Crossing Vineyards celebrates ninth birthday

Most people can relate to those little gems of advice handed down by a wise grandparent. In my case it was “Nana,” who always said: “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.”

In 2012 Crossing Vineyards certainly followed “Nana’s” advice to the letter and added a season of considerable accomplishments to its already impressive record.

In nine short years Crossing has managed to establish itself as one of Pennsylvania’s leading wineries, but the business is hardly an overnight success. Credit for the “revolutionary” idea goes to Tom Carroll, Jr., who at age ten, envisioned a vineyard on his family’s twenty-acre farm in Upper Makefield.

After completing his studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, Tom Jr. relocated to California to pursue an acting career. In 2000 he returned to Bucks County to “establish his roots,” as he put it, and to the plant the vineyard he had always dreamed of. In Oct. 2003, Crossing Vineyards and Winery opened its doors to the public, and the ten year old’s dream became a reality.

Crossing Vineyards’ list of successes in its ninth season

From the Grapevine

is impressive, even for a business that’s been 25 years in the making.

In Nov. 2011, shortly after its 8th birthday celebration, Crossing earned recognition for three of its wines in The Jefferson Cup Invitational, the only American competition honoring the best of the best from all U.S. Wine Regions, American wines that are deserving of the nation’s attention. Crossing’s Merlot 2008, Late Harvest Vidal Blanc 2009 and Chocolate Cherry Truffle (NV) each earned “Certificates of American Merit,” which are equivalent to silver medals in other prestigious wine competitions.

In December Pennsylvania’s Wine Society honored Crossing Vineyards’ Signature series vintages, CabernetMerlot 2008 and Merlot 2008, naming them among the Top Ten Wines in the state. Crossing’s Estate Series Chambourcin Reserve 2008 was listed among the Top 20. For the third consecutive year, The Pennsylvania Wine Society included Crossing Vineyards on a short list of eleven wineries in the state to be recognized for producing excellent local wines.

In 2012 Crossing strove to earn the attention and respect of local consumers by adding 21more medals to its trophy case, bringing the total in year eight to an impressive 150. Crossings’ red wines led the way this year with the 2010 Cabernet-Merlot earning gold medals in two important California contests and silver at The International Eastern Wine Competition. The newly released “Heritage” (a Bordeaux blend) scored gold in The Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi, as well as 2 silvers and a bronze in other prestigious international competitions.

The newly released, wildly popular (and often sold out) Chocolate Cherry Truffle won critical acclaim as well, with a gold medal at The Keystone Wine Competition.

In 2012 Crossing continued to attract national media attention.

In May Epicurious.com singled out Crossing Vineyards’ 2008 Viognier as one of the top 50 wines in the U.S. and number one in PA. Wine writer Lucy Burningham says in her article:

“In a state with a rapidly flourishing wine scene, Crossing Vineyards and Winery produces 25 types of wine in Bucks County using Pennsylvania fruit. With a solid emphasis on vinifera grapes, the vineyard’s Viognier stands out for its non-oaked, lush, and round citrus and tropical fruit.”

In August wine writer Carl De Vito, author of East Coast Wineries: A Complete Guide from Maine to Virginia and expert on East Coast wines, praised Crossing’s consistency in a recent posting about Pennsylvania on his blog. He says of Crossing Vineyards:

“You can taste up and down their line-up with no evidence of anything but solid wines. Ask any wine writer – that’s a hard thing to accomplish… and shows your wines have arrived.”

As part of its educational program in 2012, Crossing Vineyards’ Wine Institute also sponsored two exciting travel opportunities. In January, Tom and Chris Carroll hosted a 12 day wine-themed cruise to New Zealand and Australia on The Celebrity Century. In September The Wine Institute offered another small group experience on a luxury barge travelling along the canals of the Champagne region in France. The 7 day tour was followed by a 3 day land excursion in Alsace and 2 exciting days in Paris with an afternoon excursion to Monet’s home in Giverny.

A cruise to South America is planned for Jan. 2013. Prices for the 14 day trip on the Celebrity Infinity start at $2,424, excluding airfare. For details, email info@crossingvineyards.com.

As Crossing Vineyards begins its 9th year, the Carroll family remains optimistic about the future and firmly focused on the principles that have guided the company from the beginning.

There’s another piece of advice “Nana” was famous for giving: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Crossing Vineyards and Winery’s ninth birthday party will begin on Saturday, October 13 and will continue through Sunday, October 14. The celebration at the winery will feature live performances by the popular Eric Mintel Quartet and will also include birthday cake, a free gift with case purchase and a birthday drawing with a grand prize of 2 free tickets to the November 10 Food and Wine Pairing event .

For more information call 215-493-6500, ext. 19 or visit Crossing Vineyards website: www.crossingvineyards.com