Established 1990
Winery founder Joe Carroll spent a lot of time on the family farm back in Indiana as a boy. So when he and Betty purchased their 65 acre property on the side of Mount Nittany in 1983, it was natural for him to return to his farming roots. Joe had been an amateur winemaker for years starting in the 1970’s, learning the craft from local aficionados and other winemakers across the state at a time when there were only 30 wineries in the state of Pennsylvania.
In 1987, Joe and Betty began planting what would become a six acre vineyard. The southern exposure and elevation of the site proved to be an ideal micro-climate for grape growing. The winery opened for business in 1990 with Joe behind the counter in the charming chalet styled tasting room that still welcomes guests these many years later.
The Vineyard
The southern exposure and elevation of our vineyard provide a micro-climate conducive to grape growing – the south-facing exposure facilitating the growth and ripening of the grapes, and the altitude providing air flow which minimizes the potential for disease and early and late season frosts. The six varieties of grapes grown in our vineyard include Cayuga, Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Itasca, and Muscat Valvin.
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery now produces 16,000 gallons of wine each year and harvests anywhere from 12 to 15 tons of grapes annually. Now owned and managed by Joe and Betty’s daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Steve Weaver, we continue to make award winning wines to suit every taste, including fruit wines out of locally sourced apples, blueberries and raspberries.
Our Family and Dedicated Staff
You’ll find Joe on the tractor most days. Betty works with winery events and does the bookkeeping.
Linda Weaver
General ManagerThree Generations:
Joe & Betty’s grandson, Robbie Weaver (vineyard worker), with Joe and mom, Linda (general manager).
Steve Weaver
Vineyard ManagerSteve Weaver retired from the corporate world in 2013 and serves as the Winery’s vineyard manager.
Scott Hilliker
WinemakerScott joined our staff in 2015 and has been making award-winning wines ever since.
