Cheers from Vintage Connections  

During June and July we're writing about nearby PA wineries and wine bars.  The weather has improved and there are lots of fun activities, in addition to tasting wine, going on at PA wineries.

Take some time, take a drive, and enjoy!  

This week, we're writing about the Winedown Cafe and Wine Bar in West Reading, the first of two wine bars we frequent.  

Next week, we'll write about the Seasonal Harvest Grill and Wine Bar near Glen Mills (Route 202, Wilmington Pike).  

After that, we'll take a short break but invite our readers to contribute as "guest writers" for this newsletter and Grapevine blog.   

COME ON, WE HAVEN'T HEARD FROM ANY VOLUNTEERS YET! 

Winedown Cafe and Wine Bar

We try to get to Winedown on Penn Street in West Reading once every couple of months.  They offer over 20 wines by the glass with at least a few for every taste. 

Ben Franco, the owner, changes a few wines in and out of the list every few weeks and runs some specials.  They also offer interesting food, including cheeses, snacks, salads, interesting and different sandwiches, and a few desserts. 

We "make a meal" by pairing 4-5 food selections with 4-5 wines over the course of a few hours.  Mostly,  we go to sample wines and order the "tapas-sized" portions to complement the wines (choose the pairings well or you can ruin a good wine). 

Winedown serves 5 ounce portions in 10-12 ounce glasses, so you can swirl and sniff and share to your heart's content.  The wine, beer, cocktail (lots of martini's) and food menus are changing soon, so use the ones on the website to get an idea of variety and prices, but be advised the menu may be different when you arrive. 

The bar area has traditional bar seating (and standing), a few comfortable sofas, and an outside seating area.  We always try to arrive early on a weeknight (closed Sundays and Mondays) and snag a sofa.


Did we mention beer and cocktails?  Some night we're going just to sample the beer.  Ben usually has about 10 "special" beers on the menu, something for the more discerning beer lovers who you may want to take with you.  And, there is a decent list of cocktails and spirits.

Winedown opens at 4 PM Tues through Saturday (and are not open Sunday and Monday).  Check out their website, say "Hi" to Ben from us, and enjoy.

Quiz Time (easy this time)

Answers due by midnight, Sunday Aug. 7 to us at vintageconnections@comcast.net 

It's been too long since our last quiz and we have a Wine Box/Basket from Manatawny that we've been waiting to give away.

Five Easy Questions.

Get all 5 correct and we'll enter you into a drawing for the prize donated by Manatawny Creek Winery.  We will pull one winner from all those emailing all 5 correct answers to us by the deadline. 

"Correct" answers are those found in our Fun Facts.  The winner will be required to pick up their prize from us at a mutually agreeable location near Pottstown, PA. 

1.  We love wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc.  However, it is often one of the "minor" blending grapes used in ____.     

2. French Red Burgundy is made from 100% _____ grapes.  

3. American, Hungarian, and French oak are often used to make wine barrels.  Which one is the most expensive? _______

4.   Blaufrankisch and ___________ are the same grape.   

5. French Chablis is made from what grape? ___________

Email your answers to us at vintageconnections@comcast.net

Up-coming Events

** Berks County Wine Trail Members

Christmas In August!

Saturday August 6th & Sunday August 7th
Noon to 5 PM

Enjoy "Cool Wine Treats" paired with featured wines of the region...and get a jump on your holiday shopping, too!

Join the wineries of the **Berks County Wine Trail for this festive event.

** Manatawny Creek Winery

** Pinnacle Ridge
August 7
Jazz and Blues in the Barn
Click to events.

** Blair Vineyards
Happy Hour
at the winery
First Friday (August 5)
5:30-8:30

One-year Celebration, Saturday and Sunday August
Chef Jared Cohen will be on hand with another great menu including the Ahi Tuna Sushi Rolls, Sweet Chili Soy Chicken Wings, Hummus & Pita, Grilled Eggplant Babaganoush with Pita, as well as other great options. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle to be enjoyed with the delicious menu. No reservations necessary. 

Can't make it this month? The next Happy Hour is September 9th!
August 13th & 14th Anniversary Weekend  

Click to events.

** Calvaresi Winery

** Vynecrest 

Music in the Vyneskeller every Saturday.  

Click to events.

Galen Glen 

Walking Tour of the Vineyard, every Saturday and Sunday in July, noon only.
 

Contact us to arrange a customized wine seminar, wine tasting, wine and food pairing, or any kind of wine related event.