Business & Tech
Business of the Week: Franklin Hill Vineyards, The Grape Spot
The Grape Spot, one of four satellite stores to the Lehigh Valley's oldest winery, has been remodeled.
The next time you walk into the newly-renovated store in Lower Nazareth Township, remember this: it’s one of four Lehigh Valley stores that sells wine from the oldest vineyard in the area.
The store, which can be found at 3625 Nazareth Road, has been repainted, a new hardwood floor has been dropped in, a new wine cabinet has been installed and some of the exclusive merchandise has been spread out for easier customer access -- and probably for some good feng shui.
, which was founded in 1976, makes 24 varieties of red, white, rose, sparkling and specialty wines. The vineyard’s top-seller, Sir Walter’s Red, is made from the Chambourcin grape, a French-American hybrid designed to grow well in east-coast soil.
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This year’s new addition to the wine list is Pomegranate Peach, a specialty wine made with 100 percent pomegranate juice. Also returning to the repertoire is Breathless, a port-style red wine with a warm berry flavor.
Among the various merchandise the store sells are all sorts of wine-oriented accessories; things like replaceable corks, colorful and ornate wine glasses and wine purses, which are hinged bags large enough to hold a standard wine bottle.
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The store also sells Robert Rothschild dips from Ohio, Scentation candles from Arkansas, and wine-enthusiast apparel like T-shirts and hats.
According to manager Michael DiLorenzo, fall is a great time for customers to stop by for some wine.
“Harvest has started,” he said. “Harvest season is a good time -- people start mulling in the fall and winter.”
“Mulling” refers to the process of combining wine, usually red, with spices like cinnamon or cloves and serving it warm for a delicious cider-like treat.
The Grape Spot is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. All varieties of Franklin Hill wines can be purchased at the store for about $10 to $14. Tastings are always available.
Several area establishments serve Franklin Hills wine, including in Forks Township, the , and the newly-renovated in Bushkill Township, to name a few.
For more information, visit franklinhillvineyards.com.