Pocono News Section

One Tank Trip: Clover Hill Winery

One Tank Trip: Clover Hill Winery - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Friday, May 30, 2008 @ 05:55pm EST
UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY --If the rising costs of gas and plane tickets have you thinking of staying close to home this summer, we're here to give you some ideas for cheap getaways. Consumer reporter Jeff Chirico kicking off a summer long series tonight, called One Tank Trip.

It's somewhat self explanatory. Each Friday we'll try to show you another destination you can get to on less than a tank of gas. Tonight we head south on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a place where wine enthusiasts have plenty to toast.

Among acres of vineyards, Clover Hill looks like a piece of Napa Valley in the Lehigh Valley. It tastes that way too. What started as a hobby for Pat Skrip and her husband 33 years ago has turned into the Keystone state's second largest winery and popular tourist spot.

Pat Skrip/Clover Hill Winery "When people come to clover hill this is the end point. They're coming for wine."

From vidal blanc to concord, visitors can sip and savor in Clover Hill's tasting room west of Allentown. For those who aren't up on wine etiquette --don't fear, the staff will help. Now we can tell who the beer drinkers are...you hold wine glass by the stem." “It should be fun, people should feel comfortable and that's our goal."

After you're done tasting, you can come out to the patio. Sit and enjoy a nice wine and a spectacular view."

Larry Kelley Rochester, NY "What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Reasonable travel, great entertainment. It's really low key. Relaxing. We enjoy it." Larry and Karen Kelley of Rochester, New York are visiting family nearby.

Karen Kelley Rochester, NY "it’s beautiful. We've decided to have lunch, there are table outside, "she's going to uncork a bottle and we're going to settle in for a little.

With beautiful scenery and flavorful vino, Clover Hill's a one tank trip for all the senses. "Everyone is always so pleasant and cordial, and you always leave with a smile on your face." It took us about an hour to get their from Wilkes-Barre --and about a half tank of gas. For directions and more information on Clover Hill Winery go to