Best Winery in Western Pennsylvania

If you're searching for the best winery in western Pennsylvania, Nova Destinations belongs in that conversation. We're a winery, brewery, cidery, distillery, coffee shop, and full-day family destination all on one property in Lawrence County. While other great wineries offer a tasting room, we offer an entire day out — for adults and kids alike.

Best Winery in Western Pennsylvania?

We think the better question is: what do you actually want out of the day? If it's just a glass of wine, there are solid options nearby — Wilhelm Winery, Webb Winery, VentiSei Wine Bar & Pizzeria, and Cobblehaus Brewing Co. at the Falls are all worth knowing about. But if you want wine and craft beer and cider and spirits and food and live music and room for the kids to roam, Nova Destinations is the only place in the region that puts all of that together under one roof.

That combination isn't an accident. Walt Novosel visited Temecula's wine region in California years ago and saw what it looked like when a winery became a true destination — beautiful outdoor spaces, adults relaxing, kids running free. He wanted to bring that feeling home to western Pennsylvania, and that's exactly what we've built.

How Did Nova Destinations Get Started?

Honestly? It was a hobby that got out of control — in the best possible way.

Walt's uncle Dave had made homemade wine for years and invited Walt along to pick up grapes at Presque Isle. That trip lit a spark. Walt started experimenting in the garage, leaning into his Italian roots, and what began as a small experiment turned into 30 carboys, an old family wine press, and a basement full of fruit flies. When Walt's wife Katie came home from a medical school rotation in California, she gently moved the whole operation into the unfinished garage. Monthly gatherings became weekly hangouts, and soon people were stopping by every day. The Novosel and Porter families — Debbie, Jerry, Pie, and Linda — along with Walt's sister Amanda and a crew of close friends helped turn that garage project into a real business. We opened in 2012 and haven't slowed down since.

What Can You Do at Nova Destinations?

A lot more than taste wine. We bring a winery, brewery, cidery, distillery, coffee shop, food, festivals, and family-friendly attractions together in one place, so you can make a full day of it.

We also host regular events — live music, themed trail experiences, murder mystery dinners, private parties, and more. Coming up this summer: The Trail That Shall Not Be Named runs across three magical weekends in July with four themed stops and optional Pairing Passports. We've also got live music with Retro Drive on July 18th and Take II on July 25th, plus an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at The Pavilion on July 24th. There's always something going on here.

Where Is Nova Destinations Located?

We're in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania — born and raised in this corner of western PA, and proud of it.

Walt and Katie Novosel grew up in Mercer County and put down roots here in Lawrence County. This is our community, and building something here that families can enjoy together has always been the whole point.

We're Walter and Katie Novosel, co-owners of Nova Destinations. If you have questions or want to plan a visit, we'd love to hear from you.

Questions we hear a lot