Steeped in History, Rooted in Passion.
Some of the very best land in the United States for winegrowing is located outside the hub of the Lehigh Valley. You will find our farm near the tiny hamlet of Andreas, on the fringes of the Lehigh Valley American Viticultural Area and north of the Blue Mountains. It rests atop a ridge at 1000 ft with a commanding view of deep Pennsylvania’s rugged terrain. Our unique microclimate features limited rainfall, howling winds, and ancient glacially deposited soils.
But Galen Glen means more than wine. It is people too.
Galen Troxell’s legacy is as deeply rooted as the vines he tends. He is celebrated as a 6th-generation farmer, mechanical wizard, and true pioneer. With an innate ability to nurture the land and a degree in mechanical engineering, Galen has a unique perspective on modern farming and viticulture. His forward-thinking approach has laid the foundation for everything we achieve today.
As Wines & Vines aptly noted, “[Galen] Troxell was able to source enough Grüner vines from Amberg Nursery in the Finger Lakes to plant another acre. Based upon the information compiled in the Grüner Vineyards, the 2003 planting at Galen Glen was the first commercial U.S. planting of the cultivar east of the Rocky Mountains.” This daring step marked the beginning of a new chapter in American winegrowing.
A champion of innovation and sustainability, Galen has redefined what it means to be a steward of the land. His ability to merge tradition with cutting-edge techniques has made Galen Glen a beacon of excellence in the winemaking world.
Sarah Troxell’s journey from chemist to celebrated winemaker is a testament to her unparalleled dedication and talent. Combining the finesse of Old Europe with the precision of modern techniques, Sarah’s approach to winemaking has earned widespread acclaim. As Hungry Travelers noted, “Her exacting precision shines through in all of the Galen Glen wines. Moreover, she’s adept at manipulating grapes from different vineyards to produce multiple expressions of a grape in many vintages.”
Sarah and her daughter Erin share a rare and intuitive connection, seamlessly collaborating in their pursuit of excellence. Their bond is more than familial; it’s a shared vision that defines Galen Glen’s future. Together, they embody a synergy that is both inspiring and uncommon in the wine industry.
Erin Troxell, the first woman to lead the family farm, brings an impressive academic and practical background to her role as head of the winegrowing team. With two degrees from Cornell University and a master’s degree from SupAgro in Montpellier, France, Erin’s expertise is both scientific and global. Her internships in Nahe, Napa, and New Zealand, along with her tenure at E. & J. Gallo, have honed her skills and prepared her to carry the Troxell legacy forward.
Erin’s first wines are sparklings—a bold and forward-looking choice. Sparkling wines require time, patience, and vision, making them an engagement with the future. Erin’s sparklings are unique in that they showcase the vineyard itself, emphasizing the essence of the land over winemaking technique. They are a reflection of her innovative spirit and commitment to authenticity.
At Galen Glen, our story is not just about wine; it’s about family, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. From the soil beneath our feet to the glass in your hand, every detail is a testament to the care, passion, and ingenuity that define who we are.
