Clover Hill has always been a smartly run organization. I've always admired their sophisticated presentation and their ability to run multiple locations. For years they had a store at King of Prussia Mall for example, as well as elsewhere. Even today, they have as many as four locations.
Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery was founded by John and Pat Skrip in the 1970’s in Breinigsville, PA. In September of 1985 they proudly opened the doors of Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery. After literally growing up in the vines, two of the Skrip children have become an integral part of the family business.
In the early 1990’s, after studying enology at Fresno State University, California, John Skrip III joined Clover Hill as Winemaker. Under his care, the wine list has continued to expand, offering many new wines, and maintaining a standard of excellence that has come to be a Clover Hill hallmark.
Daughter, Kari Skrip, has followed the family tradition, joining Clover Hill after studying wine marketing at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Kari’s expertise in marketing, promotion, and distribution continue to introduce new customers to the fine wines of Clover Hill while protecting the integrity of her family’s passion and mission - providing premium wines in a relaxed, inviting winery atmosphere.
Currently, Clover Hill has six vineyards with 80 acres that produce 80,000 gallons of wine a year.
I had a very nice tasting, but the first wine absolutely blew me away! The Clover Hill Vidal Verdhe was a whole new take on white wine in the east, only comparable with Albarino.
The wine is based in profile on Vinho Verde the famous white Portuguese wine. Brightly acidic and with a slight spritz, the wine is a warm weather winner, and has been the quaffing wine of Europeans for decades.
Clover Hill Vidal Verde is produced from 100% estate grown Vidal Blanc grapes. It is a light,bright dry white wine with hints of fresh pineapple, citrus, green apple, and pop of fizz at the end! The first smell and the first taste make you wish you were on a balcony in Porutgal overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This is a spectacular idea, that would also work well with Seyval Blanc or Traminette or Frontenac Gris. Its a wonderful acid bomb with lovely fresh fruit. This is an absolute winner and a game changer for anyone paying attention....and that goes for ALL wine drinkers. Fantastic!
By the way, the Clover Hill Pinot Noir 2016 is a lovely wine as well. Its a lovely light-to-medium bodied red, with big notes of fresh fruit like cherries and blueberries, a slight hint of lavender, and a whiff of fresh strawberry jam. A lovely surprise and very reasonably priced!
A lovely visit at Clover Hill, with one wine that should be a game changer!