Meet Jim & Lisa Cipolloni! Jim & Lisa have been visiting Penns Woods Winery since 2013! It all started when Lisa did some research on romantic events to attend for Valentine's Day around the area. Luckily, Lisa stumbled upon our Wine & Chocolate pairing and immediately emailed Jim "We have a winery really close to us. This looks like fun ; )". Jim said, since that pairing, they were hooked on Penns Woods wine...and that is where our friendship with the Cipollonis began!
The Cipollonis found their love for wine back in 2011/2012; influenced a bit by some of their family members. Neither one of them was sure what kind of wines they preferred, so they started as many of us do...visiting different local wineries and experiencing various tastings! Now, whenever they travel, they always look for local places to try. Their second favorite winery is Two Sisters in Niagara on the Lake in Ontario, Canada. This was one they stumbled upon a few years back with some friends, and have since revisited just last year with family. But, their adventures are just beginning...Napa & Sonoma are still on the horizon. Jim & Lisa have always enjoyed wine & food pairings, which is why their favorite event at Penns Woods is the Harvest Dinner! On occasion, they also appreciate the pairing events at the Gables. Jim & Lisa are very active members not only at Penns Woods winery, but attending local events in the community! If you ever see the Cipollonis at the winery, you will most likely spot Jim sipping on our Cabernet Franc while Lisa is indulging in our Traminette! They are both so eager to sit outside at the vineyard, relaxing, and enjoying the various wines with their family and friends...and we sure are too! We look forward to having our incredible members and customers back at the winery as soon as we are able. We feel incredibly honored to have had Jim & Lisa find come into our Tasting Room 7 years ago, and we can't wait for another 7 years of memories with them. Cheers to this amazing couple!!
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![]() This week we've paired our Sauvignon Blanc '19 with this dippable Mexican Street Corn Dish! This dip has all the flavors of summer- perfect to kick off the season this weekend for Memorial Day! This creamy, melty cheese dish is perfectly balanced by the bright acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc with the sweet corn mingling perfectly with the wine's tropical flavors. The pops of fresh lime juice and hints of spice from the jalapeño complement the citrusy notes in the wine and underlying green notes. This dip is an incredibly satisfying dish that is sure to be the star of all your backyard BBQs this season! INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter 2 ⅓ cups Fresh Corn Kernels 1 Jalapeño, seeded & finely chopped 1 block of Cream Cheese ¼ cup Mexican Crema or Sour Cream 1 cup shredded Monteray Jack 1 cup crumbled Queso Fresco 2 tbsp fresh Lime Juice Garlic Salt, Cayenne or Chili Powder, fresh cracked Black Pepper. Chopped Cilantro for garnish Tortilla Chips for dipping DIRECTIONS
Back in 2010, Andrea moved to this area from Georgia and started working at Penns Woods Winery. After a year of settling in, she knew she was ready for a furry companion. She did her research and found an organization in Wilmington, DE. She chose Harper just after seeing one picture and her mind and heart were set. It was not until she got Harper that she found out Harper was also from Georgia!! It was clear, it was a match made in heaven. Harper has worked at PWW since 2012 and is a loyal staff member and mighty asset to the Penns Woods team. Harper's official title is "Pest Manager" as she assists in the vineyard by overseeing all operations and pest management. When Harper first visited the Tasting Room, she was timid and shy. It only took her a few years to come into herself. The vineyard gave her the opportunity to come out of her shell and she has made a beautiful mark on the business ever since. Many other vineyards have vineyard dogs that have been a vital part to their operation, but we wholeheartedly feel we are the luckiest of them all. Harper is just as hard-working, passionate, and caring as the rest of the Penns Woods team, and we owe a lot of our success to this amazing girl. The vineyard would not be the same without her! Check out more about our favorite staff member below!
"Harper is always aware of everything that's going on at the vineyard and is constantly on the lookout for intruders (groundhogs, deers, etc.) She makes everyone working in the vineyard feel at home, always passing by them throughout the day to get a little attention.
