Taste wine and talk art during a Gettysburg trolley tour
Gettysburg can offer so much more than a history lesson, said Katie Martin of Adams County Winery.
While the beautiful battlefields offer a time for reflection and learning, she said, they also provide an opportunity to appreciate the art of the monuments, the lay of the land and the company of a great community.
All of that — and a good bottle of wine — inspired the staff at Adams County Winery to roll out this year's Art and Wine Trolley Tour. The trolley has been used at the winery's farm property for special events, such as weddings, bridal showers and corporate transportation.
But for the past six to eight months, Martin said, they've been getting it ready for their biggest event to date.
The Art and Wine Trolley Tour, set to debut June 7, will take visitors on a three-hour tour of the battlefield to explore the monuments while enjoying cheese and crackers, as well as the winery's Historic Series Wines, including Rebel Red and Tears of Gettysburg. Patrons also will get a complimentary stemless wine glass to take home.
There is no drinking allowed on the battlefield, Martin said, so they had to get creative in doing the tastings on the way there and on the way back.
A licensed battlefield tour guide will give history on the monuments, as well as an artistic context for the sculptures.
"I don't think many people appreciate the art that's in our own backyard," Martin said. "They hear so much about the history that they forget to appreciate some of the art itself."
She hopes that in the future the winery can use the trolley for other things, such as a food-related tour.
"It was so exciting to be able to plan this," Martin said. "It's an pleasure to showcase the many things that Gettysburg has to offer."
If you go
What: Adams County Winery Art and Wine Trolley Tour
When: June 7-21, July 12-26
Where: Starts at Adams County Winery, 251 Peach Tree Road, and tours the Gettysburg Battlefield. Tour lasts about three hours.
Cost: $75
More: Get additional information and make reservations by calling 717-334-4631 or visiting www.adamscountywinery.com.