Quote: Although the address reads Harrisburg, the West Hanover Winery is only about 10 miles south of Fort Indiantown Gap. From I-81, take exit 77, go south, and then turn right promptly onto Jonestown Road. The winery is less than a mile on your right. The phone number for West Hanover Winery is 717/652-3711.

West Hanover Winery is not impressive at first glance. It’s the owner's house. Signs indicate that the tasting room is around back. As you follow the path around, you pass by the large backyard that doubles as the winery's small vineyard. Once inside, you work your way through a maze of aging barrels, fermenting jugs, cases/boxes, bottles, the label machine, and shelf after shelf of wine.

Once the winemaker showed me his huge variety and provided my first taste, however, I realized that the trip wasn't wasted. George has been making wine for 40 years and is the third generation in his family to do so. At this small facility, he produces over 2000 gallons per year of regional award-winning wines of various types. Those natively found in the region of note were Catawba, both dry and semisweet; Concord; and fruit Meads.

The majority of his French hybrids were only mediocre to my taste. The Cabernet Franc was impressive. With medium body and acidity, it puts forth intense red-berry flavors on the front end and only a very moderate tannic finish.

I purchased three bottles ranging in price from $10 to $17. There were two other wineries within 10 miles of the fort, but I didn't have time to visit these.

From journals A FIG more than Chocolate