In my opinion, and from most people that know Harper, she has changed so much over the years since her start working in the vineyard and tasting room. She started out shy and timid, but has blossomed into such a loving, loyal companion and gained her nickname "Terminator" from Gino. The vineyard has truly become Harper's home. She and I have shared many great moments there through rain, snow, heat, severe winds and extremely cold temperatures. Through it all, she always stays by my side and never gives up! " -Davide ![]() Blueberry Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake Last week our GM Andrea Creato whipped up a few loaves of these sweet thangs & was kind enough to share with our management team. This recipe is perfect for spring! Its sweet but not heavy with fresh lemon in the cake and the glaze that gives bright pops of flavor while you enjoy sweet, juicy blueberries in each bite! I know what you're thinking- sour cream? In a cake? But sour cream is actually a wonderful baking ingredient that gives cake a very moist body without losing that fluffy cake quality we love and the slight tang of the sour cream in this recipe sings perfectly with the lemon! (Tip: We've also had success with adding in mayo to chocolate cake as well!). This is an easy dessert that not only looks beautiful but tastes wonderful! We paired it with our new Brut Rose, the peachy, cherry & apple skin notes mingled well with the fresh fruit in the cake while the bubbles augment the citrusy notes in this dessert. This would also pair well with our semi-sweet Moscato Rose '19 with the juicy watermelon notes singing the same spring tune as the citrus in the cake while the hint of effervescence and refreshing finish lift up the sweeter notes on both sides! Ingredients
Lemon Drizzle
Lemon Drizzle
Bundt Pan Directions: Double the cake batter recipe for a bundt pan and cook an additional 15-30 minutes as needed, until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. This recipe was developed by Jennifer Grissom for more recipes check out her website: www.savorwithjennifer.com ![]() The Ramans have been enthusiastic supporters of Penns Woods since first visiting us in 2014 and we are so lucky to have them as members in our Grand Cru Wine Club. They are always up for conversation with our staff and bring bright smiles with them upon each visit. They love our Cabernet Sauvignon and particularly enjoy listening to live music on a sunny day and receiving the special recipes we pair with each wine in their quarterly Wine Club allotment. Learn more about Ashok Raman and his family through our Q&A with him! Q & A With Ashok Raman:Q: Do you have a favorite varietal? Do you have a favorite vintage of that varietal at Penns Woods? A: My favorite varietal is the Cabernet Sauvignon. Hands down, it would have to be the 2009 Penns Woods Cabernet Sauvignon. It is perhaps one of the best wines I have ever had. Q: What is the perfect scene for you to enjoy wine? A: Summer in the vineyard with live music and family. We've tried to bring that feeling home, too. We built a "wine shrine" in our basement right next to our music room to enjoy the ambiance and the love we have for opening a good bottle of wine. ![]() Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies? A: Home automation and riding my Moto-Guzzi. Q: What types of wine do you typically go for and what are you drinking right now? A: Any full-bodied red. I am currently enjoying some good Barolos. Q: What is your favorite event at Penns Woods? A: My favorite event at Penns Woods is Father's Day. It is the only day my kids listen to me ;). Seriously, the weather is usually nice and warm and there is always great music and wonderful vibes at the vineyard. ![]() Q: What are you looking forward to most when our business is back in full effect? A: With summer coming, I am hoping I can spend weekends at Penns Woods with live music and family. Q: How did you get into wine? A: A friend gifted me a 1997 bottle of Kendall Jackson Merlot and I loved it. Q: Do you enjoy traveling and visiting other wineries? A: Of course! Some of the best wineries other than Penns Woods are in Temecula Valley in Southern California. Q: How did you find out about Penns Woods? A: I stumbled upon a bottle of your wine at White Dog Café in Paoli and really enjoyed it. My first visit to the vineyard was during the holiday season, and it was magical. It's funny, actually. During our first trip in 2014, we saw a lovely couple get engaged and we knew, right off the bat, that this place was something special. Now we celebrate every small victory with a bottle of your wine and a family trip to the vineyard. Ashok and his beautiful family have been a part of Penns Woods family for many years. Ashok has a tremendous love of wine and has been one of Penns Woods biggest supporters. We look forward to seeing the entire Raman family at Penns Woods again very soon! -Andrea Creato
