Name: Bella Terra Vineyards
Rating: 3

Hunker, PA’s Bella Terra Vineyards was founded in 2015, primarily as an event-driven winery — in other words, prioritizing live music, weddings, their line of canned wine cocktails, etc., rather than fine wines. Bedford’s Briar Valley Vineyards, on the other hand, had been run since 2007 as an estate winery that focused exclusively on dry wines from vinifera (European) grapes. As such, it was somewhat of a surprise when, upon the impending retirement of BV founders Tod and Jean Manspeaker, Bella Terra purchased Briar Valley.

PAVC caught up with Bella Terra co-founder Jay Bell to learn more. As it turns out — though they were mostly working with purchased grapes while establishing the business — estate wines were always in the plan. “We started with a small, one-acre vineyard to figure things out,” Bell wrote, via email. “We’ve been grooming another 63 acres to plant starting next year, including Pinot Noir, Gruner Vetliner, Chardonel, Seval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc. Until we can become all estate, we’ll continue to source grapes from quality vineyards. If [my wife] Joanna and I don’t get to that point, I hope our kids or someone else will continue the legacy of producing quality wines from our fruit.”

“When I heard Tod and Jean wanted to retire,” Bell continued, “it was the perfect opportunity to add some mature, well-maintained vinifera vines to our portfolio.” As part of the transition, Bella Terra also rehired Briar Valley winemaker Troy Beeler and Tasting Room Manager Anna Guevara, who had been laid off during COVID shutdowns. “I was most excited about the vineyard,” said Bell, “but after meeting Troy in the winery, I realized how much knowledge he had and was equally excited to bring him on to help take our premium winemaking to the next level.”

The wines that come from Briar Valley estate fruit — Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Malbec, Lemberger, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot — have now been rebranded as Bella Terra Estate, Briar Valley Vineyard. As the Bells continue to grow their business — now arguably the torch-bearer for both event-driven and fine wines in PA’s southwest — it will certainly be interesting to follow.

Note: Jay Bell’s comments have been edited for grammar and clarity.

Pennsylvania Vine Company

Seeking quality dry vinefera wines grown in PA

Bella Terra Vineyards

Bella Terra Vineyards

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