Fall is the best season to sip your way along the Berks County Wine Trail, and there is no better time to plan a visit than right now. As the leaves turn shades of amber and gold across South Central Pennsylvania, local wineries roll out harvest tastings, live music on the patio, and cozy fire pits made for lingering a little longer over a glass of wine.
Whether you are a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a relaxed weekend outing, the Berks Wine Trail offers a laid-back way to explore the region one pour at a time. This guide walks through some of our favorite stops on the trail, along with a few tips to help you plan the perfect fall visit.
Of course, a wine trail weekend is even better when you pair it with everything else Reading has to offer. From the iconic Reading Pagoda perched above the city to charming downtown shops, farm markets, and locally loved restaurants, there is plenty to fill the hours between vineyard stops. We have put together a full list of the best things to do in Reading, so you can round out your trip with a little history, a little shopping, and a lot of good food.
After a day of tasting your way along the Berks County Wine Trail, you will want a comfortable place to unwind, and that is exactly what The South Mountain Inn offers. As a one of the best Bed and Breakfast in Reading, PA, we know the wine trail well and love helping our guests plan their route. Our rooms are outfitted with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, perfect for warming up after a crisp fall day outdoors, and our farm to table breakfast is the ideal way to start a morning before heading back out to the vineyards. Book your stay today!
The Berks County Wine Trail
The Berks County Wine Trail connects a lineup of family-owned wineries scattered across the county, and each one brings something a little different to the table. If you are staying with us, Lily’s Vineyard is the easiest place to start since it sits right in Reading on Skyline Drive. It is a smaller, family-run spot with a homestead feel, built on a property that has been in the same family for generations, and it makes a relaxed first stop before you head further out on the trail.
From Reading, most of the other wineries on the trail are about thirty minutes away, so plan for a bit of driving between stops. Ridgewood Winery in Birdsboro is one we always point guests toward, especially anyone who likes a bit of history with their wine. The tasting room sits on Ridgewood Farmstead, a nationally registered historic site with buildings dating back to the 1700s, and its reds and whites have won a fair number of awards over the years. Just a heads up, their tasting room hours are limited later in the week, so it is worth checking ahead before you go.
Not far from Ridgewood, Manatawny Creek Winery in Douglassville sits on a 90-acre farm along the banks of the Manatawny Creek, and the name itself comes from a Native American term meaning “where we meet to drink.” It is a family-run winery that has been around since the late nineties, and along with a solid lineup of reds and whites like Cabernet Franc and Riesling, they have added an onsite brewery. The deck overlooking the property is the perfect spot on the Berks County Wine Trail to relax for a while.
Heading toward Kutztown, Setter Ridge Vineyards is worth the drive for the view alone. The tasting pavilion overlooks thirty acres of vines, offering a wide, open view of the Blue Mountains, and it keeps local cheese and chocolate on hand to pair with a glass of wine. It is a good spot to slow down for a bit, especially if the weather cooperates.
If you have room for one more stop, Stoudt’s Winery in Shartlesville leans into fruit wines rather than traditional vinifera, and their plum wine has a small but loyal following. It is an easy, low-key stop, right off I-78, so it works well if you are wrapping up a day on the trail or making a quick stop between errands.
It’s recommended to call ahead or check each winery’s website before you visit. Hours vary quite a bit from one winery to the next, and a few wineries host seasonal fall events worth planning around. Pick two or three stops for the day rather than trying to see the whole Berks County Wine Trail at once.
Romantic Reading PA Bed and Breakfast on Wine Trail
No matter how you choose to plan your route along the Berks County Wine Trail, our Bed and Breakfast in Reading PA makes an easy and comfortable home base for the weekend. We are just a short drive from every stop on the trail, so there is no need to rush back after a long day of tastings. Our guest rooms are designed for relaxation, and our breakfast receives rave reviews.
If you are planning a fall getaway built around wine, foliage, and good food on the Berks County Wine Trail, we would love to have you stay with us. Reserve your room now!