Chesslawn Vineyard and Winery was started in 2001 with the onset of the first vineyard planting. A second planting in 2003, and construction of the winery facility, lead to its first Vintage in 2003 from its first vineyard planting. Since then vintages have been released every year except 2009(That year was horrible...rain, wet, cold) The Vineyard & Winery is 14 acres, and has over 8000 vines. All wines are sold thru the winery by appointment only.
The winery owners had three kids in 5 years, so something had to give, and winery retail hours were sacrificed. With much pleasant surprise wine sales went up after the retail store was closed due to this internet thing, and a massive eat local movement, that we hope becomes a staple of everyday life rather than a trendy movement. All of wines are made from our grapes. We keep things as local as we can.
The Winemaker- Dave Matson, was born and raised on the same land he now grows the vineyard on. In fact, he is a ninth generation farmer from the same area. Dave went to Penn State University, studied Sciences, and worked Plant Pathology research. Thru his senior thesis he became introduced to the local Vineyard, Mount Nittany, and spent fall weekends lending a hand, and learning by doing. Dave met his future wife at Penn State, Lisa, and convinced her starting a vineyard and winery in Canada was a "cool" thing to do.
Dave & Lisa & Family, including brother & sisters all pitch in to make this quaint, local winery work. All grapes are picked by family members gossiping in the vineyard, and all the hard work is done by Dave, pressing the grapes by pushing equipment buttons while drinking wine, slightly relaxed.
We have a "40 Year Plan", and thats to be here 40 years, growing the winery very slowly. We don't plan on being the biggest winery, but look for business longevity. By starting simple, and keeping it fun, we look forward to future.
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