Wine & Beer Tasting in Mercer County, PA
Your Guide to the Mercer County Wine and Brew Trail
If a weekend built around good wine, cold beer, and rolling countryside sounds appealing, the Mercer County Wine and Brew Trail delivers exactly that. Tucked into northwestern Pennsylvania, Mercer County is home to a growing lineup of family-owned wineries, craft breweries, and small-batch distilleries, most of them within a short drive of one another. The trail runs along two loops: a Northern Lake Trail past Pymatuning, Conneaut, and Lake Wilhelm, and a Southern Amish Countryside Trail through the farmland south of Mercer. Along either route, expect Amish buggies, working farms, and views that are especially good in the fall.
Because Mercer County sits just off I-79 and I-80, it makes an easy weekend trip from Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland, or southern Ontario.
Top Wineries on the Trail
Pennsylvania wineries in this area each bring their own character. Dock Side Cellars in Clark sits on Lake Wilhelm and happens to be right next door to Tara – A Country Inn, making it an easy walk from your room to a glass of wine at the water’s edge. Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery in Conneaut Lake crafts wine and spirits on-site, shaped by the Lake Erie microclimate. Wilhelm Winery & Antique Wine Making Museum in Hadley pours tastings inside a century-old barn, and Gatehouse Winery in Jamestown sits on 100 quiet acres. Round out the day with Webb Winery in Hermitage, Nova Cellars Winery in Pulaski, Fractured Grape Wine Cellars in New Wilmington, or Knockin Noggin Cidery & Winery in Volant.
Breweries and Distilleries on the Trail
Cobblehaus Brewing Co. by the Falls in Mercer overlooks Springfield Falls and pours beers inspired by German and Belgian traditions. Mortals Key Brewing Company near Pymatuning State Park keeps things easygoing and artistic, while Brew 32 Craft Brewery in Pulaski pours ten beers on tap with live music on Friday nights. Hop Asylum Brewing sits in walkable New Wilmington; Big Rail Brewing pairs well with a stop at Grove City Premium Outlets; and TimberCreek Tap & Table in Mercer works as a full-meal stop. For spirits, try Lynchwoods Spirits, MLH Distillery, or Scallywag Distilling.
The Best Hotel Near Mercer, PA for Your Trail Weekend
After a day of tastings, you will want somewhere comfortable to land. Among hotels near Mercer, PA, Tara – A Country Inn in Clark offers the charm of a country inn with full-service comfort, plus the advantage of sitting right next to Dock Side Cellars. Guests can unwind with dinner at Ashley’s Fine Dining Room, grab a drink at Stonewall’s Tavern, or stop by Vivien’s, the poolside eatery, for lunch. It turns a one-day trail visit into a full weekend away without another long drive home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mercer County Wine and Brew Trail?
It is a driving trail connecting wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries across Mercer County, Pennsylvania, split into the Northern Lake Trail and the Southern Amish Countryside Trail.
What is a wine trail?
A wine trail is a mapped route connecting several wineries, and often breweries or distilleries, in one region, designed so visitors can plan a multi-stop tasting day without long drives between stops.
What are the best things to do in Mercer County, PA?
Beyond the wine and brew trail, Mercer County offers shopping in Volant and New Wilmington, Grove City Premium Outlets, and access to Pymatuning State Park.