Reid's Orchard opens winery in Pennsylvania

One of the most memorable images of American Literature for me was Jo March (Little Women), sitting alone in her garret, chomping on half a dozen green apples, and sobbing over her latest masterpiece.  Writing while eating apples was a habit Louisa May Alcott shared with her most endearing heroine, and, as I developed as an aspiring six-year-old writer, I vowed to make it one of mine, too.

I know it seems presumptuous, but the fact that I was eating fruit without complaint was a thrill for my parents.

When I moved to Baltimore, my love of Golden Delicious was replaced by a love of Pink Lady apples thanks, in large part, to the folks at Reid’s Orchard who make the hour-long drive down from Pennsylvania to participate in the Saturday and Sunday Farmers’ Markets.  Like those gals from Grease, the Pink Lady is the perfect cross between tarty and sweet.  They may want you to look at them like Sandra Dee, but they’re definitely Sandy at the end of the movie, when she’s dressed like Elvis and blowing smoke in John Travolta’s face.
 

This past weekend, the Reid family opened their own winery just outside of Gettysburg, PA.  Since I’m a fan of their fruit work (and I had a free Saturday), I hopped in the car and headed up.

I was not disappointed.  While their tasting room has yet to be built (they appear to be currently operating out of the “garage” of their winery operations building), the wines have the polish of a man who’s been making wines for his friends and family for the last thirty years.  My personal favorites on the wine front were the Pinot Grigio and the Pinot Noir.  Both creamy, smooth, and parable with practically everything.

The real highlight, though, was the hard cider.  I was expecting sparkling, and was very pleasantly surprised to encounter still.  Also, there were no extra spices to distract from the pure apple taste. Just plain, straightforward, and delicious; exactly what you’d expect from Pennsylvania.

 Unfortunately, due to the laws of both Maryland and Pennsylvania, the Reids won’t be bringing their new wines to the Baltimore markets anytime soon.  You’ll have to make the trip, so make a day of it.  The Battlefield is moving any time of the year, and as a bonus for fans of SciFi Channel's Ghost Hunters, the Cashtown Inn is only about ten minutes away from the winery.  They’re open for lunch, so stop in and say hi to the ghosts!

If you go:
Reid's Orchard and Winery is located at 2135 Buchanan Valley Road; Ortanna, PA 17353.
Cashtown Inn is located at 1325 Old Route 30; Cashtown, PA 17310