When people think about visiting Lancaster County, wineries are generally not on anyone’s radar. Most plan their trip around experiencing Pennsylvania Dutch Country – Lancaster is home to the oldest Amish communities in the United States! Lancaster’s wine region is much newer in comparison, with most wineries in the area opening within the last 50 years. But like the Amish, many of these vineyards are family owned farms with a focus on local traditions.
Now unlike other counties in Pennsylvania, Lancaster unfortunately doesn’t have a dedicated wineries trail. I’m assuming it’s because there aren’t quite as many wineries here as in the surrounding counties. But don’t fret! There is a Craft & Cork Trail instead, where you can earn points and prizes by checking in at participating locations.
Interested in other Pennsylvania wine regions? Check out my guides to Montgomery and Bucks counties!
Highlighted Lancaster County Wineries
Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery
1599 Old Line Rd, Manheim, PA
They’ve produced ‘European style’ wines here since 2000, solely using grapes grown on the estate. But what’s the difference between European and American style wines? American style tends to be more fruit-forward with a higher alcohol content, while European wine is much subtler.
I’m not going to lie, the location confused me at first. It looks like a normal house! I honestly thought we’d gotten turned around when my brother pulled up to it. You can make a tasting reservation online.
ShortGirl Favorite: Stiegel Rose
Nissley Vineyards
140 Vintage Dr, Bainbridge, PA
Opened in 1978, Nissley Vineyards is the winery in Lancaster that most locals have heard of or been to. It’s a beautiful location and many locals get married here – it’s even where my brother proposed to his now wife! During the summer they host their Music at the Vineyards concert series – just bring your own chair to enjoy an afternoon of music and wine. I need to make another visit, as I realized I don’t have any photos (besides Jasper watching a Penn State game on his phone during one of the concerts). Tasting flights are available here year round.
ShortGirl Favorite: Rhapsody in Blue
Grandview Vineyard
1489 Grandview Rd, Mount Joy, PA
Of all the Lancaster County wineries I’ve been to, Grandview is the one that reminds me the most of wineries in the Finger Lakes. The vineyard grounds are beautiful, which is why they ended up as the featured photo at the beginning of the post! Seating here is entirely first-come first-served. Besides straight wine flights, they also have cheese/snack pairing options.
ShortGirl Favorite: Blossom
Mount Hope Estate & Winery
2775 Lebanon Rd, Manheim, PA
I wasn’t originally sure I wanted to mention Mount Hope Estate & Winery, because I wasn’t really crazy about the wines. But if you’re already headed to the Renaissance Faire, why not stop in for a wine tasting first? Before the entrance to the Faire, just look for the building with a sign that says, “Wine Shop”. Besides wine they also serve local beer, cider, and spirits.
Meduseld Meadery
252 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
If you’re in Downtown Lancaster, don’t miss a stop at Meduseld Meadery. I know not everyone would consider mead to be wine, because it doesn’t use grapes. Instead it is made by fermenting honey mixed with water. It’s commonly referred to as ‘honey wine’ so I thought that warranted a mention on this list. They also have axe throwing on site!
ShortGirl Favorite: Creamy Peaches
Other Highly-Rated Wineries and Tasting Rooms
There are a number of other Lancaster County wineries and tasting rooms that, while I haven’t visited yet myself, have great reviews and are on my ‘to-visit’ list!
Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard
Website – 790 Little Britain Rd N, Quarryville, PA
This women-run winery features a wide variety: red, white, blush, fruit, sparkling, and dessert. So a little something for everyone! They have tastings available in a flight of 4.
Cullari Vineyards & Winery Tasting Room
Website – 2 E 28th Division Hwy, Lititz, PA
The vineyards are located in Hershey, which is in Derry County, but they do have a tasting room in Lancaster County (so it kind of counts). Keep in mind tastings are first-come first-served and this tasting room is on the smaller side.
Glasshouse Wineworks
Website – 8 S Charlotte St, Manheim, PA
This boutique winery makes their wine using grapes grown in Lititz and Manheim. The tasting room is open year-round and they have an outdoor wine garden in the summer months.
Weathered Vineyards
Website – 900-A W Main St, Ephrata, PA
Like with Cullari, this technically is just a tasting room. The actual winery is located in New Tripoli, Lehigh County.
Tonnino Winery
Website – 945 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA
As a lover of Italian wines, I felt like I had to include Tonnino on this list even though all of their wines are produced and bottled in Sicily before being imported to Lancaster.
Have a favorite Lancaster County winery? Let me know in the comments!
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