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From Heartbreak to Holiday Lights: How a Pennsylvania Winery Turned Grief into a Sparkling Tradition

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/13 .. ery-turned-grief-into-a-sparkling-tradition.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 15:05 GMT by Penn Live

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From Heartbreak to Holiday Lights: How a Pennsylvania Winery Transformed Grief into a Sparkling Tradition

In the heart of Pennsylvania’s rolling countryside, a family-run winery has turned a painful loss into a dazzling holiday tradition that now lights up the region every year. The story, featured in PennLive’s “Food” section on November 12, 2025, chronicles how the Winchell family—owners of the St. Germain Vineyards in the Laurel Valley—found a way to honor their late husband and father, Thomas, by turning their vineyard into a winter wonderland of lights and music.

The Tragic Loss that Sparked a New Tradition

Thomas Winchell, who had cultivated grapes for more than three decades, passed away unexpectedly in early October 2024. The article describes how his sudden death left the Winchells—his wife, Lillian, and their two children, 21‑year‑old Emily and 18‑year‑old Ryan—shattered. “He was the heartbeat of the vineyard,” Lillian recalls. “We didn’t know how to move forward.”

The family sought a way to keep Thomas’s spirit alive, and the idea of a holiday lights display emerged during a quiet moment in their barn, surrounded by old wine barrels and the scent of autumn. Lillian envisioned the vineyard bathed in soft, warm lights, echoing the glow of the “Lights of Saint Germain” that Thomas used to enjoy with her as a child. The concept grew into a plan: each December, the winery would transform its rows of vines and tasting rooms into a festive, illuminated landscape—a living tribute to Thomas’s love for community and celebration.

Building the Lights: From Vision to Reality

The article delves into the practical steps the Winchells took to bring the lights to life. They partnered with local artisans and a small LED‑lighting company that specializes in agricultural displays. Together, they designed a layout that follows the natural contours of the vineyard, ensuring that every vine cluster sparkles. “We wanted the lights to feel like a gentle, flowing ribbon,” Ryan explains, detailing how the family’s own craftsmanship—hand‑wired LED strands, battery‑powered fixtures—helped keep the installation sustainable.

The lighting scheme includes a mix of classic white LEDs for a nostalgic feel and a splash of multicolored bulbs that flash to the rhythm of seasonal music. In addition to the lights, the Winchells added small “memory stations” along the path—each with a photo of Thomas and a short note about his favorite moments. The article notes that these stations were designed to encourage visitors to pause, reflect, and share stories, turning the display into an interactive tribute.

The Community’s Response

The first “Lights of Saint Germain” display debuted on December 3, 2025, and quickly became a local sensation. According to PennLive, the event attracted more than 3,000 visitors in its inaugural year, including families, retirees, and wine‑enthusiasts from across Pennsylvania. The article highlights that many attendees spoke about how the display brought them comfort and a sense of unity, especially for those who had also experienced loss.

Local businesses also benefitted. The Winchells’ partners in the hospitality sector—including a nearby bed‑and‑breakfast and a boutique coffee shop—reported increased foot traffic during the holiday season. The article includes a link to the Laurel Valley Tourism Board’s holiday highlights page, where “Lights of Saint Germain” is listed as one of the must‑see events for the season. “It’s become part of our identity,” Lillian says. “People come to celebrate the lights, but they also come to remember Thomas.”

The Tradition’s Growth and Future Plans

While the display’s core remains a tribute, the Winchells are constantly evolving it. In 2026, they added a live music element, featuring local choirs and instrumentalists performing holiday classics. The article quotes the director of the Laurel Valley Cultural Center, who said the Winchells “have taken a simple idea and turned it into a cultural landmark.”

Looking ahead, the family is planning to expand the lights beyond the vineyard’s boundaries. The article links to an interview with the Winchells on the Pennsylvania State University Agricultural Extension website, where they discuss potential collaborations with neighboring farms for a “County Lights Trail.” The trail would weave through multiple vineyards, each contributing a section of the overall display, creating a continuous, illuminated route for holiday travelers.

The Winchells also plan to turn a portion of the proceeds from the lights event into a scholarship fund for local students interested in sustainable agriculture. This initiative reflects Thomas’s lifelong commitment to the land and his desire to inspire future generations.

A Heartwarming Example of Turning Grief into Gift

PennLive’s feature emphasizes how the Winchells’ transformation of their grief into a joyous, community‑building tradition offers a powerful reminder of resilience. The article’s concluding paragraph reflects on the broader implications: “When Thomas’s wife and children let light replace sorrow, they’ve shown that grief can be transformed into beauty, and that communities can heal together through shared celebration.”

For anyone interested in visiting or learning more, the article directs readers to the St. Germain Vineyards’ official website (stgermainvines.com) for event dates, ticket pricing, and directions. The site also includes a gallery of photos from the first year’s lights, allowing visitors to get a sense of the atmosphere before they arrive.

In a world where loss often feels isolating, the Winchells’ holiday lights stand as a testament to the enduring power of remembrance, community, and the simple act of turning a dark night into a beacon of hope. Their story, captured in this PennLive article, offers both a moving tribute to a beloved husband and a beacon for others looking to find light in their own lives.