Summer might be half over, but August and September still promise sultry, sunny days and starlit country nights. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy them than sipping some of PA’s finest vintages at Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery, set amid the gorgeous green hills of Kennett Square.
We had the opportunity to chat with Galer winemaker Virginia Mitchell, who has been with the vineyard since 2014. She shared details about this year’s popular summer wines, as well as some of the exciting events slated to make our summer memorable. Here’s what she had to say.
PA Eats: Thanks for chatting with us! What is your experience in the industry prior to coming to Galer?
Virginia Mitchell: I began making wine while earning my undergraduate degree in food science at Penn State University. Throughout my career, I have worked with industry professionals at Mazza Vineyards, Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery, and Two Hands Wines. I have continued to use these winery experiences and knowledge in my every-day routine and techniques in the cellar at Galer Estate. I’m very excited for my fourth vintage at Galer.
How have you seen PA wine drinkers evolve? Are they hard to please? How do you overcome any trepidation?
A winemaker at a small winery like Galer Estate has to balance what the consumer expects and what can actually be produced from the grapes in the vineyard. This can be challenging because we’re still learning what grapes will grow well in our soils and in this climate. What we can grow well may not be what the clientele expects.
The tasting room staff have to educate the customer on unfamiliar wines, such as Galer Estate’s Vineyard Designate un-oaked chardonnay or the vinho verde-inspired Huntress Vidal blanc. But, after tasting these two wines, they are pleasantly surprised. These two wines are normally our top summer sellers. Awards at notable international competitions also help to achieve credibility for these locally grown and produced wines.
In your opinion, what would you say are guests’ favorite summer vintages this year and why? Do you have a personal favorite?
Our guests’ favorite wine during the summer season is our Huntress Rosé, which is a Saignée method, dry rosé. The 2016 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Carmine, but the blend does change depending on the vintage.
The Red Lion Chardonnay is an all year favorite—chilled in the summer, it is very light and refreshing. My personal favorite wine is the Pinot Noir Rosé, which will be released at the end of this summer.
What do you suggest guests bring (or purchase) food wise to pair with these blends?
There are various ways to pair wines with foods, but I am a fan of pairing regionally produced foods and wine. Since our wines are grown and produced in Chester County, I think it is fitting to pair our wines with other complex foods from the region. We are currently working on a charcuterie board that includes locally made products—cheese made by The Farm at Doe Run, honey from Brandywine Bee Company, mustards from Danika’s Spreads and bread made by La Baguette Magique.
We love the artistic-rustic Red Lion Tasting Room and expansive patio. Are there any general comments you get from guests about the ambience overlooking the vineyard?
Since opening the tasting room in 2011, owners Lele and Brad Galer are still very committed to educating the consumer on what is happening in the vineyard and cellar. Guests can sit at the bar and enjoy a personalized wine tasting while peering into the wine production area.
Guests can also have a glass of wine or share a bottle while sitting on our newly expanded deck overlooking the award-winning Red Lion Chardonnay vineyard. Our Red Lion Tasting room is available for private wine tasting events throughout the year, and it’s a cozy setting for tastings in the fall and winter when the fireplace is lit.
We have live music every weekend and often host workshops—calligraphy, flower arranging and wreath making. We regularly feature local artists to have a pop-up gallery for an afternoon or weekend.
Although located conveniently behind Longwood Gardens, the tasting room offers a remote location that transports the guests into wine country. Guests love the rustic ambiance and romantic setting while enjoying their wine.
How do you encourage wine tasting and guest interaction at Galer Estate?
We offer a pre-selected wine tasting flight that highlights our seasonal wines. This flight includes four wines, and after the tasting guests can purchase a glass of wine or bottles. After the purchase of two bottles, the tasting fee is complimentary. This encourages our guests to taste our favorite wines and then find what they truly love to take home with them.
Are you running any other summer events of note?
Since the return of Longwood Garden’s Summer of Spectacle, we have been very busy, as you can see the fireworks from the winery property. We extend our normal tasting-room hours so guests can enjoy the fireworks and wine. We offer $5 glasses of our award-winning 2015 Red Lion Chardonnay during the fireworks show.
Can you hint at upcoming fall wines?
I’m very excited to be able to offer the 2015 Reserve Chardonnay, which is a lightly oaked Chardonnay from our 27-year-old vines from the lower block of the Red Lion Chardonnay vineyard. We will also be releasing the long-anticipated 2015 Huntress Red blend this fall. It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.
Any fun autumn events to look forward to?
Friday, October 6th, at 6 p.m., we will be hosting our Wine Club Pick-Up Event for our exclusive wine club members. This event will include a full dinner pairing with Galer Estate wines.
Wine Club members receive a special allocation of 12 bottles over the course of a year. We will be hosting two pick-up events per year, including a dinner pairing and a wine and cheese tasting. These events are exclusive to wine club members, and they receive various perks throughout their membership year.
Follow along on the Galer Estate Winery and Vineyard website, Facebook and Instagram.
Find Galer Estate Winery and Vineyard at 700 Folly Hill Rd.; phone: (484) 899-8013.
- Photos: Galer Estate Winery
