Exploring the Slate Belt Vines: Tolino Vineyards in Bangor

We'll venture up to the Slate Belt on this day to visit Tolino Vineyards in Bangor (Washington Township).

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Northampton County with a vineyard framed by the Kittatinny Ridge of Blue Mountain, Tolino planted its 85 acres of vineyards in 2007 and opened its winery in 2013. It's a family operation, run by Carl Tolino Jr. and his four children. The estate vineyard produces an award-winning cabernet franc along with chardonnay, vidal blanc, pinot grigio, chambourcin, rose' and blends, everything from dry to semi-sweet to sweet.

If you're not that into wine, they also offer a selection of Pennsylvania microbrewery beers on tap and cocktails made with Pennsylvania liquors.

They don't do tours anymore, but they do allow you to "walk the vines" on your own, so keep that in mind if that's something you'd like to do.

There will be live music from 1 to 4 featuring the Moon Dogs Band. In keeping with the dog theme, the Grateful Dogs (gourmet hot dogs, Italian sausage, bratwurst, wings, fries, soft pretzels, etc.) food truck will be serving lunch. They don't allow outside food when there's a food truck, but they have a lot of space, including indoor tasting room, tent and patio with picnic benches, Adirondack chairs and fire pits.

Should be a great day to kick off the summer season. In fact, this is Tolino's official summer kick off event, dubbed "Hot Dog, It's Summer!". See you there!