Last Saturday, May Day events throughout the world featured various types of wine at the respective celebrations.
However, at one area business, wine and wine making is a year-long affair which could soon see some new twists using an old theme of wine and festivals combined.
The Oak Spring Winery in Pinecroft is attempting to resurrect the idea of holding festivals on part of its properties in the Riggles Gap area. General Manager Scott Schraff said the idea won’t become a reality until some formalities are resolved.
The Winery has not held a festival in quite sometime according to Schraff.
“We need to get relicensed through the Liquor Control Board for the farm property,” said Schraff.
He explained wineries are allowed to have up to five off-site locations in addition to their main retail location under current Pennsylvania regulations. With relicensing, the winery will have the opportunity to have festivals in which wine can be tasted and served.
“We have a natural amphitheater next to the barn on the farm,” explained Schraff. “We are hoping to hold one this year in the fall at the farm to see how it goes.”
In addition to wine, the events would typically include food and entertainment.
“We’d then like to expand it to two, three or maybe four a year,” said Schraff.
“We need to put some more legs behind it by working with restaurants and charities. We need to be creative to market this product.”
He also mentioned the winery will be introducing a sparkling peach and cherry wine during the summer.
Schraff is the son of John and Sylvia Schraff who started the business but now live in Florida.
The family has been producing what its web site describes as “ renowned award winning signature wines since 1987.”
The winery has more than 20 varieties and boasts of using only the finest Pennsylvania grapes and fruits in each one. Customers have the opportunity to take a tour, browse the spacious tasting room and shop at the Home Brew Shoppe.
Oak Spring also offers gift baskets, wine accessories, a unique area for private parties and has outlets in Altoona, Johnstown and Pittsburgh.
The web site also notes that customers can sample the wines before making a purchase.
Oak Spring’s main location is four miles north of Altoona, one mile from the Pinecroft exit of Interstate 99 on business Route 220. It is open seven days a week except major holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oak Spring’s web site is: www.oakspringwinery.com.
