Why Pennsylvania wines are more than just sweet varieties

By Blake Jackson

In Pennsylvania, there's a common stereotype that all wines from the state are sweet. But this belief is far from the truth, according to Molly Kelly, Penn State Extension enology educator. “People love to say, ‘All Pennsylvania wines are sweet,’” she said. “They’re not.”

Caleb Wright, co-owner of Armstrong Valley Winery, agrees and believes this misconception harms the state's wine industry. His winery's Chambourcin won Best in Show Dry at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show wine contest. Wright adds that the competition’s categories, half of which are for dry or semi-dry wines, prove the stereotype wrong.

“Certainly, we have to expect and remember what the climate of Pennsylvania is able to grow and produce,” Wright explained. “There are a lot of factors that go into Pennsylvania grapes, but the residual sugar content in the wine is not one of those factors.”

Armstrong Valley Winery will defend its title at the 2025 Farm Show, which features 144 wines from 31 wineries across the state.

Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the number of wine producers, with wines being shipped to judges in early December. Medalists will be announced during the opening night on January 4.

Wright emphasizes the importance of the Farm Show as a celebration of Pennsylvania's agriculture. “If we look at wine as being a definition of place—Italy is known for their styles, just like France, California, Oregon, New York, all of these places—then our wines represent Pennsylvania,” he said.

At the Farm Show, there are four Best in Show wine categories: dry, dessert, fruit, and sparkling. Armstrong Valley grows 16 grape varieties on 20 acres, a relatively high number for Pennsylvania. After harvest, white grapes are cellared until bottling in spring, while red varietals age in barrels for about two years.

For Wright, the key to great wine lies in the climate. “It’s all about climate,” he said. “Sun exposure. Heat. Length of the growing season.”

Kelly agrees, noting that the Pennsylvania wine industry consists of hardworking producers dedicated to elevating the quality of their wines. "They take it seriously," she said. "They attend workshops, conferences, symposiums, and the Farm Show is a good opportunity to taste a lot of different wines."

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