The Cassel Vineyards of Hershey calendar still has a few events listed.
The Cyber Monday deal, which is happening now until December 8, is one example. The Dauphin County producer has an opportunity to boast about and sell one of the best Cabernet Francs produced in the area on December 4, which is National Cabernet Franc Day.
On December 8, there’s a wine pick-up party; on December 11, there’s a wine and chocolate pairing event; and on December 12, there’s a trivia night. This year, the Hummelstown winery, which is situated at 80 Shetland Drive, will close on December 22.
This is a link to its list of events.
A few local wineries, including Cassel Vineyards of Hershey, shut down for the winter so they may concentrate on producing their wine and begin preparing the vineyard for the following growing season. Their attendance at the Farm Show from January 4–2025, where they will provide tastings and sell their products, will be one disruption to the winter routine.
The winery, for those who don’t know, is situated on a 135-acre farm that has been farmed for five generations. Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Concord, and Niagara are among the seven grape varieties grown on the 5-acre vineyard. Craig and Chris Cassel, along with their wives Becky and Jody, run and run it.Cassel Vineyards was founded in 2008 and received a license to sell its first vintage in 2009.
Craig Cassel provided these responses in response to several questions PennLive gave him about this year and the future ahead of the last few weeks.
On December 12, Cassel Vineyards of Hershey will host another wine and chocolate event.Hershey’s Cassel Vineyards Facebook
Q, Yes, you have consistently been closed for a few months. Was it always a combination of that business slowing down until late winter/early spring and the desire to catch up for a few months? Since you opened, have your opinions on the shutdown evolved?
A, Historically, we have been closed from Christmas until the new bottling date. Because we all work as full-time instructors and need a vacation from working two jobs at the winery and school [particularly around harvest]! We like spending time with our family while focusing on vineyard pruning and winemaking. We had very limited outdoor space prior to COVID, and winter is a sluggish season. If someone is truly interested in coming to see, we are always at the Pa State Farm Show for a week (January 4–7, 2025).
Q, I am aware that you don’t take it easy in January and February. What’s still happening in the vineyard and in the winery?
A, For the forthcoming season, the new wines must be racked, clarified, cold stabilized, blended, and bottled. In order to get the vineyard ready for the next growing season, we prune it all.
Cassel Vineyards, located outside of Hummelstown in Dauphin County, planted vines sixteen years ago.Hershey’s Cassel Vineyards Facebook
Q, How was the entire year in terms of attendance alone? Look for patterns in what people were drinking, when they were visiting, or why they were there?
A, Our vineyard and winery had a good year. The harvest was good, and consumption has not changed. We have a strong support system in the neighborhood and a pleasant influx of visitors who come to see us after reading or hearing about our wines. People’s perceptions of our establishment have altered as a result of our diversification from only wine to wine, cider, wine slushies, beer, and entertainment on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our consumption was up, but not always through purchases, as we were only a stop between two other vineyards on multiple wine trails. We are now on our way to somewhere for the day or evening. Customers who wish to take their time and savor the wine and the ambiance return time and time again and purchase wine for their loved ones.
Q, I take it you still sell food? That must be a factor that is becoming more and more significant.
A, We began modestly with crackers and local Jubilee Heritage Cheese, then added Emma’s Gourmet Popcorn, pretzels, and Tina Marie’s handcrafted chocolates. Working with a chef to provide local and imported meats and cheeses in charcuterie boxes was our most recent improvement. All of this is our attempt to create a tranquil space that our friends and clients may enjoy when they visit.
The Cassel family has farmed this 135-acre property for five generations. The Cassel brothers, Craig and Chris, along with their wives, Becky and Jody, run and oversee the winery. Cassel Vineyards received its license in 2009 after being founded in 2008.Hershey’s Cassel Vineyards
Are there any upcoming releases scheduled for 2025?
A, We are thrilled to present a brand-new Chambourcin ros range. We wanted to highlight our chambourcin in a range of semi-dry and dry wines because it has been receiving a lot of attention lately. We wanted to highlight the variety of our Chambourcin, which has traditionally been the classic full-bodied, dry red barrel-aged variety.
Q, How long have the vines been there? In the upcoming year or two, are there any plans to take out or plant?
A, I am continuously replanting the 16-year-old vines. This year will mark our first harvest of Landot Noir, and we already have seven types. Until the next generation decides to take over, which may be just getting started, we have no plans to increase output.
Wine Classroom
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!