Windgate began as a vineyard, then expanded to become a producer of fine, estate-grown wines.

30 years ago, Daniel Enerson and his first (late) wife, Lillian bought land in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania -- a tiny Amish community in Western Pennsylvania. They were vineyard pioneers in this part of the state, and were fortunate, for they soon discovered that the vineyard's microclimate is nearly perfect for growing wine grapes. The elevation, western slope exposure, and persistent air drainage provide warming in the winter and cooling in the summer.

The Enersons opened Windgate as a winery in 1987. Lillian passed away in 1997, but not before having seen Windgate grow to become the largest estate winery in Western Pennsylvania.

Windgate Vineyards now produces several varieties of French hybrid grapes: Marechal Foch, De Chaunac, Seyval Blanc, Vidal, Chancellor, and Chambourcin. Additionally, the vineyard is "planted to" three vinifera grapes: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris. Currently,the winery bottles over 6,000 gallons of wine every year.

Since opening its doors as a winery, Windgate has garnered well over a hundred awards for its varietal and original blended wines at regional and national competitions.

In 2007, at the International Eastern Wine Competition in May our Eye of the Shadow was awarded a Double Gold ("Best of the Best")! Our Blackberry Wine took a Gold Medal, and a Bronze went to our Red Raspberry. Also in 2007, at The Pennsylvania Wine Competition in April a Gold Medal went to Windgate's Amish Blush, and our Cherry Wine was awarded a Bronze Medal.

Windgate wines have also received awards from the American Wine Society's International Commercial Wine Competition, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show Competition. Awards have gone to wines in all categories, including, red, white, and rosé. Top winners from recent years include: Amish Blush, Cherry, Guyasuta Red, Shamokin Red, Rhapsody, Eye of the Shadow,Eye of the Buck, Amish Country White, and Chancellor. (More about our wines)