Local Winery Opened Third Store in June

While some Kittanning Borough streets are sometimes identified due to their beer establishments, a major thruway is now known for its wine.

‘Pine Creek Winery’ opened its first store in Mosgrove (Templeton) in December 2010, and after adding one in Smicksburg, the local winery found a home on North McKean Street in June.

Housed in the former-Blair Green attorney law office, the winery now has three locations within a 25-mile radius of the underground winery – which offers approximately 30 varieties, from dry to fresh fruit.

“And everything in between,” Manager Melissa Stephens said.

Not including the “Isabella” grape wine she and Owner Scott Conner of Mosgrove will soon produce.

Stephens began less than a year after Conner formed the company after practicing the art as a hobby. The new location came as a result of Conner’s other business, “Conner Plumbing, Heating and A/C.”

“It kind of just fell into our lap because the person who bought the space (Ben English) hired him to do all the electrical wiring, remodeling and all that for the apartments that will go above. “Tattoo Fanatics” went next door, and then (Conner) and (English) came up with a plan to (renovate the space) and see how a new location would go,” Stephens said. “It’s kind of on a trial basis, but so far, so good.”

Stephens said the new location is the busiest in the company so far due to its location downtown, especially with ‘Pine Creek Winery’s’ signature ‘Jazzberry’ – a combination of red raspberry and strawberry.

“It’s probably one of our most popular fruit wines,” Stephens said.

Customers should expect to pay between $10.50 and $18 for 750 mL. The normal shelf life should be more than 10 years as long as it’s kept cool and dry – with the cork wet and the bottle at an angle.
Juice is bought from Northern Pennsylvania farms near Erie and made into wine at the underground winery. All wines have 100% fruit juice.

Wine tastings are offered at each location, and they are open for special events – such as weddings, bachelorette parties or showers. One couple will wed at the Mosgrove location this October.

“It’s a really nice location for really any event,” Stephens said.

Another special event will be held this weekend, when Billy Corbin takes the stage Saturday, August 10 from 7-11PM at the Mosgrove (Templeton) location. Wine will be sold at the event, and participants are not allowed to bring their own alcohol.

The event will be part of Conner’s birthday celebration. His birthday is August 8th.

A member of the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau, the Kittanning location is open from 11AM-5PM Tuesday through Saturday and Thursdays until 7PM. The Mosgrove store is open 1-6PM Wednesday through Sunday.