Pocono News Section

Winery Opens in the Poconos

Winery Opens in the Poconos - Monday, October 5, 2009 at 5:15PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Oct 5, 2009 @ 05:15pm EDT
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - A new winery has opened in the Poconos. The family business took six years to grow.

The most popular wine at the place is called "Passion." It's named after the owner's passion for wine. Tasting Room Manager Linda Rice said, "Initially I thought it was going to be a hobby."

That hobby turned into a business for Linda and her husband Randy. Linda said, "We have just been blessed the entire time."

The couple recently opened Mountain View Vineyardsin Jackson Township. Randy planted his first grape vines after a trip to the Finger Lakes wine region. Linda said, "When they flourished - he decided that we needed to buy a tractor and clear our six acre property and plant an entire vineyard."

Six years after that trip, the vineyard is flourishing and the family business is growing. Kim Leshanski of Saylorsburg said, "I think it's fabulous."

She stopped by the tasting room for a day out with some girl friends. She said, "I think anything that's local that you can support local is fabulous."

Linda said she expects to get a lot of community support, despite the economy. She said, "People will still stop for a bottle of wine. They'll stop and have a glass of wine."

Kris added, "This Christmas all my Christmas presents are going to be from here."

The folks at Mountain View Vineyards say the business can grow. Thanks to their passion for grapes and a thirst for a little luxury no matter what the economy. Bottles range in price from $8 to $11.

Randy Rice was not available to talk to Eyewitness News. He was working at his day job as a teacher.

To learn more about the vineyard visit or call 570-619-0053.