WayVine Winery & Vineyard Review
Address: 4374 Forge Rd Nottingham,Pennsylvania 19363.
Phone Number: 610-220-0128
Tasting Hours: Fri 5:00-8:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-6:00 or by appt.
Region: Lancaster Valley AVA, Pennsylvania
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Review Date: 12/29/2015
Reviewer: Laura Cropper
Rating: 5
The Review
Tucked away in scenic Nottingham, Pennsylvania, Wilson Vineyard is a wonderful destination. After travelling from the west coast to the east coast to visit family over the holidays, we decided to get out of the house together and visit a local winery. The winery and tasting room, set far back from the road, looks like a postcard, and we could not have asked for a more welcoming and friendly host. Nancy Wilson charmed us with her stories of how the whole family is involved with the vineyard and winery. The property is set on 13 acres of land, and the vineyard, first planted in 2010, grows approximately twelve different varieties. And of course, who could forget Ava, the winery dog.
The tasting room comes complete with barrels, tanks, tables, a tasting bar and retail area. Nancy led us through a tasting of white and red wines. We tasted a Riesling, a Sauvignon Blanc and two Chardonnays. Chardonnay fans usually favor one of two styles: buttery and oaky or crisp with citrus fruit. The winemaker, Zach Wilson, produces both styles and does a fabulous job with each.
After the white wines, we tasted a Barbera, a Cabernet Franc and finished with my favorite, Carmine, a cold hardy cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignane. Across the board, Zach makes fantastic wines. When I found out that Mark Chien, the Viticulture Extension Educator at Penn State University, said that the vineyard on the property is “one of the best in the region”, I wasn’t the least bit surprised.
In addition to the tasting room, there is gorgeous, locally produced art and jewelry on display and available for purchase. The artwork, located throughout the winery, is beautiful. Most of the artwork is winery-themed but some of the works feature other landscapes or abstracts. There is also a retail area of gifts and logo wear to help you commemorate your visit. After we finished our tasting, Nancy showed us around the property. The patio boasts stunning views, and on a summer afternoon would be a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine.
Based on the quality of the wines and the generous hospitality we received, I have no doubt that Wilson Vineyards will be one of the more successful wineries in Pennsylvania. Although I am somewhat “wine spoiled” by living in the heart of California wine country, I am already looking forward to my next trip back to Pennsylvania and Wilson Vineyard to taste their new wines and visit with the family.