University Wine Company: A Central Pennsylvania Success Story
Central Pennsylvania's wine scene is flourishing, with local wineries offering unique experiences and award-winning wines. Among these, the University Wine Company stands out as a testament to local entrepreneurship and a commitment to providing a comprehensive wine experience. This article explores the history and development of the University Wine Company, highlighting its contributions to the region's wine culture.
From Wine Slushies to a Destination Winery
The story of University Wine Company begins with Jeff Proch, a local entrepreneur who, after returning from New York City, identified a niche in the market: wine slushies. In 2011, Proch launched U-Freeze, a wine slushie business that packaged wine in resealable pouches, perfect for freezing into a refreshing adult treat. The success of U-Freeze fueled Proch's ambition to expand his wine business beyond slushies and bottled wines.
Proch envisioned a larger production facility, complete with his own vineyard and a tasting room that would offer a mountain atmosphere while remaining easily accessible from State College, Pennsylvania. In 2017, Proch found the ideal location: a ten-acre site on State Route 45 in Harris Township, near Boalsburg. This site offered the perfect blend of convenience and scenic beauty, with expansive views of both Beaver Stadium and Rothrock State Forest.
Building the Dream: PennTerra Engineering's Role
The realization of Proch's vision required careful planning and execution. PennTerra Engineering's team collaborated with Proch to design the site, including a dual-driveway system that allowed patrons to access the public tasting room while providing direct access to the production entrance for employees and vendors. The team also developed the overall site layout, utilities, and lighting plan, as well as a stormwater management plan.
The result was a 3,000-square-foot building with vaulted ceilings that captured the essence of a mountain retreat while remaining conveniently located. The tasting room opened its doors in 2020, marking a significant milestone for the University Wine Company and the local community.
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A Community Hub
Since its opening, University Wine Company has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The tasting room regularly hosts a variety of events, including food trucks, sip-and-paint nights, yoga sessions, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations.
Proch's commitment to providing a full experience extends beyond the wine itself. He aims to create a welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful facility, a convenient and picturesque location, fun events, amazing sunsets, and local craft beer and spirits. The winery has become a valued part of the community.
Following in Family Footsteps
Jeff Proch's passion for winemaking is deeply rooted in his family history. His father, Jinx Proch, is a renowned figure in the local winery scene. Jeff has successfully cultivated University Wine Company into a destination for those exploring the Central PA Tasting Trail, Route 45 Getaways, and Happy Valley Agventures.
Other Local Wineries Enhance the Region
University Wine Company is not the only successful winery in the area. Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery, owned by Barb Christ and Elwin Stewart, offers visitors a taste of Tuscany in Pennsylvania. Their vineyard, started in 1999, features ten acres of vines with Tussey Ridge as a backdrop. They began commercial winemaking in 2010, sold wine at farmers’ markets in 2011, and opened their tasting room in January 2013.
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery, now owned and managed by Linda Carroll Weaver and her husband, Steve Weaver, has been a fixture in the community since 1990. Joe Carroll, Linda's father, began as an amateur winemaker in the 1970s and planted a six-acre vineyard in 1987. The winery now produces 16,000 gallons of wine each year and harvests 12 to 15 tons of grapes annually. Mount Nittany focuses on seasonal wine and food pairing events, guided art classes, game nights, and outdoor events.
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Juniata Valley Winery, a family business owned and operated by George and Colleen Hazard, crafts its wines in Juniata County. They offer a selection of Pennsylvania wines, including dry to sweet, red, white, and blush grape wines, as well as fruit wines.
Seven Mountains, which opened in 2009, sells a wide variety of wines. Owners Scott and Mary Ann Bubb started with their first vintage in their basement and built their tasting room and showroom upstairs.
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