![]() White Dog Cafe Haverford - Wayne - University City We've spent the last two months missing the seasonal and inspired fare of WDC as they had shut down all locations to Covid-19 but they are back in action as of the 5th and we couldn't be happier! If there's a more scrumptious burger than Green Meadow Farms Double Cheddar Burger we haven't met it. The char on the burg, crisp veggies & fresh baked bun are all-American perfection! Pair with our Bancroft Cabernet Sauvignon, the zippy acidity cuts through the juicy burger as bright red fruit notes balance the savory flavors and earthy, gripping tannins correlate with the grilled meat. We also love the Spicy Lamb Bolognese! This rich and hearty dish does well with a robust, yet nuanced red with notes of spice. Our Cabernet Franc Reserve perfectly fits the bill with an acidity to brighten this sturdy dish while notes of black cherry, plum, peppercorn and dried tobacco do a perfect dance with all the flavors. White Dog's efforts to incorporate responsibly farmed and locally sourced ingredients ensure every dish is fresh, delightful and supporting our local economy. Items on their limited menu can be ordered ala carte or enjoy the Family Meal for Four deal at $45 per person that includes an appetizer, entree and two sides. Perfect for a delicious Mother's Day dinner! Takeout or Delivery Tues- Sat 4-8pm menu availability may vary due to location. www.whitedog.com ![]() Four Seasons Hotel - Philadelphia Bring the elegance of the Four Seasons to your home and give your mother an unforgettable culinary experience that will have the whole family whisked from isolation to vacation at your dining room table! The menu highlights ingredients from the spring harvest of local farms. A classic French main course features Snake River Farm Wagyu Tenderloin with a beautiful Potato Fondant as well as Mushroom and Asparagus Fricassee. Incredibly tender, buttery soft wagyu needs a wine that considers and complements the texture, weight and delicate flavors. Our Proprietor Reserve '17, an estate-grown blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmine is medium bodied with a balanced acidity that complements a high fat content and smooth-textured meat with finely structured tannins that stand up to this substantial cut without overwhelming it. Notes of dark fruit, vanilla and oregano are flavorful yet subtle enough to not overpower the charm of this special dish. The prix fixe package starts at $75 per person, includes 5-courses with add-ons that include pastries, floral arrangements, spa gift cards, a thoughtful Charity Meal delivery to a CHOP Hospital and of course wine (be sure to look for yours truly). Order on Tock www.exploretock.com/fourseasonshotelphiladelphia?tock_source=tock&tock_medium=city_page&tock_content=carousel-Four%20Seasons%20Hotel%20-%20Philadelphia ![]() Cry Baby Pasta Philadelphia Don't let the current circumstances get you down or ruin tradition. Mother's Day Brunch is still happening and Cry Baby Pasta has created an expanded menu just for the occasion! We are looking forward to the Proscuitto Fritta with carmelized fennel and gruyere and we'd be lying if we didn't say the Spinach Cannollini with wild mushroom and ricotta didn't turn our heads too. Nothing says brunch like a bottle of bubbles so be sure to snap up our new (and first ever!) brut Rose. A crisp and refreshing sparkler that greets you with pink lady apple and apricot and leaves you with notes of peach skin and melon. If you like things a bit sweeter our Moscato '19 is your bellini replacement with notes of juicy peach, lychee and pineapple wrapped in a feel good effervescence. Snag a whole Raspberry Lemonade Cake or bake at home Cinnamon Buns with cream cheese icing while you're at it and have a fun little day party at home. It's clearly worth mentioning this place has some off the best homemade pasta and sauces around. If you're looking for dinner, Cry Baby has a rotating cast of dishes, some with by the quart options! Open for Pick Up & Delivery https://crybabypasta.com/
"I've always liked wine and really started appreciating it when I was an art student in Florence. I also took a class in Paris one summer and while there I discovered how great Rosé can be! Although at that time, I chose my wines based on how pretty the label was. I'd be lying if I don't still do that sometimes now, haha"
We are the lucky ones to have staff members such as Paula who are so eager to constantly learn more! Cheers to you, Paula!!
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AboutGo behind the scenes with the Penns Woods Winery team in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2023
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