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The
Christian W. Klay winery boasts more than the award-winning
wines — spectacular mountaintop views and a rich history
of welcoming guests are also part of the Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania
vineyard.
In 1986 Sharon and John Klay bought 216 acres of land once
owned by U.S. Senator William Crow in Chalk Hill, PA. Within
a few years the Klay’s converted the former dairy farm
into a mountaintop winery and now they have 11 wines in production
and a yearlong list of tours and activities available on the
property. The business, named after the couple’s 18-year-old
son Christian, also includes a tasting room and retail gift
shop where the wine and gift baskets are sold. Visitors come
from as far away as Germany, Canada, Japan and China.
A Winemaker’s Early Roots
While living in NYC in the 70’s, Sharon and John Klay
developed an interest in starting a vineyard. They began the
research and selection of the nearly 100 varieties of grapes,
which would be suitable for cool climate growing conditions.
Upon relocation to Pittsburgh, PA, the Klay’s then spent
three years searching for the ideal site for their dream winery.
In 1986 the search ended with the purchase of the 215-acre
Fayette Springs Farm in Chalk Hill, PA.
John had initially ordered 1,000 vines. Sharon quickly realized
that this was too much for grape jelly and not enough for
wine so she ordered the next 13,000 vines. With the help of
Ray Mathews, vineyard manager, the next 12 acres of vineyard
were established over a period of five years.
Sharon feels strongly that her background in dental hygiene
contributes valuable chemistry knowledge necessary for winemaking
and that her studies in studio art and art history are the
foundation of her ability to blend wines. “I apply blending
much as one would mix a richer paint hue,” says Sharon.
Sharon also oversees the daily operations of the winery and
spends much of her time planning the special events that the
winery is known for. ‘Wine & Dine in the Woods’
is just one of the popular activities at the vineyard. These
special theme dinners typically begin with a wagon ride to
the top of the vineyard, a special theme dinner and a wine
tasting. Other events include the annual Chili Cook-Off &
Mountain Harvest Festival and murder mystery dinners.
The winery is also a popular destination for weddings. During
the summer of 2003, twelve wedding ceremonies and receptions
were held at the winery. Given the spectacular surroundings,
it’s no surprise that so many couples have chosen to
celebrate at this location.
The farm has a long history of welcoming guests. At the turn
of the century it was owned by U.S. Senator William E. Crow,
who received many guests, including President Harding and
Black Jack Pershing, at his mountain estate. The Fayette Springs
Farm is also the headwaters of springs that were sought after
for their “medicinal powers,” popular in Victorian
times.
The mountaintop vineyard has a unique microclimate and panoramic
tri-state views. It was selected for grape growing due to
its rocky, well-drained soils and elevations. At 2,350 feet,
it is the highest elevation vineyard east of the Rocky Mountains.
During the establishment of the vineyard, the Klays embarked
on a five-year course of study of vineyard management and
winemaking, visiting over 200 wineries and programs at major
universities. This information was then adapted for use in
their cool climate site.
The home of the winery is a beautifully restored 1880’s
Queen Anne style barn. The retail sales and tasting rooms
are located in the lower level, with the top level being used
for special events and private parties. In keeping with the
agricultural tradition of Pennsylvania farm wineries, the
Klay’s offer guests the “total wine experience,”
from the beauty of the vineyard and tours of the winemaking
facility, to daily wine tastings. Visitors can also learn
about cool climate grape growing and the wine making process
during a private tour with the winemaker or vineyard manager.
“I love the challenge of it all. It’s very exciting
to see all of this work together,” says Sharon, looking
at all of the miles of vineyards that surround her. “We
are just a city block away from Rt. 40, but when you come
here to the vineyard you can be anywhere in the world. Maybe
it’s California, France or Italy. People don’t expect
to see this in Western Pennsylvania.”
Altitude is Everything
While many may think that growing grapes in the Chestnut Ridge
may not be wise, the couple found 12 acres of the 216 perfect
for their crop. The vineyard’s central location atop
a plateau is extremely helpful because it benefits from constant
airflow, which protects it from late-spring and early-fall
frosts and reduces disease that may otherwise harm the grapes.
“Experts say that mountaintop grapes are the best because
they offer a complex taste as they are grown, adapting to
hot days and cool nights,” Sharon explains. The sandstone
soil also is a plus. The stones help hold the heat in so that
it radiates back to the vine at night to help ripen the grapes.
Eventually one grape can combine with more than 100 other
varieties to produce 11 distinct flavors. The National Road
Collection, honoring historic sites along the nation’s
first highway, takes on names such as Blanc de Lafayette and
Washington Tavern Red. Each hand-labeled bottle is equipped
with history about each site.
“I wanted to pro-mote this area and share its beauty
with everyone,” says Sharon. “A winery has a sense
of mystique to it. The feeling of romance, the process, the
tasting. We’re the perfect model of agritourism. People
can come and visit and get a little history, too.”
Keep up with the schedule of events by visiting www.cwklaywinery.com.
Directions:
Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highland,
convenient to Rt. 40. From Rt. 40 in Chalk Hill, turn left
onto Fayette Springs Road. The winery is 300 yards further
on the left.
Contact info:
Christian W. Klay Winery
412 Fayette Springs Road, Chalk Hill, PA 15421
Phone: 724-439-3424 Email: smklay@hotmail.com Web: www.cwklaywinery.com
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