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Luxurious central Pa. wine festival to hold special celebration of 100-year-old Spanish wines

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:11 GMT by Penn Live
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Central Pennsylvania’s Premier Wine Festival to Celebrate a Century of Spanish Vintages

Central Pennsylvania’s annual wine festival is gearing up for an unprecedented celebration of Spanish wine heritage. On Friday, October 18, 2025, the 23rd‑annual Central PA Wine Festival—already a staple of the region’s cultural calendar—will host a special tasting session featuring Spanish wines that are a full century old. The event, slated to take place at the historic Brinton Estate in Lancaster County, will showcase vintages that began rolling off the barrels in 1924, providing a rare opportunity for both seasoned oenophiles and curious newcomers to sample wines that have stood the test of time.

The 100‑year‑old Spanish wines will be curated by the festival’s long‑time partner, the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits Association (PWSA), in collaboration with a select group of Spanish producers and importers. According to the festival’s program, the tastings will include the finest aged sherries, as well as Rioja and Ribera del Duero bottlings that have matured through the decades in climate‑controlled cellars before arriving in the U.S. The event is part of the festival’s ongoing commitment to highlight diverse international wine traditions within a local context, and it underscores the growing interest among Pennsylvanians in wines that carry not only flavor but also a storied past.

A Look Back at the Vintages

The Spanish wines on display will range from 1924‑1925 sherries, known for their deep, nutty profiles and amber hues, to early 1930s Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which are celebrated for their robust tannins and floral aromas. The festival’s curator, Maria Ortega of the Spanish Wine Exchange, explained that “these wines have been carefully restored to the point where they reflect their original character, yet the aging process has added layers of complexity that can only be appreciated after a full century.” Ortega also noted that the wine’s provenance will be verified by an independent third‑party, adding a layer of authenticity that the festival’s audience can trust.

Expert Guidance and Educational Touchpoints

The event will be led by renowned sommelier and wine educator, David Rios, who has spent the last decade traveling across Spain to study the evolution of Spanish winemaking. Rios will guide attendees through a multi‑station tasting experience, offering insights into the historical context of each vintage and explaining how terroir, climate, and vinification techniques of the early 20th century influenced the wines we enjoy today.

The festival’s schedule also includes a special “History of Spanish Wine” lecture, delivered by Dr. Elena García, professor of Viticulture at the University of Barcelona. Dr. García will contextualize the centennial wines within broader global trends, discussing how the Spanish Civil War and subsequent economic changes affected wine production. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session, allowing visitors to delve deeper into technical questions and tasting nuances.

Local Partners and Culinary Pairings

The Brinton Estate, the event’s venue, is a 19‑acre manor with a century‑old oak‑wood wine cellar that has hosted countless tastings over the years. Its grounds provide an ideal backdrop for an evening of refined enjoyment, and the estate’s resident chef, Lucia Alvarez, will craft a series of small‑plates that pair perfectly with each vintage. The menu will feature classic Spanish tapas—such as jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and marinated olives—alongside locally sourced Pennsylvania ingredients like smoked trout and artisanal cheeses from nearby farms.

Local businesses are also stepping in to support the festival. The Lancaster Farmers’ Market will offer a special “Wine & Food” package, while the nearby Central Pennsylvania Historical Society will provide a guided tour of the estate’s storied past, linking the history of the region with the global journey of wine.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement

The festival’s organizers estimate that the 100‑year celebration will draw approximately 3,000 visitors to the Brinton Estate, boosting the local economy through increased spending at nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail shops. In a statement, festival director Carla McConnell noted, “Wine has always been a bridge between cultures, and this year’s celebration of centennial Spanish vintages underscores the unique relationship our community has with the world’s great wines. It’s an economic boon and a cultural enrichment all in one.”

The festival will also offer a free “Wine Education” workshop for youth and adult participants, encouraging a new generation of wine lovers to appreciate the art of winemaking. The workshops will feature hands‑on tastings, grape‑selection demos, and a tour of the estate’s wine‑making facilities.

How to Attend

Tickets for the centennial wine tasting event will be available at the festival’s official website, www.centralpawinefestival.org, as well as at the Brinton Estate’s ticket office. The festival recommends purchasing tickets in advance, as the special tasting session is limited to 200 guests per day to ensure an intimate experience. Additional information, including the full schedule, pricing, and a list of participating wineries, can be found on the festival’s website and the PWSA’s event page.

Linking the Past and Present

The Central PA Wine Festival’s 2025 edition is set to be more than a celebration; it is a living laboratory of history, culture, and taste. By bringing 100‑year‑old Spanish wines to the heart of Pennsylvania, the festival not only honors the past but also invites contemporary audiences to experience the legacy of Spanish winemaking in a setting that emphasizes community, education, and culinary delight. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a curious food lover, or a local looking for a unique outing, the event promises an evening that will linger long after the last sip.