Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Antler Ridge Winery will mark 20 years in business with an anniversary party on Saturday, Oct. 25, at its main location in Bradford County. The Pa. producer will feature 20% markdowns on any of its wines bought at its Rome and Topton/Mertztown, Berks County, locations on Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, on Saturday: The Jason Wicks Band will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. A ribbon cutting is set for 4 p.m. with some of the winery’s “old friends.” Ain’t Got Nun will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Free chicken dinners will be available, while they last, starting around 2:30 p.m. Antler Ridge Winery’s portfolio features a mix of sweet, semisweet, and dry red and white wines, sourcing all its grapes from Pennsylvania vineyards. It also makes a handful of fruit wines, including Raspberry Bramble, Watermelon Madness and Blackberry Medley. Both sites are open Wednesday through Sunday, and the Rome location also offers a lengthy menu of food, including a ring of smoked or fresh kiesbasa that can be purchased to take home. Owner Steve Unis was asked Wednesday what has made the business successful, and he credited both his “incredible employees over the years” and “a great customer base.” “Our managers, our locations have been with us almost since the day we opened, and that really helps us because they have the experience and knowledge to take care of the daily operations without a hitch,” he added. “Our customers are loyal. They’re consistent, and they stick with us from the first time they try our product on.” He said the most gratifying part of running the busines has been the “relationships we’ve formed with our customers over the years. I’ve made some great acquaintances and truly enjoy talking to our customer base. Another gratifying thing is being able to see the next generation start to take over and implement their ideas, and that’s something that we’re starting to go through,” he said. What’s the most demanding part of running the winery? “Trying to keep up with trends and trying to keep our product line and our restaurant always feeling like there’s something new for our customers to come and enjoy,” he responded. “We are constantly trying to come up with new and fresh ideas and things for our customers to enjoy, whether it be new food, new wine or music, or events.
