We are so excited and thankful to have been awarded a Tourism Product Development Grant from the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. The official press release was issued today:
Media Contact: Kristen Rowe
Phone: 717-240-7195 Cell: 717-592-8286
Email: kristen@visitcumberlandvalley.com
CAEDC Tourism Grant Helps Fund First Winery at a Vineyard in Cumberland County
CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (April 12, 2018) – The Winery at the Long Shot Farm was awarded a Tourism Product Development Grant from the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) for $74,550. The grant is for the addition of a tasting room to this farm winery located just north of Carlisle at 1925 McClures Gap Rd., Carlisle. They plan to open the tasting room by Summer 2018.
The Winery at the Long Shot Farm is Cumberland County’s first winery with their own vineyard, offering estate bottled wine. “We have been growing grapes and berries in the Cumberland Valley for many years, and we are so thankful for the generous support from CAEDC, allowing us to share our passion for making wine,” said Tina Weyant, co-owner of the family-owned and operated winery.
Nestled at the base of North Mountain and surrounded by farmland, The Winery features a picturesque view of the Cumberland Valley. The tasting room and production area are housed in a renovated stone and wood barn dating back to the early 1800’s, and a large deck will overlook the vineyards and pond allowing visitors to enjoy their glass of wine and the view. All grapes and most of the fruit are grown on the premises, taking advantage of the unique agricultural resources of the Cumberland Valley, and using sustainable agricultural practices.
The Winery will be specializing in traditional wines, produced from hybrid and vinifera grapes as well as “country” style wines made from other fruits. The initial selection will include varietals such as Chambourcin, Chardonel, Concord and Vidal Blanc grape wines as well as Blackberry and Apple fruit wines. As production increases, a wider variety of wines will be offered including dry and semi-dry hybrid and vinifera wines and sweeter Concord and Niagara wines.
Visitors will be able to stroll through the vineyard on their own, have a picnic (bring your own food) or participate in a vineyard and winery tour. They anticipate offering educational events such as a forum for home-winemakers, wine tasting tips, and painting classes and social events like book-clubs and knitting groups in the future.
“We are very excited to assist with the opening of the first vineyard winery in the County,” said Valerie Copenhaver, CAEDC Senior Director of Marketing & Tourism. “The Cumberland Valley is already becoming a destination for breweries and distilleries, and to be able to add a locally-sourced winery to that mix only elevates our offerings.”
The Winery at the Long Shot Farm will be part of the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. Learn more here. CAEDC also assisted the Winery with a letter of support for a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant in 2016 to finish and bottle their wine.
To learn more about grant and low-interest loan options for tourism-related projects, please contact Valerie Copenhaver at 717-240-7193 or valerie@visitcumberlandvalley.com.
About CAEDC
CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
