Breweries, wineries and distilleries in the State College area now star in a newly unveiled tasting trail that includes craft beer, wine, spirits and cider made in Central Pennsylvania.
The Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau recently released a map of the new Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail, which features several State College area establishments, including:
- Happy Valley Brewing Co., 137 Elmwood St., State College
- Otto’s Pub & Brewery, 2235 N. Atherton St., State College
- Robin Hood Brewing Co. at Home Delivery Pizza, 1820 S. Atherton St., State College
- Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining, which will open soon at 2235 N. Atherton St., State College
- Nittany Mountain Distillery, which will open soon at 201 Elmwood St., Lemont
- Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, 576 S. Foxpointe Drive, State College
- Keewaydin Cider Mill, 2235 N. Atherton St., State College
- Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, 300 Houser Road, Centre Hall
The concept, pitched by Roger Garthwaite, owner of Otto’s, veers from the traditional wine-only trail and instead combines different tastes into one experience while highlighting locally created products.
“This kind of gives you something for everybody. Everybody’s palate will be satisfied,” says Betsey Howell, executive director for the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Howell says the trail can give a boost to tourism and expose local residents to local businesses they may not have known otherwise.
“We look at it as another opportunity, another attraction, to draw people into the area. The craft beer making business, the wineries and now the distilleries are very popular throughout the country so we have an opportunity here,” says Howell.
Howell says the new trail will have a “trickle down effect” as patrons will take advantage of local lodging and restaurants.
Moving forward, the bureau expects to partner with local restaurants, hotels and inns to create trail-related packages and offers.
Elwin Stewart owns Happy Valley Winery with is wife, Barbara Christ. Stewart says wineries enhance the local economy.
“I think the local wineries play a big role in local tourism,” says Stewart. “Customers are investing in the future of this small farm. The vines are going to live to be 50 or 100 years old. This is going to be a viable business…generation to generation.”
For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail, click HERE.
POPULAR STORIES:
Penn State Football: Olaniyan & Zwinak Bring Law & Order to Offseason
State College Police Enforce Steer Clear Law Thursday
Stormwater Management Upgrades Underway at Oak Hall Regional Park
Matt Sandusky’s Interview with Oprah to Air Thursday
South Hills School Celebrates Culinary Week with Food Show
Nine Non-Profits Vying for $100,000 from Centre Foundation
Arts Fest Alcohol-Related Emergencies Exceed State Patty’s Day Figures
