The campaign, hosted by the Bucks County Wine Trail, offers wine tastings at eight local wineries for a discounted cost
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Seven months. Eight wineries. Think you can do it?
For the third consecutive year, wine enthusiasts can take part in what’s arguably the most delicious local challenge — Passport to Bucks. Hosted by the Bucks County Wine Trail, participants can now purchase a $30 “passport,” a $65 value, and enjoy complimentary tastings at each winery. Those able to visit all eight and obtain eight punches on their card by April 30 will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of two cases of wine.
Passport to Bucks began in the fall of 2016 as a way to bring both locals and regional guests into the wineries that comprise the Bucks County Wine Trail — Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Rose Bank Winery, Rushland Ridge Vineyards, Sand Castle Winery, Wycombe Vineyards and Unami Ridge Winery.
Since Pennsylvania isn’t usually the first state to come to mind when one thinks of “wine country,” the Bucks County Wine Trail, a nonprofit organization formed in 2004, has been working tirelessly to showcase all the area has to offer. So far, it’s paying off.
From the picturesque views and changing foliage in the fall, to the cherry blossoms and vibrant flowers dotting the countryside in the spring, locals and visitors alike have taken notice of the county’s scenic wineries, with Passport to Bucks cards nearly selling out last year.
Someone who’s thrilled to welcome new guests is Cindy Bishop, who owns Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery with her husband Kevin. As the newest member of the Wine Trail, she said the Passport campaign is the opportune chance to promote the location’s quality wine and serene atmosphere to those who are unfamiliar.
Born and raised on the farm, Kevin started as a dairy farmer, following in the footsteps of his parents and grandfather. But after years of putting blood, sweat and tears into his work, Kevin’s physical health began to deteriorate. His arm was showing major wear and tear, and he could no longer keep up with the demands of running the farm himself.
For 15 years, the Bishops rented the property to dairy farmers as well as the nearby Delaware Valley University. That is, until they discovered a brand new use. Five years ago during a tour of Blue Ridge Winery, located in Saylorsburg, they were encouraged by the owner to consider starting their own winery. It was an epiphany. Their passion for wine was already present, with the two attending regular tastings and making lists of what they did and didn’t like. It was a no-brainer that this was the direction they were meant to take with the farm.
“That’s what we did on the weekends, Kevin and I. We just loved wineries,” Cindy said.
Once home, the Bishops began to map out how they would make this spur-of-the-moment idea a reality. Vines were planted, the space was decorated, and Bishop Estate officially opened its doors to the public in fall of 2017. Today, guests can enjoy food trucks and relaxing music while sipping on 16 types of wine. Children and pets are welcome, as well as non-wine lovers, for whom craft beers from local breweries are available.
“It’s for people who want to come enjoy the place and all their friends are drinking wine, but they don’t like it,” Cindy said.
At Bishop Estate, guests can also experience a vast sense of history.
“This is our 100th year as a family who has owned and operated this farm,” she said, adding how it recently received a Century Farm designation.
Bishop Estate participated in the Passport to Bucks challenge for the first time last year, welcoming casual wine drinkers who spread out their tastings throughout the season, and enthusiasts who set out to complete it in a single weekend. Both time frames are perfectly fine, as long as the visits take place during the contest period and participants receive a special card punch at each winery.
With an extra month to redeem the cards this time around, the Bucks County Wine Trail has even higher hopes for its third annual Passport to Bucks self-guided wine tasting tour. For more information on the Wine Trail, upcoming events, and a full list of Passport to Bucks rules, visit buckscountywinetrail.com. ••
If you go…
The third annual Passport to Bucks is taking place Oct. 1-April 30.
Participants can purchase a wine tasting card for $30 at any of the eight wineries: Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, 2730 Hilltown Pike, Perkasie; Buckingham Valley Vineyards, 1521 Durham Road, Buckingham; Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Newtown; Rose Bank Winery, 258 Durham Road, Newtown; Rushland Ridge Vineyards, 2665 Rushland Road, Jamison; Sand Castle Winery, 755 River Road, Erwinna; Unami Ridge Winery, 2144 Kumry Road, Quakertown; and Wycombe Vineyards, 1391 Forest Grove Road, Furlong.
Passports can also be purchased at Visit Bucks County, 3207 Street Road, Bensalem.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
