For a journey into Pennsylvania’s rich wine heritage, where tradition meets rustic charm, Presque Isle Wine Cellars stands as a must-visit destination. Located in the town of North East, Pennsylvania, within the Lake Erie Wine Region, this winery is often referred to as “America’s Grape Country.” As the state’s oldest continuously operating winery, it was founded in 1964 by Douglas P. Moorhead. His background in supplying winemakers with tools laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Moorhead was instrumental in a group of grape growers who advocated for the creation of a legal wine industry in Pennsylvania. Their efforts led to the passage of the Limited Winery Act in 1968, which marked a pivotal moment by allowing wineries to produce and sell wines made from locally grown grapes after years of restriction during Prohibition. In 1969, Presque Isle Wine Cellars became one of the first two wineries to receive a license in the state.
The winery is nestled within the Lake Erie Wine Country, a scenic region that offers lakefront beauty, walkable trails, and unique art installations between Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, and Silver Creek, New York. The main building at Presque Isle Wine Cellars, known as The Isle House, is a restored Civil War-era farmhouse. This historic structure houses the tasting room and event spaces, offering breathtaking views of the vineyards and the natural beauty of Twelve-Mile Creek.
The wines produced at Presque Isle have earned recognition in prestigious competitions. For instance, the Freeport Red, a semi-dry red blend, received a Platinum Award at the 2025 Monterey International Wine Competition. Additionally, the Dornfelder red won a Double Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The Cabernet Franc has also been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s finest vintage wines.
What’s on the Menu at Presque Isle Wine Cellars
Presque Isle Wine Cellars offers a diverse selection of wines, along with a variety of food options. The wine list includes European-style dry wines, semi-dry and semi-sweet choices, and sweet wines made from American-grown grapes. For those who prefer drier reds, options like Cabernet Franc, Dornfelder, Lemberger, and Pinot Noir are available. White wine lovers can choose from Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling. The winery also produces several semi-dry and semi-sweet wines, such as Falling Waters, a slightly sweet sparkling wine inspired by the waterfalls on the property. Traditional sweet wines include Creekside Concord, the cause-infused Creekside Pink Catawba Breast Cancer Awareness Blush, and vintages made from Niagara grapes.
Another standout category is the “Kisses” line of ice-style dessert wines. These wines are made by allowing Vidal Blanc grapes to freeze on the vine, concentrating the sugars before pressing. The original, Eskimo Kisses, is available in flavored versions like Hot Kisses, which features Thai chili pepper, and Cinnful Kisses, with hints of cinnamon. Guests can also enjoy snacks at the Isle House Cafe, located on a large deck or picnic area. The cafe serves lunch daily and breakfast on Saturdays.
A Cozy and Rustic Escape
The ambiance of Presque Isle Wine Cellars is shaped by the natural beauty of the surrounding area and its historic, rustic buildings. The Isle House, a charming farmhouse, features a warm and inviting interior ideal for wine tasting. Its exterior opens up to a patio and a beautifully maintained property that overlooks Twelve Mile Creek, a picturesque tributary of Lake Erie known for fishing. The outdoor space is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or finding a quiet spot for a picnic.
Wine-related activities include daily tastings and regular events such as “Bottles & Boards,” which pairs wine tasting with instruction on creating custom charcuterie boards. The dining room and second-floor rooms of The Isle House can be reserved for private events like dinners and parties.
For overnight stays, Presque Isle Wine Cellars does not offer traditional accommodations but participates in the Harvest Hosts program, allowing RV campers to park and stay on-site. Those seeking traditional lodging can find a range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns in nearby towns like North East and Erie. Beyond the winery, visitors can explore more of Lake Erie’s hidden treasures, such as the town of Freeport Beach.
