Wineries grow their presence at Farm Show

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January 12, 2012

Melissa Colon Associated Press Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:03 PM EST

HARRISBURG —

One of Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets is its thriving wine industry, said Jennifer Eckinger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Winery Association.

At this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show, Gov. Tom Corbett alongside Eckinger, unveiled a sculpture as part of the “Pennsylvania Wine Stories” campaign.

Ranking seventh nationally in number, Pennsylvania wineries have hosted nearly 1 million visitors annually at their tasting rooms, Eckinger said.

The sculpture unveiled by Corbett was crafted by Springfield artist Sandra Webberking, and was made of corks from wineries throughout the state.

“Each cork represents a story from the visitors who have visited PA wineries,” Eckinger said. “We were very excited to be able to work with a local artist that also has a passion for the wine industry and injecting nature into her work.”

Webberking said that while the physical creation of the sculpture took about three weeks, the entire process took several months.

The only challenge Webberking said she faced was using the corks in the sculpture, which she thought wouldn’t hold up well. Turns out, she was mistaken.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 140 wineries, and Robert Mazza owns Mazza Vineyard, one of the larger wine businesses in the state.

Mazza, who has been in the wine industry for 39 years, said the greatest challenge he faces owning a winery in Pennsylvania is marketing.

“Pennsylvania is not known for wine, people don’t associate Pennsylvania with wine,” he said.

Growing conditions can also be a challenge, said Susan Monday, sales manager for Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg.

“Weather is a big challenge,” Monday said. “This year’s heavy rainfall definitely impacted the harvest. Grapes like to be nice, dry, and sunny.”

The 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show, held at the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Cameron and Maclay streets, Harrisburg, ends Saturday.

The Pennsylvania Winery Association will feature 20 wineries from across the state, including information on the winery, its prices, as well as samples.

Cost: Free admission and $10 for parking

Details: www.farmshow.state.pa.us

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