Written by Rhonda Brooks, owner of Deer Creek Winery
We all know that a good wine transcends the seasons, but it just so happens that autumn has a special spot in our hearts here in PA. That’s because, in addition to being the most tranquilly beautiful time of year, October is PA Wine Month. The changing leaves in Clarion County are perfect compatriots to regional wines, each ushering in the new season with color and clarity.
From royal reds to golden yellows and crackling claret hues, autumns cloaks us all in its brilliant shades and shadows. In addition to the leaves, there’s autumnal elements everywhere in Clarion County that you don’t want to miss.
Opportunities to Enjoy the Fall Season in Clarion County
Fall not only brings crisp air and changing colors, but it serves as the perfect chance to venture outside, and embrace the picturesque views of Clarion County. Experience the changing seasons firsthand. Whether you’re with family, a significant other, or by yourself, take the opportunity to explore the great outdoors in PA!
Scenic Drives
Pennsylvania is filled with natural wonders — woodland paths, mountain forests, and state parks galore. Why not take a drive and witness Mother Nature in every bend of the road? Leave your windows down, play your favorite music and take a scenic drive with routes like Wapiti Way or Eagle’s Flight. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Autumn Leaf Festival
You won’t want to miss the 65th Annual Autumn Leaf Festival! The nine-day festival, sponsored by the US Army, attracts nearly 500,000 people to the Clarion area every year. The event includes carnival rides, parades, craft shows, and more. The Autumn Leaf Festival is going on this year from September 29 to October 7.
If you visit or stay with us at Deer Creek Winery during the festival, you’ll be able to experience live music right at the Inn. Performances such as Brothers Inc., The TNT Horns, and Gary Bickerstaff will be featured.
Pumpkin Picking
Fall means it’s the time of year to start planning your annual trip to the pumpkin patch. Paul’s Pumpkin Patch has hayrides, a barnyard zoo, pumpkin launcher, and a corn maze, so there’s always something to do! They even offer a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, where you can find the perfect jack-o-lantern to carve.
A Cozy Fall Getaway
Looking for a chance to unwind, and take a little fall vacay? Our Autumn in Italy room offers a unique taste of Old Tuscany vibes, with hues of olive green and orange all around. Accents of warm brown tones will make you feel at ease, inviting you to stay for a night or two.
Book this room for a nice escape from the newly cold season, and enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace. Autumn in Italy is located on the second floor of the Inn and features a queen bed, fireplace, refrigerator, table, and chairs.
Pennsylvania Wine Month
October: A wine lover’s favorite month of the year. For 31 days, there are plenty of opportunities for tasty discoveries in PA! The transition from summer to fall brings a chance to go from light, refreshing wines to something a little more savory.
Whether you’re looking to venture out to some different wineries or just want try out a new wine while sitting outside and taking in the fall foliage, there’s a way to celebrate PA Wine Month for everyone.
There are plenty of fall-inspired wines to expand your palette this season. Here are a few wines to sip as the season begins.
Pumpkin Wine
As soon as the first day of fall approaches, it seems like pumpkin-flavored everything hits the shelves. Although pumpkin-flavored wine isn’t quite as common as a latte, there are still a few wineries in the PA area that feature this fall-inspired flavor.
Pinot Noir
Probably one of the most well-known wines when it comes to fall weather, but still an essential. Light to medium-bodied reds, like Pinot Noir, become the perfect compliment to harvest foods. It’s also a great wine to have on hand when you’re having a girls night in! The Winery at Wilcox features an excellent oak-aged pinot noir that pairs well with fall season foods.
Mulled Wine
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than being cuddled up with a warm mug of mulled wine. Mulled wine is perfect for any holiday gathering you have coming up. Elk Mountain Winery in Weedville sells a Hillbilly Holiday variety that’s great when you warm it on the stovetop. This red blend has a sweet cinnamon touch that will warm you from the inside out. Deer Creek Winery makes Grandma’s Apple Pie, inspired by homemade apple pie — yum! Keep an eye out for this one, which will soon be sold in the Deer Creek Winery. Until then, stop by our main location if you want to try it out yourself!
With more than six different Deer Creek outlet locations in Western PA, take this month as a chance to explore each one! We offer plenty of different wines, so there’s bound to be one that you haven’t tried yet that will surely fancy your tastebuds. Additionally, stay tuned to Deer Creek Winery’s Facebook page where we will highlight a new wine every single day in October!
The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau’s Uncork the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Wine Trail guide outlines more than two dozen wineries, vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and other relevant destinations throughout the region, and new ones are opening up all the time, so you’re sure to find something perfect for you, no matter your taste. To stay in the loop on area wine, beer, and spirits news and events, follow the Uncork PAGO page on Facebook and PAGO’s online event calendar. Throughout the year, you can find wine walks, tasting festivals, pant and sip nights, live music, and much more.
Learn more, get your own Uncork guide, and find other interesting places to explore in the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors region by going to VisitPAGO.com or calling (814) 849-5197.
