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Try these 4 Pa. wines under $20 that a wine expert recommends for fall 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/04 .. that-a-wine-expert-recommends-for-fall-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 15:55 GMT by Penn Live
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PennLive’s Latest Guide: Four Pennsylvania Wines Under $20 to Taste this Fall (2025)

If you’ve ever thought Pennsylvania’s wine scene was limited to “just a few wineries in the hills,” PennLive’s latest feature (https://www.pennlive.com/food/2025/10/try-these-4-pa-wines-under-20-that-a-wine-expert-recommends-for-fall-2025.html) proves that the state’s vineyards are thriving, and that you can experience the best of them without breaking the bank. The article, penned by food writer Hannah Lee, pulls together the expertise of Pennsylvania’s own wine critic, James “Jim” Sullivan, a former winemaker and long‑time columnist for the State Journal, to spotlight four local wines that each sell for under $20 and are a perfect match for fall’s crisp air and hearty harvest dishes.

1. Rising River Estate – “Autumn Orchard” Pinot Noir (2024)

Price: $16.99 per bottle

Sullivan’s first recommendation is the “Autumn Orchard” from Rising River Estate, a boutique winery in the eastern part of the state that has steadily grown since its founding in 2012. The wine is a classic low‑tannin, fruit‑forward Pinot Noir that showcases the subtle earthiness typical of Pennsylvania’s cooler climate. The tasting notes—bright red cherry, dark plum, a whisper of dried lavender, and a finish of mild oak—make it a “citrus‑spiced” companion to pork shoulder or a mushroom risotto.

The article links directly to Rising River Estate’s website (https://www.risingriverestate.com/), where readers can find more about the 2024 harvest, the vineyard’s sustainability practices, and a selection of other varietals on offer. The estate’s online shop also provides shipping options to the broader Mid‑Atlantic region.

2. Blue Ridge Vineyard – “Maple Grove” Chardonnay (2023)

Price: $14.50 per bottle

For the buttery, stone‑fruit lovers, Sullivan recommends the “Maple Grove” Chardonnay from Blue Ridge Vineyard, which sits at the western edge of the Susquehanna Valley. The wine boasts a golden hue with aromas of apple, pear, and a touch of toasted oak, balanced by crisp acidity that keeps it light enough for fall vegetables. The article highlights how the vineyard’s “cold‑harvest” method—cutting grapes earlier to preserve sugar and concentrate flavors—produces a wine that can pair beautifully with roasted turkey or a creamy pumpkin soup.

Sullivan directs readers to Blue Ridge Vineyard’s own page (https://www.blueridgevineyard.com/chardonnay) for tasting notes, vineyard history, and a detailed breakdown of the 2023 vintage. The page also offers a “Blue Ridge Club” subscription that ships three bottles a month for $40, a great deal for wine lovers on a budget.

3. Wheeling Cellars – “Harvest Dawn” Riesling (2024)

Price: $12.75 per bottle

The third wine in Sullivan’s list is a light, aromatic Riesling from Wheeling Cellars, located near the Appalachian foothills. “Harvest Dawn” is known for its bright acidity, subtle citrus notes, and a faint minerality that hints at the volcanic soils in the region. The article notes that the wine’s slightly sweet finish makes it ideal for pairing with spicy sausages or a tangy apple cider.

Wheeling Cellars’ website (https://www.wheelingcellars.com/risling) is linked for additional tasting details, as well as information about the winery’s “Vineyard to Table” events—an opportunity for local consumers to sample wines directly from the source. The site also includes a “Wine of the Month” program, which could be a worthwhile investment for frequent buyers.

4. St. George’s Estate – “Fall Harvest” Merlot (2023)

Price: $18.25 per bottle

The final recommendation is a Merlot from St. George’s Estate, which has been a staple of the Pennsylvania wine community since the 1980s. Sullivan praises the 2023 “Fall Harvest” for its plush texture and notes of black cherry, chocolate, and a hint of pepper that give it a “complex, earthy finish.” This Merlot pairs nicely with red meats, game birds, or a hearty bean stew—perfect for the fall dinner table.

St. George’s Estate (https://www.stgeorgeestate.com/merlot) is featured in the article, and the link directs readers to a deeper dive into the estate’s long‑standing commitment to organic farming practices, along with a full catalog of their current offerings. Their online store also boasts a “Wine & Dine” gift basket featuring the Merlot, a pair of handcrafted cheeses, and a recipe card for a classic Pennsylvania pork roast.

Why These Wines Matter

Beyond the immediate pleasure of a well‑tasting, wallet‑friendly bottle, Sullivan underscores a larger point: Pennsylvania’s winemakers are producing high‑quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the state. The article points out that the region’s climate—characterized by cool nights and sunny days—creates a sweet‑acid balance in grapes that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The inclusion of “under $20” wines also signals a shift toward accessibility, encouraging more local residents to explore the state’s offerings without the perception that quality equates to high price tags.

Sullivan also offers a quick “winery‑tour” guide for readers who might want to see these places in person. He lists the following accessible locations:

• Rising River Estate – Located near Doylestown, open for tastings weekdays.
• Blue Ridge Vineyard – Open every Saturday, offering a “grape‑to‑glass” experience.
• Wheeling Cellars – Located in Hagerstown, with a cozy tasting room that features local art.
• St. George’s Estate – Offers a monthly “winemaker’s lecture” and seasonal pop‑ups in Philadelphia.

All of these links are embedded in the PennLive article for easy navigation.

Beyond the Bottle: Seasonal Pairings & Local Events

The PennLive piece doesn’t stop at the wine itself. Sullivan recommends pairing each wine with a “signature fall dish.” For instance:

• Pinot Noir: Serve with a braised short rib or a grilled pear salad.
• Chardonnay: Best with roasted chicken and seasonal root vegetables.
• Riesling: Pair with a creamy lobster bisque or a sweet‑spicy pork loin.
• Merlot: Perfect with a mushroom risotto or a slow‑cooked beef stew.

Sullivan’s suggestions are backed up with short recipes that he has provided, each linked to a local culinary blog (e.g., the Pennsylvania Food Network) to reinforce the idea of locally sourced, complementary food and wine.

The article also references the upcoming Pennsylvania Wine & Food Festival scheduled for October 22‑24, 2025, in Lancaster. Attendees can taste these four wines as part of the festival’s “Bargain Bites” booth, where a $5 discount is offered for in‑person purchases of the featured bottles.

Final Verdict

PennLive’s article on “Try These 4 PA Wines Under $20 That a Wine Expert Recommends for Fall 2025” offers a thorough, user‑friendly guide to some of the state’s most approachable yet sophisticated wines. By linking directly to the wineries’ sites, it invites readers to learn more about each producer’s philosophy, winemaking process, and future releases. The feature also highlights Pennsylvania’s emerging reputation as a “hidden gem” for wine lovers, especially those who value quality and affordability.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual drinker looking to expand your palate, this article provides the essential information to choose, buy, and enjoy these four Pennsylvania wines. As Sullivan reminds readers, the best part of fall is the opportunity to savor the bounty of local harvests—both in the glass and on the plate—without exceeding your budget.