🍂 Fall at Todhunter Vineyards: Our First Vintage Begins

Autumn has arrived at Todhunter Vineyards, and with it comes a season of transition, excitement, and new beginnings. While the vines themselves are winding down from a long season of growth, the vineyard team is busier than ever preparing for our first official crush — and celebrating a major milestone in our journey.

🍇 A New Chapter: Our First Vintage of Cabernet Franc

Although our estate vines won’t bear their first harvest until next fall, we’re thrilled to announce that our winemaking adventure officially begins this week. We’ve sourced beautifully ripened Cabernet Franc grapes from a nearby Pennsylvania vineyard — fruit that reflects the same Appalachian terroir we cherish here in Westmoreland County.

The grapes will arrive within days, and our cellar will spring to life as we begin the crush and fermentation process. These grapes will form the foundation of our inaugural Todhunter Vineyards vintage — a bold, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc crafted in a New World style. It’s a symbolic moment for us: turning locally grown grapes into wine right here on our property for the very first time.

🏛️ Officially Licensed: Todhunter Vineyards Receives Its Pennsylvania Winery License

This fall also marks another milestone worth celebrating — Todhunter Vineyards has officially received its Pennsylvania Winery License! This long-awaited approval allows us to produce, bottle, and sell wine under our own label. It’s a tremendous achievement that brings our vision one step closer to reality.

With this license in hand, we can begin laying the groundwork for our on-site tasting experiences, future vineyard events, and direct-to-consumer wine offerings. Each milestone builds upon the next — and this one is especially sweet.

🌿 Fall in the Vineyard: The Work Never Stops

Even without a harvest this year, the vineyard remains alive with fall activity. The season brings cooler air, golden light, and the chance for our vines to store energy for the winter ahead. Our work this month includes:

• Canopy management to ensure leaves stick around as long as possible making sugar for storage in the root system.

• Soil testing, soil enrichment, and vineyard floor management.

• Repairing deer netting and electric fencing to protect young vines.

• Trellis repair.

• Preparing the winery workspace and equipment for fermentation, pressing, and barrel aging.

It’s a time of preparation — both for the vines and for us — as we turn our attention from the growing season to the cellar.

🥂 Looking Ahead

As the leaves change and the air grows crisp, we’re filled with gratitude for how far we’ve come — and excitement for what’s ahead. Soon, the scent of fermenting Cabernet Franc will fill the winery, marking the true beginning of Todhunter Vineyards’ winemaking story.

To our friends, supporters, and neighbors: thank you for being part of this journey from the very beginning. Raise a glass with us — our first vintage is underway, and the future looks bright under the Pennsylvania sun.

Cheers from all of us at Todhunter Vineyards!