A Legacy of Flavor and Community
Adams County Winery is celebrating a significant milestone on September 27 — its golden anniversary, marking 50 years of producing wine, welcoming guests, and becoming an integral part of south-central Pennsylvania. As the fifth-oldest operating winery in the state (and the first in Adams County), it’s more than just a local favorite; it’s a piece of Pennsylvania’s rich wine history.
The story of Adams County Winery began in the mid-1970s. Even before the doors officially opened in 1975, vineyards were already being cultivated on the property. Over time, the small family operation took shape inside a charming 1860s bank barn and steadily expanded. Today, the winery stands as a testament to persistence, passion, and community support.
In 1998, John and Katherine Kramb purchased the winery, taking it from a modest farm operation into a fully realized wine enterprise. Under their stewardship, large expansions were made, gardens were beautified, and production capabilities increased. In 2021, a structural renovation further enhanced the guest experience and capacity for winemaking.
On Saturday, September 27, visitors poured in for the golden anniversary celebration. Dan Baumgardner, who has been the general manager of the winery for 14 years, shared some of the activities planned for the day. “Today we are celebrating our milestone golden anniversary … we have a lot of great activities. … Guests will sign a golden barrel … we have a wonderful band playing today,” he said.
Baumgardner added that one of his most treasured rewards in his years here has been the relationships formed. “I still see so many of the same faces from 14 years ago … memories, engagements, weddings,” he said. “We’re honored, and the friendships we’ve made are so genuine.”
John and Katherine Kramb served in the military prior to purchasing the winery. They said going from military careers to operating a winery was a difficult adjustment. “In the military, when the boss says do something, you do it, so coming here, I had to make adjustments,” John said.
John reflected on how much the industry has grown — and on the challenges it takes to endure. “We first opened; there were 68 wineries in the state … now there are over 400 as the industry has exploded.”
Jordan Bigler, John and Katherine’s nephew, said the celebration is about the community support, but most importantly, all of the hard work his aunt and uncle have done to reach this milestone. “People have been coming here for many, many years. It’s nice to pause and celebrate it because 50 years in a community is a big deal,” Bigler said. “Everybody that comes here says there’s something magical … the gardens, the atmosphere, the feeling like home.”
His own journey brought him back from Los Angeles to help run the winery. He called it meaningful to honor the legacy and serve the community that’s supported them for so long.
Adams County Winery’s lineup includes crowd favorites like Rebel Red (introduced in 1999) and Tears of Gettysburg (white, debuting in 1988). Their sweetest wine is BlackMagic, a pure blackberry wine.
Baumgardner’s personal favorite is a semi-sweet white called Stray Cat Strut (Catawba grape) — “very refreshing, any time of year.”
To stretch the anniversary celebration beyond today, the winery has already released decade-themed wines:
- First Crush (1970s) in May
- Heat Wave (1980s) in July
- Mash & Pumpkin (1990s) this September
- And one more themed to the 2000s is slated for November 22
These limited releases offer patrons a taste of history while commemorating each decade in Adams County Winery’s 50-year journey.
With more than 400 wineries now in Pennsylvania, lasting five decades is no small feat. According to Dan, “It’s very difficult to make it with inflation and everything. Just being able to overcome those challenges is an accomplishment.”
Jordan emphasized the intangible magic many guests feel. “The atmosphere … gardens … the personality, the family connection … it feels like you’re coming home.”
From hosting concerts and artisan markets to supporting nonprofit causes and glass recycling efforts, the winery has long positioned itself as a community anchor—beyond just a place that makes wine.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or lifelong fan, you’re invited to raise a glass to 50 years—and join the journey into what comes next.
