PA winemakers explore how to grow local industry
400+ PA Wineries produce more than 2 million gallons of wine per year
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus July 28, 2025 | 12:49 PM
BAINBRIDGE, July 28 – Regulation, climate change and unfair out-of-state competition were some of the topics discussed with growers and producers in the winemaking industry at a roundtable co-hosted by the House Majority Policy Committee and Central PA House Delegation.
“We heard loud and clear from winemakers about some of the issues they are facing,” said Rep. Manny Guzman, who represents portions of Berks County and serves as the Chairman of the Central PA House Delegation. “Winemakers are looking for legislation to support, promote and protect our homegrown wines and local businesses.”
Pennsylvania’s wine industry directly contributes more than $1.7 billion to the state’s economy each year, built through agriculture and the quality of Pennsylvania grapes. With grape production continuing to grow in the commonwealth, lawmakers learned how they can continue to support the industry and its benefits throughout the state.
“When you talk to traditional winemakers in Pennsylvania, you find out very quickly these are valuable local businesses, and oftentimes family-owned businesses,” said Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County and serves as the Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. “We co-hosted this event because we wanted to learn about their needs as they attempt to grow their businesses and Pennsylvania’s economy.”
According to a recent study by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania grape and wine industry supports more than 10,700 jobs, pays more than $518 million in wages, and directly contributes more than $1.7 billion to the state’s economy each year.
“Traditional winemaking is an economic driver across our state, not only in the sale of their products but also in their contributions to tourism and hospitality,” said Rep. Dan Deasy, who represents portions of Allegheny County and serves as the Majority Chair of the House Liquor Control Committee. “We came here today to listen and learn, because we want our local businesses to succeed and grow.”
Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation for wine production, up from fifth in 2018. More than 400 wineries operate more than 14,000 acres of vineyards across the state, producing more than 2 million gallons of wine each year. Millions of visitors are drawn to Pennsylvania’s picturesque wineries help generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism revenue each year.
“Lancaster County has a strong tradition of family-owned businesses. Winemakers have a reasonable concern that Pennsylvania is doing its utmost to support winemaking and Pennsylvania agriculture,” said Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who represents portions of Lancaster County. “It will need to be a group effort if we hope to continue to grow the industry.”
The PA House Majority Policy Committee visited Nissley Vineyards in Lancaster County for Monday’s roundtable discussion and tour. Nissley Vineyards first opened in 1978 under father-son duo Richard “Dick” Nissley and John Nissley, and is now operated by Richard’s grandson, Jonas Nissley in Bainbridge. Jonas Nissley was joined by Robert “Bob” Mazza and his wife Kathie. Robert is the founder and CEO of Mazza Vineyards, which began in 1972 and operates in North East in Erie County.
Members of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board joined other growers and producers at the roundtable and tour.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.