Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co.
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Arundel Cellars in North East, Pennsylvania offers a unique experience by offering visitors a choice between wine tasting or brew tasting. The facility also features numerous concerts. One of their goals is for “people to leave a little happier.”
Arundel Cellars & Brewing located in North East, Pennsylvania is located in a large restored barn built in the 1860s, although the exact date is unknown. Upon our arrival at the facility we saw what appeared to be a three-story bright red building with a modern outside style. However, upon entering the tasting room, we saw large, old timbers in the tasting room/event room. The stone walls are original. In 1921 the barn was renovated into a cider barn. Now, numerous tables and chairs are spread throughout the large room providing a great place for conversations over a glass of wine.
The Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co. business opened in 2014, although the grand opening was in 2015. Arundel Cellars & Brewing is owned by four couples: Lauri and Marc Boettcher, Charlie and Anita Rahal, Adam and Rachel Schwindt and Liz and Evan Boettcher. In the past, Lauri Boettcher had co-owned Presque Isle Wine Cellars and was also a winemaker. Charlie owns vineyards in the North East area. The Arundel Cellars & Brewing property was purchased in 2012.
When beginning Arundel Cellars & Brewing, the couples wanted to create a relaxing venue for locals to visit and to feel they are on a vacation. They want visitors to relax and feel rejuvenated. The winery and brewery is also the site of numerous concerts.
We met Lauri and Charlie (pictured left) in the tasting room. The winery facility is located a short distance away. Lauri’s story began in North Dakota where she taught school. Lauri and Marc would travel to North East, Pennsylvania to help out at the Presque Isle Wine Cellars owned by Doug Morehead. Marc and Doug Morehead’s wife are siblings. Lauri enjoyed the winemaking process. Eventually Lauri was asked to join the team at Presque Isle. Working with Doug Morehead at Presque Isle created a passion for Lauri when Doug had her taste wines and talk about them. Charlie’s background includes owning close to 200 acres of Concord, Catawba and Niagara vineyards. At the time of our April visit, buds were begining to form on the vines adjacent to the tasting room.
There is a story behind the name Arundel. The wine tasting building, as mentioned previously, was built in the 1860s. It was an animal barn for decades. In 1921 the barn and property was acquired by World War One veteran Frank Schultz. During the war, Frank was stationed in England. He was enamored with a castle he saw in the rolling hills. The castle was named Arundel. Frank decided to use this name for the cider mill. The cider mill was in operation for three generations. When the property was acquired by the present owners, they choose to keep the name Arundel.
The Wines at Arundel Cellars & Brewing
The Falcon Red 2016 with 12.5% alcohol was a blend of Noiret and De Chaunac grapes. The Falcon Red wine was an opaque dark ruby color. The aroma was of pepper and black fruits. The taste included red cherry and plum. The wine was medium/full bodied with medium tannins. The finish had pepper followed by fruit. The Falcon Red wine pairs with pasta with red sauce and beef. This wine was named for the three infant Kestrel Falcons found in the barn during renovations. The Tamarack Wildlife Rehab Center helped the falcons survive. Due to the assistance of the center a part of the proceeds of the Falcon Red wine are donated to the Tamarack Wildlife Rehab Center.
Blossom NV was 12% alcohol. The residual sugar was 4.75. This was a blend of Cayuga, Vidal, Riesling and Traminette. The light yellow colored wine offered floral, tropical, honeysuckle and white rose notes. The finish was sweet and delicious, then on the aftertaste the wine dries. Pairing suggestions included cheeses, appetizers and creamy sauces.
Wild Child was a blend of Niagara and some wild grapes that grow in the vineyard. The wine was an orange color with a pink hue. The aroma was of the Niagara grape. The taste was grapey. The finish was grapey and sweet but tended to dry a bit on the finish. This is a wine for a rocking chair on the porch with a little soft music. The back label reads, “The rebellious spirit of these untamed vines remind us of the 1960s, a time like no other in history. A time filled with love, peace, rebellion and so much more! Enjoy this sweet wine with reflection. Unlock the Experience!”
Menu
When planning your visit to Arundel Winery & Brewery, consider getting a bite to eat from their extensive menu. On the day of our visit the menu included: Grilled Chicken Salad, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Turkey Cucumber Wrap, Meat & Cheese Tray, Veggies & Hummus, Bavarian Pretzel and Classic Chips & Salsa.
When visiting North East, Pennsylvania consider stopping at Arundel Winery & Brewery for wine, food and perhaps a concert.
Arundel Cellars
11727 East Main Rd. (Rt 20)
North East, Pennsylvania 16428
Article written May 2019.
