Windgate began as a vineyard, then expanded to become a producer of fine, estate-grown wines. 30 years ago, Daniel and Lillian Enerson bought land in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania — a tiny Amish community in Western Pennsylvania. They were vineyard pioneers in this part of the state, and were fortunate, for they soon discovered that the vineyard’s microclimate is nearly perfect for growing wine grapes. The elevation, western slope exposure, and persistent air drainage provide warming in the winter and cooling in the summer.
The Enersons opened Windgate as a winery in 1987. It has since grown to become the largest estate winery in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Windgate Vineyards produces several varieties of French hybrid grapes: Marechal Foch, De Chaunac, Seyval Blanc, Vidal, Chancellor, and Chambourcin. Additionally, the vineyard is “planted to” three vinifera grapes: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris. Currently,the winery bottles over 9,000 gallons of wine every year.
