Lehigh Valley’s Newest Winery, Tolino Vineyards, Now Open

Tolino Vineyards opened their doors a few weeks ago after starting their vineyard approximately five years ago.  The winery sits atop a hill in Bangor off of Route 191 and features a tasting room and outdoor patio.

Their first harvest and subsequent bottling was from the 2010 vintage, followed by their second bottling of their 2011 vintages.  Their 2012 whites should be available soon while the 2012 reds will be ready around October, according to an employee at the winery.  The tasting room currently boasts 9 wines, all available for tasting for $5, which includes a very nice Tolino glass (four of their wines, the two rosés, the Papa’s Red, and the vidal blanc are available for free tastings). 

Their current line-up touts a 2011 Vidal Blanc, 2010 Mama’s Rosé, , 2011 Mama’s Rosé, 2011 Papa’s Red, 2010 Pinot Grigio, 2011 Pinot Grigio, 2010 Chardonnay, 2011 Chardonnay, and a 2010 Cabernet Franc.  We tasted them all and believe they’re very high quality, and arguably some of the best wine produced in the Lehigh Valley right now.  The younger whites proved to be zippy and acidic while the 2010 vintages were beginning to open up and display more mellow, fruity notes.  The Cabernet Franc was huge and tannic and will probably do well with some age on it.  The Vidal Blanc was notably sweeter than the other whites, but certainly not cloyingly so. 

Tolino is open from 3pm to 7pm Thursday and Friday, 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday.  They can be reached at 610-588-WINE and via their Facebook page.