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Exclusive Wine Dinner In New Hope Spotlights Frog's Leap Winery

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 10:45 GMT by Patch
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New Hope’s Finest: An Intimate Wine Dinner Celebrates Frogs Leap Winery

In a quiet corner of the Lehigh Valley, the historic town of New Hope has long been a magnet for art lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and wine aficionados alike. This spring, the town’s most discerning palate was put to the test at an exclusive dinner that spotlighted one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved vineyards: Frogs Leap Winery. The event, billed as “an intimate celebration of place, craft, and community,” drew a handful of guests to a specially curated menu paired with the winery’s signature wines in a setting that was as elegant as it was intimate.

The Venue and the Vintner

The dinner took place in the repurposed loft of a former mill on Main Street, a venue chosen for its warm, rustic charm and its proximity to the picturesque Delaware River. The space, bathed in natural light and accented with reclaimed timber, set the tone for an evening that felt both nostalgic and contemporary.

Frogs Leap Winery, established in 2001 by brothers Jonathan and Michael McLeod, is renowned for its small‑batch, hand‑crafted wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Mid-Atlantic region. The winery’s mission has always been to celebrate sustainable farming practices, with a particular focus on low‑impact viticulture. The brothers’ commitment to quality over quantity has earned them accolades from local critics and a loyal following of wine lovers who appreciate the care that goes into each bottle.

The Menu: A Symphony of Local Flavors

The dinner, which ran for roughly three hours, featured a four‑course menu that showcased both the culinary diversity of New Hope and the versatility of Frogs Leap’s wines. The menu was created by Chef Elena Torres, a local chef known for her farm‑to‑table philosophy.

First Course – Garden Trio
A selection of heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze was served alongside a chilled glass of Frogs Leap’s crisp “Crisp Riesling.” The pairing was praised for its harmonious acidity and subtle fruitiness that complemented the vibrant vegetables.

Second Course – Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Mixed greens, roasted beet cubes, and creamy goat cheese were topped with a walnut vinaigrette. The dish was paired with Frogs Leap’s “Silver Merlot,” a wine noted for its smooth tannins and hints of dark berry, which cut through the earthiness of the beetroot and enriched the dish’s creaminess.

Third Course – Herb‑Crusted Rack of Lamb
A succulent rack of lamb, crusted with rosemary and thyme, was served with a side of garlic‑infused mashed potatoes. The pairing for this dish was the winery’s “Golden Cabernet,” a wine that boasted a deep, opulent flavor profile, with notes of blackberry and a touch of oak that resonated perfectly with the lamb’s savory depth.

Fourth Course – Dark Chocolate Ganache & Almond Crumble
The final course was a decadent dark chocolate ganache served with a crumble of toasted almonds. The dessert was paired with Frogs Leap’s “Velvet Syrah,” a wine celebrated for its velvety finish and subtle spice notes, which left a lingering aftertaste that complemented the chocolate’s richness.

A Night of Stories and Connections

Beyond the gastronomic delights, the evening also featured a talk by Jonathan McLeod, who shared the journey that brought Frogs Leap Winery to life. He spoke of the challenges of establishing a vineyard in a region where the climate often posed unpredictable weather patterns, as well as the satisfaction derived from seeing local families gather to enjoy a wine that truly represented the land.

Guests also had the opportunity to meet the winemaker, who walked them through the fermentation process, the importance of using local yeast strains, and the steps taken to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint. The interactive segment allowed diners to sample a small tasting of the winemaker’s personal collection of rare vintages, creating an intimate and educational experience.

The Community Spirit

While the dinner was an exclusive affair, it was organized as a fundraiser for the New Hope Arts Alliance. A portion of the proceeds went toward supporting local artists, and a brief performance by a local string quartet added a musical dimension to the evening.

In addition to the culinary and viticultural delights, the event fostered a sense of community among attendees. Many of the guests, who include longtime residents and newcomers alike, expressed their admiration for the way Frogs Leap Winery had cultivated a space that encourages collaboration between food, wine, and the arts.

A Look Ahead

Following the event, the Frogs Leap Winery website announced that they would be releasing a limited‑edition “Spring Celebration” bottle, available exclusively at select New Hope restaurants beginning in May. The new release will highlight the “new leaf” approach the winery is taking toward sustainable viticulture and is expected to be a popular item among both collectors and casual drinkers.

The New Hope Gazette and the regional wine community are already buzzing with anticipation, and the success of this dinner suggests that the partnership between local gastronomy and the region’s burgeoning wine scene will continue to thrive.

In a world where large‑scale, mass‑produced wines dominate the market, the intimate dinner at Frogs Leap Winery reminds us of the beauty that can arise from passion, place, and community. For those who attend, the evening was not just a meal and a glass of wine; it was an invitation to savor the local terroir, celebrate the people behind the wine, and become part of a living, breathing tradition that is rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania.