Pa. Winery Set to Host Exclusive Event This Weekend for Two New Wine Releases and First-Ever Cider Launch

Grace Winery
In Glen Mills, they will introduce their very first hard cider, named Two Donkeys Cider, along with two new wines, Mèthode Traditionnelle and Vintner’s Reserve, between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday at the tasting room.

The debut event at the Delaware County winery, situated on a picturesque 50-acre private property renowned for crafting small-batch, French-influenced wines that highlight the characteristics of the Brandywine Valley terrain, will include several musical performances, opportunities to take pictures with the resident donkeys named Momma and Rosa, and additional activities, as stated in a press release.

The full-day indoor/outdoor Father’s Day celebration will include live performances by Max and Denise from 3 to 5:30 PM, followed by Second Breakfast from 5:30 to 8 PM. Visitors also have the chance to take pictures with Momma and Rosa, who are Grace Winery’s resident donkeys and inspirations behind their popular Two Donkeys cider.

Andrew Yingst has served as the winemaker at The Inn at Grace Winery, located at 50 Sweetwater Road, since July 2018. A graduate of Hanover High School, he previously spent one and a half years as an assistant winemaker at Adams County Winery and then worked for two years as the Cellar Master at Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown, Berks County, before assuming his present role.

At Grace Winery, our objective is to produce the finest products for our clientele… And let’s be honest, I also look forward to enjoying them myself,” Yingst stated in the press release. “Given this focus, we identified a gap in our lineup—an item with reduced alcohol content that is simple to enjoy and incredibly revitalizing. Given my upbringing in Pennsylvania’s apple-growing area, cider instantly came to mind. Considering our historical connection to cultivating apples on-site and the significance of cider during the formative years of the colonies, it seemed like a natural choice.”

Below are the specifics regarding the latest products:

Two Donkeys Cider ($8 per can), 6.2% Alcohol / Available in 12-ounce cans

A locally sourced field blend from Chester County featuring these apple varieties: Pomme Gris, Ashamed Kernel, Kingston Black, Gold Rush, Winesap, and Smith’s Cider.

Crisp and refreshing cider that is a perfect balance of sugar and tart. Tastes like you are biting into a fresh apple and is perfect for a day in the sun.

Traditional Method ($16/BTG, $80/bottle), 12.2% Alcohol / 2022 vintage / 100% Estate Chardonnay

Aged meticulously over almost three years, this sparkling wine undergoes the Sur Lie technique, which imparts a delightful mix of citrus and apple flavors combined with a nutty profile reminiscent of almond pastries. You may enjoy this wine immediately or let it mature further for additional complexity.

Vintner’s Reserve ($15/glass, $75/bottle), 15.2% alcohol by volume / 2022 harvest / 72% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Franc

Showcasing Syrah’s rich and jammy dark fruit as well as the elegant herbaceous notes from Grace Winery’s estate-grown Cabernet Franc, this bold wine delivers intense blackberry and plum flavors, creating a full-bodied experience with a velvety finish.

All three will be available at Grace Winery while supplies last. The tasting room is open Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., with plans to expand hours in the coming months. Walk-ins are welcome.

For those new to this venture, Grace Winery features a tasting room along with an event area located within a charming old barn. It also includes a vineyard, winemaking facilities, as well as several lodging options that blend historical appeal with contemporary comfort—such as the Manor House, the Cottages, and the Sweetwater House.

Grace Winery crafts boutique wines that draw inspiration from French techniques yet are firmly grounded in Pennsylvania’s terroir. The winemaker, Yingst, creates these handcrafted vintages mostly from grapes grown onsite, reflecting the distinct tastes of the Brandywine Valley.

The title “Grace Winery” along with the dragonfly emblem pay tribute to owner Chris Le Vine’s sister, Gracie. She formerly held ownership of Sweetwater Farm prior to Chris and his spouse Vicki assuming control of the land in 1999.

Aside from its acclaimed wine selection and delightful lodging options, Grace Winery is also a highly sought-after wedding destination serving the broader Philadelphia region.