Thousands of people will be sampling Pennsylvania wines Saturday at the annual Wine on the Lake at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center.
The number of area wineries keeps growing. Wine sale are up with more young adults drinking wine, studies showing the health benefits of red wine, and winemakers improving their quality.
Randy Graham of Courtyard Winery says his business keeps growing. The company recently opened retail stores in Girard and Franklin.
Business is also strong at Arrowhead Winery. In fact construction is now underway on the 4th expansion of the business since the winery opened in 1998. Retail sales are up. So are bulk juice sales to other wineries.
But all the wineries know big changes may be on the horizon with debate continuing in Harrisburg over the possibility of privatizing wine and liquor sales.
Graham said, "There are advantages and disadvantages both ways. We just need to know what the rules are and we will develop our business strategy."
Kathy Mobilia of Arrowhead Winery said, "We just don't know if it is going to be a good thing. You never know what is going to happen with legislation."
All the wineries will be busy at Wine on the Lake, sponsored by Lilly Broadcasting. The afternoon session is sold out. A limited number of tickets are available for the evening session. They are available for purchase on line at www.wineonthelake.com
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