Nestled in Mifflin township, Hickory Vines Winery and Venue blends a passion for fine wine and a commitment to bringing people together. With every sip, guests are not only immersed in the rich flavor of carefully crafted wines but also in an inviting, lively atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging.
Co-founders Rich and Sonja Parron celebrated the winery’s one-year anniversary in November, marking a milestone in their journey. With a wish to give back to their community, they have created a space where visitors feel at home upon walking through the door.
The venue, located only two minutes off of I-71, has quickly become a local favorite, with many calling it a “hidden gem.” Set on a 30-acre estate, Hickory Vines offers a vast variety of attractions, including two budding vineyards, a serene fishing pond, a relaxing campground, an apple and pear orchard, scenic wagon rides, ample event space, and more. There is something for all ages to enjoy, making it a versatile hub for individuals, groups, couples, and families.
“So many people say that we have needed something like this, with how beautiful the property is, the amenities, and the winery itself,” Rich said. “It’s still that blue-collar feel but there’s a little bit of sophistication with it that everybody loves.”
Rich is driven by a desire to help others feel accepted. He reflected on his own life growing up in an underprivileged household, serving in the Marine Corps, and working hard to earn his college degree. Often finding himself in environments where he felt out of place, these experiences fueled his commitment to creating a space for people of all walks of life.
“There is only one thing that we have that is very finite, and that is our time,” Rich said. “If you choose to spend somewhere with your friends or family, special events, etc. — you better walk away with a feeling of acceptance and belonging, and that is a huge motivator for me. So many people keep coming back because they can come how they are, and they can be who they are.”
The same attentiveness that defines Hickory Vines’ inviting atmosphere extends to the wines themselves, several of which are crafted in-house. They have been planting grapes since 2021 and now offer nine different flavors ranging from apple, blueberry, cherry, and their standout bestseller, Sonja’s Sangria.
“The sangria is the top favorite across the board,” Parron said. “It’s not a dry or a sweet; it’s right in the middle. Even dry-drinking people sometimes want to have something a little sweeter and or our sweet loving people, even though it’s not as sweet as they would like, it has so many different flavors in it. It seems to cater to them as well.”
Hickory Vines partners with neighboring wineries to offer a unique experience called, “Taste the Locals,” allowing guests to explore a diverse variety of wines from the region. They also support local cuisine by hosting a different food truck every night they are open, making for fun and affordable dining.
Hickory Vines delivers a cost-conscious experience, maintaining affordable pricing for both their wine and event rentals while also prioritizing quality. Whether you are spending an evening out or planning an event, you do not have to stress about the cost.
“For the square footage that you’re getting and for the location that you’re getting, it is far below what it should be as what we’re told from many of our customers,” Parron said. “We’re proud of that, too; we want to keep it low so people can afford it and then that keeps them coming back.”
Hickory Vines has hosted everything from birthdays and weddings to reunions and graduations. For the Parrons, creating a space for these special moments is very meaningful.
“We want our customers to be able to come out and have their family gatherings or their special days at our facility because that’s what it was built for,” Parron said. “It wasn’t just built for a winery; it was built to be a venue so that’s definitely near and dear to our hearts.”
Rich and Sonja are excited for the future and are in the process of expanding, with a second building on the way, and of course, more wine. At its core, Hickory Vines is centered around fostering connection and ensuring every guest is treated like family.
“Anybody that comes in, they’re important to us,” Rich said. “We want them to have a good time, we want them to have a safe place. When somebody walks in that door, we’re grateful.”
For more information about Hickory Vines Winery and Venue or to book an event, please visit https://hickoryvineswinery.com