Pennsylvania wine refers towine made fromgrapes grown inPennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is the eighth-largest wine producing state in the country. The climate is mild compared to surrounding states, with the moderating effects ofLake Erie to the north and theAtlantic Ocean to the east. One hundred and nineteen wineries[3] are located in all parts of the state, including five designatedAmerican Viticultural Areas.[1]
The commercial wine industry had important roots in Pennsylvania. Around 1740, the first hybrid ofvitis vinifera European grapes andvitis labrusca North American grapes was discovered near Philadelphia. It was initially namedAlexander, after the gardener who discovered it.[4] In 1786, Frenchman Pierre 'Peter' Legaux founded the Pennsylvania Vine Company, also just outside of Philadelphia, which would become the nation's first commercial vineyard.[4]
