A taste of tradition
FALLS TWP. – The connoisseurs of homemade wine and imported Italian specialties can indulge their passion at a local family-owned shop. The Bartolai Winery was unveiled on Saturday in Falls Township.
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Bartolai Winery held its grand opening Saturday afternoon in Falls Township. Guests had the opportunity to sample wine, cheese and other wine-related products at the wine supply and gift store. S. JOHN WILKIN/THE TIMES LEADER |
The business is the product of the family’s dedication to their heritage and each other, said Vince Bartolai. Although new to the wine trade, when the family decided to sell their wine to the public they had many years of positive feedback to rely on, he said.
At this time, the wine list offers 10 different varieties. All of the wines were developed individually by various family members over the last 45 years, he said. Their assortment includes Flood Mudd, a robust and fruity wine made from locally grown grapes; Isodores’ Red, a recipe “born from the cellar of grandfather;” Callabritto, a Tuscany-like blend; Treppignana, a dry red named after the Italian city where Bartolai’s family originated and still has relatives; II Arturo, a semi-dry red; 4th Generation Blush, an award-winning blend formulated by a family member; Raspberry Blush; Susquehanna Shores Niagara, made from grapes harvested in upstate New York; Chardonnay, a semi-dry made from California grapes; and Mead, a signature blend between a wine and beer, he said.
The store is replete with the “family theme,” according to Bartolai.
Al Bartolai Sr. said he is “very proud” of the new business. An experienced homemade wine maker, he emphasized the key to making good wine is to “let it rest.”
“We don’t rush the wine,” he said, adding they are allowed to “age” at least a year before they are bottled for sale.
Stuart Simpson, from South Abington, said the Bartolai Flood Mudd is his favorite. “It’s dry with a very good flavor,” he said. Bill Tironzelli, from Pittston Township, has known the Bartolai family for a long time. What he likes about their wines is they don’t taste overly “refined” and are the most like the old-fashioned homemade wines he‘s been enjoying for years.
Ray Bartolai, said the family has plans to expand into the Hazleton area. In addition to the wine and food products, he stresses the Bartolai Winery fills a niche market for local wine makers. Anyone who needs wine presses, storage tanks, bottling implements, grape crushers or testing equipment can find it at their store, he said.
The winery will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.