and Ray Bartolai, offer a vast selection of fine wine, olive oils, and specialty foods. Rent the tasting room for parties or events. On Sundays, explore the Tuscan Room and enjoy a traditional cup of Italian coffee. For hours and evening entertainment listings, visit www.bartolaiwinery.com.
Pavlick Hill Vineyard 3250 Route 118, Dallas. Started by Bill and Denise Karlotski in January of 2009, they currently operate a one-acre vineyard. New wines this year include the Syrah, a pleasing red with blackberry and subtle pepper undertones, and Sweet Sanity is back for 2011. The store is adorned with corks decorated by patrons for its Corkvine Contest. Store hours and a listing of wine festivals the Karlotskis will attend is found at www.pavlickhill.com.
Nimble Hill Vineyard & Winery Showroom 3971 SR6, Tunkhannock. Gary and Ellie Toczko started their business in 2009 so they could work alongside their family. They recently opened a new store at 400 Spruce Street, in Scranton, and offer a large variety of wines. For a list of festivals they will attend, locations and hours, visit www.nimblehill.com.
So, shake off the winter blues and head out to the nearest festival or vineyard near you. Visit www.nepawinecountry.com for inspiration. Salute!
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