Blue Cork Winery & Vineyard

Blue Cork Winery & Vineyard was named after its bordering streets: Blue Bell Road and Corkery Lane in Williamstown. Angelo Tantaros and his wife, Michelle, purchased their land (some of it farmland at one time) in 2012. They planted the first three acres in 2014 and another 3-4 acres in spring, 2015. Angelo grew up in Greece and came to America with no more than the knowledge of his family’s vineyard and winemaking. He worked hard at a number of jobs along the way, culminating in a successful landscaping business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He and his wife researched a place to follow Angelo’s dream of buying land and starting a winery. They finally decided on Williamstown. Angelo and Michelle have four children who help with the business. For now, Angelo is the winemaker, though he concedes he is going to need help, as the undertaking is massive and he is already working constantly.

Blue Cork presently grows six grape varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Chardonnay, Traminette and Cayuga. They have had two harvests so far, but Angelo shared that the grapes, while healthy, are not up to his standards, yet. It typically takes five or more years after planting before they are ready for winemaking. Angelo wisely does not want to offer his wines to the public before they are ready for prime time. People remember their first impressions. He wants to make sure it is a good first impression.

Another example of planning ahead and being patient is how Angelo and Michelle are building a complex of buildings that include the winery, tasting room, store and banquet hall (with room for 300 people). There will also be a 100′ x 100′ courtyard separating the winery from the banquet hall and store. When we talked, the beams were just being raised, bringing a smile of pride to Angelo and Michelle. The picture above depicts the inspiring scene of their present and future.

There is no projected date for the opening of Blue Cork Winery & Vineyard. They will sell no wine before its time. However, they will likely do a festival (or two) before then, to showcase their plans to anyone interested. After meeting Angelo and Michelle and touring their vineyard, my wife and I are very interested in returning. Judging by their Facebook following, there are many others who are interested in seeing how the next chapter in this story develops.

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Cheers!