Wine samplers take Tour de Tanks

It's one thing to sample wines for the simple pleasure of it, but it's something entirely different when some of the wines you taste could end up playing a role in one of the most important days of your life.

"We are looking for wines to serve on our wedding day," said Lydia D-Ambrosio of Ephrata, Lancaster County, who will marry Jim Rupert of Ephrata on Aug. 8. "We've decided that we want to do all we can to support the local economy, including serving wines grown in Pennsylvania."

The couple was part of a larger group of people enjoying the Tour de Tanks event around the area Saturday.

For $15, ticket holders could taste samples from a dozen wineries in York, Adams and Dauphin counties.

"We hope to reach five of them today," D-Ambrosio said.

Because the wineries are spread out over such a great distance, the engaged couple decided to get an early start. Their first stop was 10:30 a.m. at the Fox Ridge Vineyard & Winery in Springettsbury Township.

Though the winery was not scheduled to open until noon, store co-owner Shirley Neibert said she was happy to open early to accommodate the early birds.

"This is the fourth year we have participated," said Neibert, who operates the business with her husband of 32 years, Harold. "It's proven to be a great way to meet new customers."

Despite having been in business for nearly 20 years, Niebert said, there are still plenty of people who, on their first visit, say they are surprised to have someone making wine so close to them.

The couple grows and ferments their own grapes a little east of their store in Hellam Township. In addition, the store also sells wine accessories and supplies that help people create their own wine and beer.

"It's events like this that help people find us," Niebert said. "Once they try our wines, they come back for more."

First-time visitor Lisa Biehl of East Manchester Township liked what she was tasting.

"I have to say, I am surprised at how many places there are around here that produce wine," Biehl said. "I heard about this from my neighbors, and I am really enjoying myself."

One of her East Manchester Township neighbors, Claudia Bottenfield, took her first tour last year and enjoyed herself so much that she became the "ring leader" for several others to follow.

"It's the best $15 you can spend," Bottenfield said. "You get to sample one good wine after the next and take a bottle of your favorite home."