HISTORY

Nestled high on the southern slopes of Mount Nittany above the historic village of Linden Hall, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery commands a breathtaking view across the valley to the distant Tussey Mountain Range. Just seven miles east of State College, Pennsylvania and Penn State University, the vineyard and winery are located in the heart of 65 acres of mountain land.

Joe and Betty Carroll were both working full-time at Penn State University when they purchased the 65-acre property in 1983. Although they did not purchase the land with the intention of planting a vineyard, the site turned out to be an ideal microclimate for growing grapes, with a south-facing exposure, high elevation and good air flow off the mountain.

Joe had been an amateur winemaker for years, learning the craft from local aficionados and other winemakers across the state at a time when there were only 30 wineries in the state of Pennsylvania. That, along with his farming background as a boy in Indiana, led the couple to pursue grape growing and eventually commercial wine production. In 1987, Joe and Betty started planting the now six-acre vineyard, built the winery and opened to the public in 1990 with Joe behind the counter in the charming chalet-styled tasting room that still welcomes guests these many years later.

OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

The business expanded over the years, and Joe and Betty’s daughter and son-in-law succeeded her parents as owners in 2016. Steve and Linda returned to central Pennsylvania in 2014, moving from Pittsburgh where they had raised their three sons. Their interest in wine had been piqued after spending three years in Australia where they made frequent trips to the wineries in close proximity to Sydney. Both Linda and Steve have backgrounds in business, and the transition of ownership proceeded smoothly as Linda assumed responsibility for the tasting room, sales and marketing, and Steve took over management of the vineyard and grounds.

WINEMAKER

Winemaker, Scott Hilliker, was hired in 2015 from a degree program in viticulture and enology, and the tradition of making award-winning wines continued. Since joining the winery’s management team, Scott’s wines have consistently won awards, including a double gold for Best Dry White Wine and overall Best Dry Wine in Pennsylvania at the 2018 Pennsylvania Winery Association competition for his 2016 Chardonnay Reserve.

For a complete list of current awards, go to the winery website.

FIND OUR WINE

Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery wines are available at our tasting room and at select restaurants and grocery stores across the state of Pennsylvania. Visit our website (www.mtnittanywinery) to find where our wines can be found across the state, or to purchase wine online.