Why Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery is a Must-Visit for Wine Lovers in Lancaster County

Nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery is more than just a beautiful place to enjoy wine—it’s a testament to generations of farming heritage, a commitment to high-quality winemaking, and a dedication to preserving the land. For guests staying at Hollinger House, a visit to Waltz Vineyards is an opportunity to experience exceptional wines with a rich family history behind every bottle.

A Family Tradition of Farming and Winemaking

Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery is the creation of Jan and Kimberly Waltz, whose passion for wine and agriculture has transformed their family farm into a destination for wine enthusiasts. Jan, a sixth-generation Lancaster County farmer with an agricultural degree from Penn State, brings a lifetime of farming expertise to the vineyards. His meticulous approach to tending the vines ensures that only the best fruit is harvested, resulting in wines that stand out on a global stage. Kimberly, with her background in marketing and business, brings the creative touch needed to share their exceptional wines with the world.

Together, Jan and Kimberly have worked tirelessly to make Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery a place where guests can not only taste great wine but also feel a connection to the land and the people who cultivate it. Their shared love for winemaking and dedication to preserving the farm’s natural beauty has made Waltz Vineyards a true gem in Lancaster County’s wine scene.

The Unique “Sense of Place” at Waltz Vineyards

One of the key factors that sets Waltz Vineyards apart is its unique “sense of place.” Situated on a hill in Lancaster County, the farm benefits from a Continental Climate similar to that of Northern Italy and Central France. This micro-climate, combined with well-drained soils and excellent air flow, creates the perfect conditions for growing world-class vinifera wine grapes. The farm, which has been in the Waltz family for six generations, was once used to grow traditional crops like tobacco, corn, and wheat. Today, while some traditional crops remain, the land is primarily dedicated to cultivating premium wine grapes.

By focusing on estate-grown fruit, Waltz Vineyards maintains complete control over the quality of their wines from vine to bottle. The vineyard team works year-round to ensure that each grape is grown with care, employing techniques like shoot tucking, thinning, and leaf pulling to encourage optimal growth. This hands-on approach results in wines that truly reflect the character of the land and the expertise of the growers.

State-of-the-Art Winemaking with a Traditional Touch

At Waltz Vineyards, winemaking is both an art and a science. What started as a humble operation in Jan and Kimberly’s garage has evolved into a state-of-the-art winery that produces award-winning wines. Every step of the winemaking process is carefully managed, from hand-picking the grapes to utilizing modern fermentation and blending techniques. The addition of Goffredo Agostini, a world-renowned Italian enologist, has elevated the winery’s production even further, bringing decades of experience and a global perspective to the winemaking process.

While the technology may be modern, the techniques used at Waltz Vineyards honor the traditional methods of winemaking. Many of their wines are aged in French oak barrels, which are sourced from top coopers in France and charred to perfectly complement the wines. This careful aging process adds depth and complexity to the wines, resulting in flavors that are rich, nuanced, and perfectly balanced.

A European-Style Wine Tasting Experience

In the spring of 2009, Waltz Vineyards opened its European-inspired tasting room to the public, inviting guests to experience their wines in a relaxed and elegant setting. The tasting room combines old-world charm with modern sensibilities, offering a cozy space where visitors can sample wines while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

During your visit, you can indulge in a guided tasting of Waltz’s signature wines, including bold reds like their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, intriguing whites like their Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and the captivating Stiegel Rosé. Each wine tells a story, reflecting the care and passion that goes into every bottle.

For those who want to bring a piece of the winery home, Waltz Vineyards also offers their wines for purchase both in-store and online. Whether you’re a fan of full-bodied reds, crisp whites, or something in between, there’s a wine at Waltz that’s sure to delight your palate.

The Art of French Oak Barrel Aging

One of the standout features of Waltz Vineyards’ winemaking process is their use of French oak barrels for aging. These barrels are carefully selected from some of the finest coopers in France and are charred (or toasted) to suit the specific needs of each wine. The use of French oak barrels adds layers of complexity to the wines, enhancing their structure and imparting subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and toasted wood.

The barrels are more than just a tool for aging—they are a key part of the winemaking process at Waltz. The winery employs a rigorous barrel maintenance program to protect and preserve these valuable barrels, ensuring that each one continues to contribute to the quality of their wines for years to come.

Award-Winning Wines from Estate-Grown Grapes

At Waltz Vineyards, the commitment to using only estate-grown fruit ensures that their wines are of the highest quality. By controlling every aspect of the grape-growing process, from planting to harvest, Jan and his team are able to produce wines that are consistent, flavorful, and true to the character of the land.

The results speak for themselves. Waltz Vineyards’ wines have received numerous accolades from international, national, and state competitions. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of their signature Baron Red, a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon, or their lightly oaked Old Line Chardonnay, you can be confident that you’re sipping on a wine that has been crafted with care and precision.

Why Waltz Vineyards?

So, why choose Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery? It’s simple: this winery offers more than just great wine—it offers an experience. From the stunning views of the Lancaster countryside to the hands-on approach to winemaking, every aspect of Waltz Vineyards is designed to provide visitors with a deeper appreciation for the art of wine. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon at a beautiful winery, Waltz Vineyards is a must-visit destination during your stay at Hollinger House.

With its rich family history, commitment to sustainability, and passion for creating world-class wines, Waltz Vineyards is a shining example of Lancaster County’s agricultural and winemaking excellence. Be sure to add it to your itinerary during your next visit to the area—you won’t be disappointed.