Oak Spring Winery
About the Winery ~ Order Wine for Pick Up
Note: Please pre-order at least 3 business days in advance to ensure that your order will be ready. Thank you.
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Central Pennsylvania Oak Spring Winery was founded in 1987 by John & Sylvia Schraff. They figured they would grow a few grapes on a hillside, convert an old garage into a winery on the first floor, create an apartment upstairs, and put a tasting room down near the road. About half way up the drive, an old oak tree grew at the spot where a spring came out of the ground and created a marshy area full of cattails. That tree inspired the name Oak Spring and became the symbol for the winery that still appears on the labels. However, before that version of the Schraffs' winery dream could come true, the farm adjoining their property came up for sale. The Schraffs bought the 57-acre farm, complete with a barn that could be used for winemaking and a small house that would serve as a tasting room. The Schraffs planted 3 acres of vineyard and in September 1987 received their license to open a winery. By November they decided that they should open the winery to take advantage of the Christmas season. When they opened the winery both John & Sylvia had other jobs. Neither one had the time to devote to developing the winery business, and after three years, they hired a winemaker to help them out. That worked out for several years, until the winemaker left. At that point, the winery was at a crossroads, and several things happened almost simultaneously that allowed the Schraffs not only to remain in the wine business, but also to grow and expand. First a building along the main North-South highway from Altoona became available. Originally a fruit market, the structure had about 7500 square feet of space, enough for a winemaking facility, case storage, a cold room for wine stability, the largest tasting room in Pennsylvania, and an extra space for winemaking or beer-brewing classes. Shortly after the building became available, John's son Scott decided he'd like to return to Altoona after spending 10 years working in New York City as a photojournalist, and learn the wine business. Five years later, Scott is running the winery, and John & Sylvia have retired form their full-time jobs and from day-to-day responsibilities at the winery, and today the winery is producing 6500 cases annually.
The Schraffs currently have 4 acres of producing vineyards. The remainder of grapes are purchased from growers around the State. The local population enthusiastically supports the winery. Businesses and local people consider Oak Spring to be "their" winery and anticipate that Oak Spring wines will be served at various local events.
Blair County Chamber of Commerce Award of Destinction
2007 Excellence in Small Business
