The History of the Christian W. Klay Winery
Winery owner Sharon Klay and her husband John first developed an interest in winemaking while living in New York City in the 1970s. This interest led them to research and select the nearly 100 varieties of grapes that would be suitable for cool climate growing conditions.
When the Klays relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, they searched for three years to find a suitable vineyard site. In 1986, the couple purchased a 215 acre farm in Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania. John developed a successful practice as a cardiothoracic surgeon, while Sharon decided to take the original 1,000 vines on the property to 14,000 vines. In 1997, Fayette County's first commercial winery opened, named after the Klays' son Christian. Sharon planned to offer her customers the complete wine experience and soon developed an array of enticing special events for the public, such as murder mysteries and a "Wine & Dine in the Woods" series.
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Fayette Springs Farm was a suitable place for the Klays' venture as the farm had a long history of entertaining and welcoming guests. At the turn of the century, the farm was owned by U.S. Senator William E. Crow who opened his mountain estate to many visitors including President Harding and Black Jack Pershing. Today, the winery offers guests entertaining special events, informative and educational tours, ideal venues for private events, wine tasting, and shopping in six locations. An active partner in the community, the winery also hosts annual benefits for Fayette Friends of Animals and other non-profit organizations. |
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Tours are available daily but must be scheduled in advance. Tastings are Free daily!
Hayride, Tour, & Tasting includes: A full sit down tasting and a hayride through the vineyard.
Maximum number of people per hayride at one time is twenty five. Call 724-439-3424 for information.
Customer Reviews.....
They have always treated our group with respect and professionalism. Love the outdoor setting and the live music especially the Shelly McCombie duo. She is the best!!! And so is this winery!!!!! Chip Bogdewic
We had the best time at the winery! The staff is so friendly and accommodating. I can't wait to go back! Lauren Bruce
Friendly staff, wine tasting, nice selection of wines, and a beautiful area. Vickey Kremposky
Friendly staff, free wine tasting, yummy wines, love the Lavendar Mist, great Harvest Host! Christy Marie
What an exceptionally beautiful vineyard. My family and I had a wonderful time and we can't wait to go back! It was well worth the drive and I would suggest it to anyone. The norton and the Lafayette were my two favorite wines. Even brought some home to share with friends! The staff there is very warm and welcoming. Thank you all for a great time! Ruca Lope
We live in Southern Delaware near Rehoboth Beach, but my wife is from the Uniontown Area. We visit several times a year and each time we stop at Christian W. Klay Winery to purchase several bottles of their very good wines. We did take the tour on one of our visits and was impressed with both the winery as well as the staff - very nice and took time to make sure we enjoyed the tour. I recommend both the wines as well as the distillery across the road. I would give this place 10 stars if possible. Bill Mitchell
Went on a hayride yesterday with Ray - the GrapeMaster! Shared so much info with us about the winery's history & it's growth. So interesting! After the hayride Ray did a wine tasting for us! What a great afternoon! Denice Ferranti-Robinson
Despite absolute torrents of rain, we drove from north of Pittsburgh to the winery for a hayride and tasting today. We were rewarded with a reprieve in the skies for our hayride and the most informative talk and Q&A ever from Ray. Met THE Christian W. Klay (who is now distilling vodka and moonshine across the road at his own Ridge Runner Distillery) and bought several bottles of the wine. Nothing pretentious here - just wonderful wine reasonably priced and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Anne Bacher
Went on a hayride & tasting with family & friends. A perfect Fall night & Ray really made our night from the history of the farm, driving the hayride, the extensive education in wine making, and guiding us through the tasting. Highly recommended! Jenny Baldwin
As a special promotion, Christian W Klay Winery will be giving $20 Gift Certificates. Why? Because they know once you experience the Bouquet, Body, and Flavor of their Distinctive Wines you will come back time and time again!
Enter here for your chance to win a
$20 Gift Certificate to Christian W Klay Winery !!!
YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO ENTER!!
