Hosting a truly memorable winery getaway starts with choosing a place that gives you more than just a glass of wine, and Christian W. Klay Winery & Ridge Runner Distillery in Chalk Hill, PA delivers exactly that. Our estate has a way of turning a single visit into a full weekend worth remembering, with estate-grown vines, award-winning wines, hilltop views stretching across three states, and our one-of-a-kind distillery right next door. Guests who spend real time with us often describe it as the most rewarding winery experience they’ve ever had, and once you see everything we have to offer, it’s easy to understand why.
A weekend getaway near Pittsburgh at Christian Klay Winery in Chalk Hill, PA offers estate-grown wines from 85 percent home-cultivated grapes, multiple venue spaces including an 1880s barn and Vineyard Terrace, and Ridge Runner Distillery next door for spirits tastings. Private tours and group tastings can be arranged, and the tasting room is open daily.
Spending a Weekend at Our Estate Gives You an Experience You Can’t Replicate Elsewhere
Our tasting room, our vineyards, and Ridge Runner Distillery all sit together on this remarkable Chalk Hill property. That means your weekend with us isn’t a single stop; it’s a layered, connected experience that keeps revealing something new at every turn.
A Tasting Room Where Every Visit Feels Personal
Walking into our tasting room for the first time gives you an immediate sense of what sets us apart. Our team takes genuine pride in sharing the story behind each of our estate-produced, award-winning wines, and guests consistently tell us they leave feeling more like familiar faces than first-time visitors. That warmth isn’t something we manufacture. It’s simply what happens when a family has been welcoming people to this land for more than four decades.
The Story Behind Every Bottle Starts Right Here on Our Farm
Sharon and John Klay purchased this 215-acre farm in Chalk Hill back in 1986, and what they built from those first 1,000 vines has grown into something truly remarkable. Sharon cultivated the vineyard all the way to 14,000 vines, and today we grow 85% of the grapes that go into every wine we produce. That kind of commitment to growing our own means you’re tasting a genuine expression of this land, shaped by its elevation, its soil, and the care put into every harvest.
Spaces That Invite You to Slow Down and Stay a While
Our estate gives you more than one reason to linger, and each space on the property has its own personality. Our restored 1880s barn accommodates up to 200 guests and carries the warmth of a building with real history behind it. The Vineyard Terrace puts you right among the vines with open views spanning Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, while the Pond Pavilion offers a quieter, more intimate setting for smaller groups. Whether you’re here for a private event or simply enjoying the afternoon, our property rewards you for taking your time.
Ridge Runner Distillery Adds a Whole New Chapter to Your Visit
Just across from the winery sits Ridge Runner Distillery, and for many guests it becomes one of the most memorable parts of their weekend. Christian Klay, second-generation winemaker and the distillery’s owner, built Ridge Runner on land that was the historical seat of the Whiskey Rebellion. Using grapes grown right here on the estate, the distillery produces grape-based spirits including Grappa and Brandy, alongside vodka, un-aged moonshine, and whiskey aged in Pennsylvania oak barrels. It’s a natural extension of the same story that begins in our vineyard, and it gives your weekend an unexpected depth that most winery visits simply can’t offer.
Once You’ve Spent a Weekend Here, You’ll Already Be Planning the Next One
Visitors who give themselves a full weekend at Christian Klay Winery rarely treat it as a one-time occasion. The combination of our wines, our setting, our knowledgeable team, and the genuine connection to a real family story creates an experience that stays with you. If you’ve been thinking about planning a winery getaway near Pittsburgh or Morgantown, we’d love to be the place that makes it worth the trip.
Conclusion
Our tasting room is open daily. Call ahead for current hours and to arrange private tours or group tastings. You can reach us at 724.439.3424, email us at infoklayllc@gmail.com, or find us at 412 Fayette Springs Road, Chalk Hill, PA 15421. Explore our full wine collection and private event options anytime at christianklaywinery.com.
FAQs
Is Christian Klay Winery a good destination for a full weekend getaway?
Yes. Between our tasting room, estate vineyards, private event spaces, and Ridge Runner Distillery right next door, there’s easily a full weekend of experiences waiting for you in Chalk Hill.
Do you offer private tastings or tours for visiting groups?
We do. Call us at 724.439.3424 or visit our Private Events page to discuss options and arrange a visit.
What makes your wines different from other Pennsylvania wineries?
We grow 85% of our grapes right here on our 215-acre estate, giving every bottle a genuine character rooted in this specific piece of the Laurel Highlands.
Can we book a private event as part of our winery weekend?
Absolutely. We host weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate retreats, bachelorette parties, and more. Visit our Private Events page or call 724.439.3424 to get started.
Is Ridge Runner Distillery connected to the winery?
Yes. Ridge Runner Distillery is located directly across from the winery and is owned by Christian Klay, the second-generation winemaker. It’s a natural part of any full visit to our estate.