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Bucks County Wine Trail To Blend Cocktail Weekend With Harvest Fun

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01 .. -to-blend-cocktail-weekend-with-harvest-fun.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 5:13 GMT by Patch
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Bucks County’s Wine Trail Kicks Off Blend‑Cocktail Weekend, Promising Harvest‑Season Fun for All Ages

In late September, the rolling hills and historic streets of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, will be buzzing with the annual Bucks County Wine Trail Blend‑Cocktail Weekend—an event that brings together local wineries, restaurants, brewers, and cideries for a weekend of tastings, tours, and family‑friendly entertainment. According to a recent Patch article, the event is slated for September 28–30 and will span multiple venues across the county, showcasing the region’s growing reputation as a premier wine‑and‑food destination.

The Big Picture: What the Blend‑Cocktail Weekend Entails

The Wine Trail’s Blend‑Cocktail Weekend is essentially a curated, day‑to‑day itinerary designed to let visitors sample the best of Bucks County’s vintages and spirits without committing to a single location. Each day features a different “blend” theme—such as “Classic Vineyard,” “Craft Spirits,” or “Seasonal Cider”—and includes:

1. Guided Tastings – Hand‑picked selections of wines, cocktails, and craft beverages from 10‑plus participating wineries and distilleries.
2. Educational Sessions – Masterclasses with vintners and mixologists covering everything from grape varietals to cocktail‑making techniques.
3. Family‑Friendly Zones – Activities for kids, including grape‑themed scavenger hunts, a “wine‑safe” tasting area, and craft stations where children can make their own fruit‑infused “mini‑drinks” (non‑alcoholic).
4. Live Music & Food Trucks – Local restaurants and food trucks line the trail, offering everything from farm‑to‑table pizzas to artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with the beverages.

The overarching mission, as explained by event organizer Susan Miller, is to “build community around the craft of winemaking and to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Bucks County.”

Highlights for the Weekend

1. The Opening Day at Witches Hill Vineyards

Opening on September 28, the first day starts at Witches Hill Vineyards. Here, the “Classic Vineyard” blend focuses on the estate’s flagship Riesling and the newly released “Maple Old Riesling.” Visitors will enjoy a complimentary “Vineyard 101” tour, followed by a guided tasting led by the vineyard’s winemaker, Kevin R. The event includes a live acoustic set by local singer‑songwriter John O’Brien, who’s known for his folk‑inspired melodies that echo the pastoral setting.

2. The “Craft Spirits” Day at The Distillery at Cottrell

The second day (September 29) pivots to a craft‑spirits theme at The Distillery at Cottrell. Distillery owner and former bartender Maria Sanchez hosts a cocktail‑mixing workshop where participants learn to blend the distillery’s flagship rye whiskey with a signature cranberry‑infused liqueur. After the class, a “Tasting & Pairing” lounge invites attendees to sample cocktails like the “Maple Old Mule” (a twist on the classic Moscow Mule) and the “Cranberry Old Fashioned.” A family‑friendly activity area hosts a mini‑scavenger hunt for local “spirit” labels, encouraging kids to learn about different spirits without the alcohol.

3. The “Seasonal Cider” Day at Bucks County Cider Co.

On the final day (September 30), the focus shifts to ciders. Bucks County Cider Co., situated in a restored 19th‑century barn, offers an “Apple Orchard” tasting experience that includes a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the cider production line. Participants can sip a range of ciders, from a traditional “Hard Apple” to a spiced “Spiced Apple Old.” The distillery also hosts a family‑friendly “Cider‑Making 101” workshop where kids can craft their own “fruit‑infused sips” (non‑alcoholic) to take home.

Family‑Friendly Features & Community Support

The event’s marketing emphasizes its family‑friendly nature. “We want to create a space where parents can enjoy a wine tasting while the kids are simultaneously engaged in fun, safe activities,” says Miller. In addition, the event has partnered with the Bucks County Farm Bureau and local schools to provide free or discounted entry for students and seniors. The event also supports local charities: a portion of proceeds from each tasting booth will be donated to the Bucks County Food Bank and the “Taste the Goodness” program that supplies meals to families in need.

Logistics & Planning Tips

Tickets & Timing: While individual tasting tickets are available for purchase on the event’s website, the Patch article recommends booking a “Wine Trail Bundle” package that includes all three days. These bundles offer a 10% discount and free parking passes at select venues.

Transportation: To encourage responsible enjoyment, the event partners with “Bucks County Ride‑Share” to provide a coordinated transportation service. The first “Ride‑Share” is scheduled at 7 p.m. on September 28 from the Witches Hill Vineyards and continues to subsequent sites.

Dress Code: Casual attire is recommended. The wineries often have beautiful outdoor seating and scenic vineyards, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Food & Beverage: The tasting events generally include complimentary food pairings. However, a food truck and farmer’s market stalls will be available at each site, offering options for those who prefer a more substantial meal.

A Look Beyond the Weekend: Bucks County’s Growing Viticulture Scene

The Patch article also provides context for why the Blend‑Cocktail Weekend is gaining traction. Bucks County’s wine production has surged over the past decade, with more than 20 wineries now dotting the landscape. According to the Pennsylvania Wine Growers Association, the county produces over 25% of the state’s total wine volume. The blend‑cocktail format is an innovative response to this growth, allowing visitors to sample many wines and spirits without the logistical challenge of visiting each winery individually.

Moreover, the event underscores a broader trend in the region: a focus on sustainable agriculture and community outreach. Many participating wineries now practice organic and biodynamic viticulture, and several run educational programs for local students interested in enology and agriculture. The Patch article highlights a particular partnership with the Bucks County Farm School, where high school students will guide visitors through a “sustainability walk” during the weekend.

Final Thoughts

Bucks County’s Blend‑Cocktail Weekend is more than just a tasting event—it’s a celebration of local heritage, culinary creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a curious foodie, or a family looking for an engaging way to spend a weekend, the event offers something for everyone. From guided vineyard tours to hands‑on cocktail classes and kid‑friendly activities, it showcases the best of what Bucks County has to offer and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s winemaking culture.

Tickets are selling fast, so if you’re in the area, be sure to reserve your spot before the deadline. For more details on venue schedules, tasting menus, and the family‑friendly lineup, check the Bucks County Wine Trail website or the event’s Facebook page. As the Patch article concludes, “This weekend is a taste of Bucks County’s heart—full of heritage, hospitality, and a sprinkle of magic.”