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!

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

• 1.5 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter – room temperature
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup sour cream 
• 1.5 cups blueberries – divided
• 1/2 tablespoon flour

Lemon Drizzle

• 1.5 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh squeeze lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Spray or butter the bottom and sides of a 9×5 loaf pan.
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside when finished.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time.  Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream and mix until combined. 
5. Add the flour mixture in batches just until well incorporated in the wet ingredients.
6. Toss the blueberries in 1/2 tablespoon of flour.  This will help them to not sink to the bottom of the cake.
7. Gently fold 1 cup of blueberries into the batter, reserving the final 1/2 cup of berries to sprinkle on top of the cake after if is in the pan.
8. Pour batter into a buttered bread loaf pan and sprinkle remaining berries on the top.
9. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling down.

Lemon Drizzle

1. Stir together the confectioners sugar with the lemon juice and lemon zest.
2. Drizzle on the top of the cooled cake.  Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest if desired.

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

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"

Nui Nui Kitchen
For over a decade Chef Nui Kullana has been delighting the Phoenixville area with authentic Thai cuisine. In 2019, Nui & husband, French Chef Francis Pascal opened an outstanding, elevated Thai-French fusion restaurant that elegantly presents the comforting and familiar flavors we cherish in both cuisines. Pairing wine with their menu is an exciting exploration of unique flavors. Our Traminette '19, a well balanced off-dry style bursting with floral notes, lychee & pear lends itself beautifully to Nui Nui's savory and spicy dishes with their occasional touches of sweetness. We love the Evil Jungle Princess, a boldy spiced dish with sauteed veggies and red curry basil sauce. Another great pairing with Traminette is the Pineapple Fried Rice with veggies, raisins, cashews, fresh pineapple & egg. 

Nui Nui Kitchen is open daily for pickup and delivery. Check out their website for their full menu of tasty Thai Dumplings,  Drunken Noodles, Soups & more!
www.nuinuikitchen.com  

Uncle B's
This place brings the real deal, finger-lickin' Southern-style BBQ with choice smoked meats slathered in an array of delicious sauces and all the savory side dishes your BBQ-lovin' heart desires. Wine and BBQ may not be the first thing you think of, but we're telling you once you experience the wonders of our bold & smoky Merlot Reserve with a dry rubbed Smoked Brisket Sammy slathered in their Kansas City Sauce, you'll be wondering why you haven't been doing this all along. Notes of cacao and black currant melt perfectly into the juicy, smoky meat while the big fruit fruit flavors, hints of mocha and silky body dance perfectly with the traditional sweet & tangy sauce. 

The side dishes and apps are numerous and crazy delicious. Pimento Cheese, Street Corn, Spicy Slaw, Pulled Pork Bomb Deviled Eggs, Fried Okra and more- the only down side of Uncle B's is having to choose. But they're open six days a week so you have plenty of opportunities to chow your way through flavor paradise. 

Scale up or down with portion sizes to fit every eater whether you're feeding the fam or flyin' solo. Order online for pick up or delivery.
www.unclebsbarbq.com

Il Granaio

Absolutely delicious rustic and traditional Italian fare with a modern twist. With tender homemade pastas and an emphasis on traditional seafood dishes, Il Granaio will make you feel like you're having a night out while enjoying take out at home. Their Covid menu is pared down version of their usual selection, but still full of many classic favorites. Our dry Rose '19 with note of white cherry & apricot complements several menu items, starting with the Beet & Burrata app drizzled with a white wine vinaigrette topped with crispy pancetta. Rose also pairs wonderfully with one of our favorites, the Paccheri Della Casa (jumbo lump crab,shrimp, artichokes & spinach in a pink brandy sauce). This wine has a dewy minerality and crisp acidity that complements the fruits of the sea. Conclude your evening in with their homemade and sweetly refreshing Lemon Cream Cake or go full on Italian and get the Canoli. 

Il Granaio has location in Glen Mills as well and both are open Tues- Sunday for curbside pickup. Check out their menu online and call ahead to place your order.
​Phoenixville - ilgranaiopa2.com/
Glen Mills - ​ilgranaiopa.com/

​“Myself and a few friends finally became members about a year or 2 ago and we are so happy we did. There is a core group of ladies that love to spend  a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, just sitting outside wtih a picnic, sipping on Penns Woods wines and listening to live music.”

Q: What were some of your favorite parts about your job at the winery in Mexico?
A: I loved leading the wine tour group to the winery facilities, describing the wine process of Methode Champenoise (which is a method of making sparkling wine by allowing the last stage of fermentation to take place in the bottle; the specialty of her winery). I enjoyed coordinating four major events each year at the winery; the Paella Festival, Harvest Festival, Local Vendor Fair and VIP "Dinner Inside the Caves". I also loved helping to export wines to Japan and Germany, as well as developing private wine labels for retailers in which I was a part of executing design label strategy and providing the customer service of multiple domestic wine brands. Finally, the best part about my job...tasting wine every day, of course!

Q: What do you miss most about Mexico?
A: I miss the food, my family, my friends, former coworkers and the weather. Although, now I have a new family and amazing coworkers in Penns Woods Winery. I enjoy the freedom in America, the amazing wines, nature, the birds, the people, the history, and the culture. I enjoy listening to the National Anthem and the pride with which people defend America.  ​

Think Globally, Drink Locally! For nearly 20 years, Abruzzo native Gino Razzi has sought to produce premium wines that express the unique terroir of Pennsylvania. Our winemaking and vineyard management employs Old World technique while incorporating innovative technology and utilizing 100% PA Grown, hand-harvested grapes from our two distinct vineyard sites. 
​
We invite you to become a part of our story, explore and drink in all that Pennsylvania has to offer. A Penns Woods Wine Club membership offers exclusive events, discounts and keeps you up to date on recent releases as well as ensures availability of our limited production wines. Join our exciting community of wine enthusiasts and start using your benefits immediately! 

Our club offers three distinctive membership levels, Estate, Premier Cru & Grand Cru. Each quarterly allocation includes detailed notes on the wines, aging potential and pairing suggestions along with the recipes for you to try out at home! 

To sign up and for more details on becoming a part of our family winery, follow the link below for extended details on the benefits at each membership level. 
https://www.pennswoodsevents.com/wine-club.html  

"Being a member of the Penns Woods Wine Club sometimes I take the staff for granted. They do everything so well and seamlessly that it’s easy to forget the work that goes into making this the premier wine club anywhere. Since our new reality has begun (during quarantine), Penns Woods has been the best out of all the clubs I belong to in staying connected to its members and the general wine consumers. This is the fourth week of a virtual wine experience for Penns Woods and some of the larger wine clubs that I belong to are just now starting the virtual experience. I want to thank the staff and management of Penns Woods for being innovative and keeping us connected to the winery. I know it’s not always easy, but it is very much appreciated."-John Green (our 1st Wine Club Member)