Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, Ltd. Information

We began our dream in 1986 by planting the initial vineyard of five acres consisting of French Hybrid varietals, such as Chambourcin, Vignoles, and Vidal Blanc. However, through research and experience, we discovered that the Lehigh Valley provides an excellent micro-climate for growing not only French Hybrid grapes, but also European varietals due to well-drained soil and our terrain being very similar to central and northern parts of France. Joe felt that with the similar climate and a soil composition (shale and limestone) that is nearly identical to part of the Loire and Burgundy regions in France, he would be able to produce world class "old world"​ style wines. Therefore, in 1988 the winery expanded the vineyard another 5 acres, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. In 1993, our winery was established and was housed in two bays of our three car garage at our home just above the now existing winery. In 1995, we built our winery as it stands today, with a few additions. In the fall of 1997, we purchased a parcel of land that came with a significant historical background, dating back to pre-Revolutionary War. In fact, the land has been accepted in the National Register of Historical Places. In the spring of 1998, we planted 20 acres of mostly vinifera grapes with the addition of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Riesling vines. In the Spring of 2007, we constructed a winemaking facility and have established an additional new winery - Leaser Lake Vineyards. Our plan is to continue to plant vines over the next several years, which will bring the total acreage in vine to 100 acres. In an effort to produce International award-winning wines, we strive to use only grapes grown in our vineyard to produce the high-quality wines. The grapes are handpicked at their peak of ripeness to assure the best quality fruit for our wines. In April 2008, we were granted the designation of an American Viticulture Area (AVA).