Pennsylvania's Stone Villa Wine Cellars Crafting Rock Solid Wines

Stone Villa General Manager and Winemaker Dominic Rose

Laurel Highlands winery prepares to celebrate 25th anniversary

Stone Villa Wine Cellars' name is more than catchy marketing. It’s a salute to more than four generations of stonemasons and winemakers. Located on 150 acres in the scenic Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, the winery is owned by Randy and Debbie Paul. Randy’s construction company built the winery, and his father brought his masonry skills to the project and finished all the stonework. The stone construction gave the winery its name and creates an inviting setting for enjoying wine.

Stone Villa has unique stone construction

Laurel Highlands, located just east of Pittsburgh and encompassing Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, is known for spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. It’s also possible to taste your way through the region, which features 52 craft beverage makers. 

The Pennsylvania wine industry dates to the 18th century and benefits from the moderating effects of Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean. Today the state has more than 100 wineries. I’ve. visited a handful of PA wineries and was eager to renew my acquaintance with Keystone State wine.

Dominic Rose, the general manager and winemaker, acknowledges that Pennsylvania wine doesn’t have the national reputation of some other states. ”We’re out to change that opinion,” he said during our recent visit. “We are a product-focused winery, not a wedding venue. We don’t put anything in the bottle we wouldn’t like to drink ourselves.”

The tasting room features a wrap-around concrete table with plenty of elbow room that affords a great view of the vineyard and private lake. On this day the sun was glinting off the water and scattered couples were enjoying the scenery with glasses of wine under umbrellas.

Stone Villa grows 12 grape varieties that range from the well-known to hybrid grapes which are suited for the cooler climate. The winery opened in 2000 and is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

Wine tastings are complimentary with 20 selections ranging from dry to sweet with some nice options in between. Bottle prices range from $14 to $24.

The tasting opened with the 2022 Dry Riesling. I was unsure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the mineral notes and refreshing apple and pear flavors. This is a very good Riesling. The 2022 Pinocitro was another treat. It is a Pinot Grigio blend that has a pronounced citrus spin. 

Private lake is the perfect location for sipping

On the red side, my favorite was the 2021 Vintner’s Select. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, De Chaunac, and Corot Noir (the last two being hybrid grapes). It gets aging in French and American oak and I was surprised at the depth of flavor. It has notes of dark cherry and currant. This is their premier wine and would nicely pair with a grilled steak (medium rare, if you please).

At Dom’s suggestion, I tried the semi-dry 2021 Villa Red. This is an enjoyable fruit-forward wine made with Chambourcin, De Chaunac, Frontenac, and Corot Noir. Chamourcin and De Chaunac are hybrids created in France, while Frontenac (University of Minnesota) and Corot Noir (Cornell) are hybrids created by well-known university viticulture programs. 

Stone Villa is located at 1085 Clay Pike Road in Acme, PA. Stop by for a complimentary tasting and soak in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere while enjoying some of Pennsylvania’s best wine.