When most people think of Grüner Veltliner, their minds go straight to Austria—and for good reason. It’s a white grape synonymous with steep slopes, stony soils, and bright, food-friendly wines. But if you take a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, you’ll find a vineyard that’s making Grüner shine in unexpected and beautiful ways.
Welcome to Galen Glen, where cool-climate winemaking meets seven generations of farming, and where Grüner Veltliner has found a home.
What Is Grüner Veltliner?
Grüner Veltliner (say: groo-ner velt-LEE-ner) is a white grape variety known for its zippiness, citrusy brightness, and subtle notes of white pepper and herbs. It’s the most widely planted grape in Austria, prized for its ability to pair beautifully with a range of foods—from fresh greens to cheese to seafood.
But while it’s a star in the Old World, Grüner is still a hidden gem in the U.S.—and very rare on the East Coast.
Why Grüner Veltliner Thrives in Pennsylvania
So how did a grape with alpine roots end up flourishing on a Pennsylvania hillside?
At Galen Glen, we sit at over 1,000 feet of elevation with a cool, breezy microclimate and fossil-rich, glacial soils. These conditions mirror some of the traditional growing regions in Austria and give our Grüner its signature snap, minerality, and structure.
Grüner Veltliner wasn’t planted because it was trendy—it was planted as a love letter. After reading about the grape in Food & Wine magazine, Sarah was intrigued by its potential. Galen, ever the winegrower and husband, brought it to life in the vineyard. Today, that inspiration lives on in every glass—and yes, the Food & Wine team knows they sparked it!
What It Tastes Like
Our Grüner Veltliner is all about balance. You’ll find aromas of sweet pea, grapefruit, passion fruit and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, expect citrus, stone fruit, and a clean, mineral finish that makes it a favorite with chefs and sommeliers alike.
It’s a wine that feels both familiar and surprising—elegant yet unpretentious.
What to Pair It With
Grüner is a food wine through and through. A natural with:
- Brie, gruyere or goat cheese
- Spring salads with herbs and lemon vinaigrette
- Shellfish (especially scallops or shrimp)
- Asparagus
- Roasted chicken with thyme
- Schnitzel or sausages
Or just enjoy it on its own with a good view and delightful company.
Taste It for Yourself
At Galen Glen, we’re proud to have America’s second oldest planting and be one of a few wineries on the East Coast to grow and bottle Grüner Veltliner—and we do it with the same care, intention, and respect for the land that’s been in our family for seven generations.
Want to try it? Come visit our tasting room, enjoy a glass on the hill, and discover why this Austrian classic has found its next great chapter in Pennsylvania.
Book your tasting experience now or shop our Grüner Veltliner online.