October is Pennsylvania Wine Month, and we’re here to celebrate by highlighting some great spots in Delco where you can cozy up for a delicious glass of wine! We may be known more for craft breweries and beer bars around these parts, but there are also plenty of local wineries, cute wine bars, and cool bottle shops to explore.

From dry reds made with PA grapes, to funky fizzy wines, to organic wines from around the world, there is something for every wine-lover here in Delco. The next time you’re looking for a relaxed date night or lively girl’s night, check out one of these fabulous wine-focused homegrown businesses:

 

Wineries

Vino Bambino

Vino Bambino is an interactive, innovative winery that allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with the process of blending wines. Wine grapes from across the world are shipped to its facility in Broomall, where they’re made into single varietal wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, and aged in oak barrels. Then, Vino Bambino’s blend masters work alongside customers to create blends that achieve the perfect flavor profile; the blend is then bottled with a custom label, and aged for up to a year in a temperature-controlled storage area (this service is included in the price). The blending sessions last between 90-120 minutes in Vino Bambino’s sleek-rustic tasting room, and include a wine tasting and snacks. 

For a deeper look at owner John Giacomucci’s story, head here!

848 Sussex Blvd., Suite C, Broomall; (610) 299-5008.

 

Penns Woods Winery

First-generation Italian immigrant Gino Razzi has been working in the wine industry since the 1970s, and Gino combined all of his passion and experience into Penns Wood Winery. Established in 2001, this stalwart of the Pennsylvania wine community has earned a stellar reputation for its wines made from European varietals that thrive on the East Coast, like Cabernet Franc and Viognier. 

Visitors to Penns Woods can enjoy beautiful views of the vineyards from the dog-friendly outdoor lawn or comfy seating indoors or on the covered patio. Wine can be enjoyed by the glass, the bottle, or in flights; local beer, cider and cheeses are also available. Check the events calendar for happenings, like live music, festivals and special tastings.

Learn more about Penns Woods Winery in this Delco Profile.  

 

The Inn at Grace Winery

If you’re looking for a mini-getaway, The Inn at Grace Winery should be at the top of your list. Situated on 35 bucolic acres, this beautiful estate encompasses woodlands and vineyards, as well as wine tasting and dining in beautifully-restored buildings. Wine tastings take place in a charming bank barn, where wines can be ordered by the glass, by the bottle and via flights, as well as local beers and a food menu of light bites, like charcuterie boards, sliders and toasts. Grace Winery’s offerings are elegant and composed, like the terroir-driven bubbly Pennsylvania Cuvée and Dragonfly, a structured, bold blend of Syrah and Cab Sauv. 

For an even more luxe experience, gather a handful of friends and indulge in a Wine Cellar Dinner, a five-course menu with wine pairings served in the Inn’s private wine cellar. Explore the winery’s calendar for upcoming events, like yoga in the vineyard and wine workshops. 

50 Sweetwater Rd., Glen Mills; (610) 459-4711.

 

John Robert Cellars

This urban winery brings a Napa Valley or Finger Lakes vibe right here to Delco! Founded in 2017 by longtime friends John Irving and Robert Goodwin, John Robert Cellars sources fresh, whole cluster grapes from premier winemaking regions around the world, including South Africa, Chile and California. All of the winemaking operations, from destemming and crushing the grapes, to fermenting and aging, to bottling and labeling, take place on site. Because the wine cellar is attached to the tasting room, visitors can take a peek at the behind-the-scenes production process while enjoying glasses of single varietal wines, like California Sauv Blanc and Chilean Malbec.

301 Wanamaker Ave., Essington; (484) 494-6576.

 

Bottle Shops

320 Market Cafe

With two Delco locations — one in downtown Media and the other in Swarthmore — 320 Market Cafe was one of the first places in the greater Philadelphia area to open independent bottle shops featuring natural wines. Natural wines are considered to be sustainable, organic or biodynamic wines made without the use of any chemical or flavor additives. At both 320 locations, you’ll find dozens of unique wines lining the shelves, including trendy styles, like pétillant naturel and orange wines. A wide selection of beer and cider is also on offer. Grab a few bottles to-go, or stay to enjoy sips from the glass list on site, as both locations have full liquor licenses. 

211 W. State St., Media; (610) 565-8320; 713 S. Chester Rd., Swarthmore, (610) 328-7211.

 

Theresa’s Cafe

Beloved for its geeky beer list and creative cocktails, Theresa’s Cafe also features a dynamic wine program. In addition to the interesting rotating pours on its restaurant menu (which always pair well with the Euro-style menu), Theresa’s has a small-but-mighty takeout wine shop integrated into the restaurant’s dining room. Explore hundreds of wines from across the globe made by small producers — these are definitely not wines you’re going to find in the state store!

124 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (610) 293-9909.

 

Wine Bars

Village Vine

One of our favorite spots for a romantic night out, Village Vine’s wine list always has something cool to try. We’re talking Blaufränkisch (a spicy, peppery red from Austria), fizzy and fresh Blanc de Blancs from France and Malagousia, a smooth, textural white wine from Greece. Want to dig deeper? Check out Village Vine’s extensive bottle list for plenty more.

6 Park Avenue, Swarthmore; (484) 471-3997.

 

Teca

At this chic spot known for Italian-influenced fare, the by-the-glass wine list tends toward familiar favorites; think Chianti and Pinot Grigio. However, if you’re in the mood to go on a wine adventure, ask for the wine cellar list, a 20-page (!) tome featuring heavy hitters from every major winemaking region. Italian wines take up the most real estate, but you’ll also find plenty from Spain, France, Germany, as well as New World locations, like Australia and Chile.

191 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; (484) 420-4010.

 

La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro

Francophiles already know that Le Belle Epoque is one of the best places in Delco to find authentic French food. It’s also a proper wine bar, with a fabulous (and affordable) glass and bottle list with something for every taste. A glass of Côtes du Rhône with a plate of La Belle Epoque’s Frites à la Truffe? Pure Parisian heaven. 

Learn more about Delco restaurateur Loic Barnieu (owner of La Belle Epoque) in this Delco Profile.

38 W. State St., Media; (610) 566-6808.

 

La Porta Ristorante

With chef and restaurant entrepreneur Peter McAndrews at the helm, La Porta has become one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Media. In addition to crave-worthy Italian dishes like arancini, scamorza, veal meatballs, and sweet potato gnocchi, the wine list offers a well-curated selection. Pair a big Italian red with your meal, or hang at the bar for a more casual feel, and split a bottle and a pizza with a friend. 

1192 Middletown Rd., Media; (610) 358-5104.

Pepperoncini Havertown

Hitting the sweet spot between approachable and elevated, this unassuming spot in Havertown boasts a thoughtful, well-appointed wine list. It just might be the only place in H’town where you’ll find German Riesling or Sicilian sparkling rosé. Try a glass or two with any of the house specialties, like Chicken Pepperoncini or Grilled Filet “Melanie’s Way” (served over spinach and mushroom risotto with a port reduction and Gorgonzola). 

25 S. Eagle Rd., Havertown; (484) 454-5995.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach

Featured photo courtesy of The Inn at Grace Winery