The concept of like-minded, drinks-related businesses joining forces to promote their wares is hardly a new concept. Wineries have been at it for years, craft brewers are now doing it in record numbers, and distillers, such as those in Kentucky, have even developed statewide trails to attract enthusiastic visitors.
The myriad of beverage alcohol producers across Centre County thought it would be a good idea to combine all three disciplines under the auspices of a single trail to cross-promote their fine products, and a couple of years ago decided to do just that. The Central PA Tasting Trail was born, uniting spirited craft-beverage producers with interested patrons, and has been a popular attraction ever since.
Thought to be the first in the country to appeal to adult drinkers of all types and tastes, the Tasting Trail has become a destination in itself, and includes nearly every Centre County winery, brewery, cidery, and distillery, encouraging couples, friends, and groups to tour together.
Tasting Trail committee chairperson Lucy Rogers (who writes the “From the Vine” wine column every other month for Town&Gown) says, “The trail is unique because it is made up of 12 different craft-alcohol producers, rather than just focus on one type of beverage, so there is more variety and an opportunity to learn more about different products. Because of that variety, the trail has a broader appeal for couples and groups because many people might say, ‘I don’t like wine,’ or ‘I only drink beer.’ The Central PA Tasting Trail offers something for everyone.”
Though the variety of drinks available is a big part of the trail’s appeal, it doesn’t stop there. Some members are part of a full-service restaurant and can provide great food as part of the draw, while others offer a cozy tasting room experience that focuses on you and the drink at hand. They are large and small and in between, but regardless of size, you’ll enjoy the experience of tasting high-quality beer, wine, and spirits from the source, often poured by the people who actually make them.
Trail members currently include four wineries, four breweries, two cideries, and two distilleries (see sidebar). Their locales range from rural to suburban to right downtown, and traveling the trail from start to finish will take you through the gorgeous countryside that Centre County offers year-round, including our hills and valleys, rivers and lakes, and villages and towns, all passing by as you move from one destination to the next. You’ll also get an idea of the importance of these businesses in the local economy.
According to Rogers, “Visiting the trail is not only a great way for folks to support the Centre County economy but it’s also a great way to learn about the impact of these businesses in the community. The trail members are all doing something a little different from one another, so it’s fun to visit each one, do tastings, and purchase bottles to take home knowing you directly supported an employee in our community.”
The trail held its first Craft Beverage Expo in October to a sellout crowd who enjoyed a full complement of craft wine, spirits, and beer, along with great jazz from Jazz Connection and food served up by Blonde Bistro. The expo will become a regular fixture on their event schedule moving forward.
Now, just in time for holiday gifting, the trail has put together a passport that can be purchased from any member business and taken on the road with you as you experience the diversity of their wares and locations. Get the passport stamped at each location over the 12 months from the date of purchase and receive a beautiful logoed, hooded sweatshirt to let the world know that you took on and conquered the Central PA Tasting Trail. The sweatshirt is available exclusively to those who complete their passports and cannot be purchased — it must be earned!
Trail members also will provide every passport holder with a gift at each location, ranging from free tastings to souvenir glassware, so making the trek adds depth and swag to your experience, too.
As a partner of the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Trail can be easily coordinated with other attractions and events, as well as transportation services and lodging to assure a safe and comfortable experience. There is a lot to explore in Lion Country beyond the trail, so now is the perfect time to get to know the great drinks, food, friendship, sports, and entertainment that await you all across Centre County.
More information is available at centralpatastingtrail.com, which will also link you to the Visitors Bureau Web site for a better picture of the other delights that await you once you decide to hit the trail!
Tasting Trail Members
Breweries: Elk Creek Café & Aleworks, Happy Valley Brewing Co., Otto’s Pub and Brewery, Robin Hood Brewing Co.
Cideries: Keewaydin Cider Mill, Good Intent Cider
Distilleries: Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining, Big Spring Spirits
Wineries: Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, University Wine Co.
