Our mission is to promote the vinifera wines produced by our members and to assure consumers that our wines meet established standards set by the world’s other great wine regions. One of our purposes is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and experience. We believe such an exchange can improve the quality of our wines.

Membership is open to any PA Limited Winery which agrees to abide by the association’s by-laws, policies and regulations. To view a list of member wineries click on Wineries and to stay informed about the latest in the Group’s activities visit Events and the Press Room.

The PQA Group introduced its Pennsylvania Quality Assurance (PQA) program in September 2003 as a means of raising both the quality of Pennsylvania grown-handmade vinifera wines and of informing consumers that PQA wines are of the same quality as those from traditional wine-producing areas around the world. In order to be awarded a PQA seal, a wine has to be made to prescribed quality standards as well as be approved by a professional tasting panel. The primary qualifications are that: Only Pennsylvania-grown vinifera grapes can be used; the table wines must be dry and the sparkling wines brut. For the 2004 program, certain late harvest and ice wines were added for consideration. Independent laboratory analysis and the tasting panel assure that the wines meet taste standards associated with premium wines of other regions. The program is modeled after quality programs in Ontario Canada and several European countries.

All wines submitted first undergo analysis by an independent laboratory (VA Tech) prior to being presented to the PQA tasting panel. The PQA tasting panel tastes all wines blind and without discussion. No panelist may be associated with a PA winery. The panel is informed of the varietal and the vintage of each wine. All wines are evaluated individually and not as "better or worse" in the flight. The panel evaluates the individual wines based not on personal preference but on the premise that "Would people who prefer this style of wine like this wine?" The wines are evaluated in the following areas: Flawed or Faulty; Degree of Varietal Character or Harmoniousness of Blend; Aroma/Bouquet; Taste; & Balance The panel includes at least one technical person (e.g. winemaker outside of Pennsylvania)

The activities of this organization are supported by a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. www.agriculture.state.pa.us

If you are interested in joining, contact John Weygandt, President. 610 4860422 stargazers1@verizon.net