Beat the Summer Heat: Frozen Cocktails on the Central PA Tasting Trail
The Central PA Tasting Trail features 12 premier distilleries, wineries, breweries, and cideries in Happy Valley, delivering an exceptional craft beverage experience. For fans of chilled, slushy adult beverages, select trail stops offer refreshing frozen cocktails. Cool down this summer in Happy Valley with these delightful frozen treats!
University Wine Company
540 Misty Hill Drive (future home)
State College, PA
University Wine Company has been a pioneer in wine slushies for over 10 years. Their signature U-FREEZE Wine Slush comes in four flavors, packaged in convenient, resealable pouches perfect for freezing into a refreshing treat anytime. Ideal for hot summer days or evoking summer year-round.
Currently, the Wine Bar operates from The Greek restaurant in State College. Soon, University Wine Company will unveil its new production facility, sales area, tasting room, and vineyard on Misty Hill Drive near historic Boalsburg. Visitors can savor wine slushies or varietal wines with stunning views of Mount Nittany and Beaver Stadium.
Wine Bar hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Tasting Room hours coming soon.
Big Spring Spirits
198 Match Factory Place
Bellefonte, PA
Since 2011, Big Spring Spirits has crafted premium spirits and innovative cocktails. In July 2020, they added a slushy machine, boosting popularity, as noted by Tasting Room Manager Lucy Rogers.
Choose from rotating flavors (mix them for bold twists), available in two sizes for on-site enjoyment in the Tasting Room or patio, or takeout. Flavors draw from seasonal ingredients and trends. Expect experiments with base cocktails plus add-ins. Slushies stay year-round, adapting to seasons and holidays.
Tasting Room hours: 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Wed–Thu; 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Fri; noon–10 p.m. Sat; 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Sun. Bottle sales, slushies, and cocktails to go available Mon–Tue and during hours.
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Did you know?
"Brain freeze," or sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, occurs from rapid cold intake on hot days. Per Medical News Today, it stems from cold narrowing sinus capillaries, then warm air widening them, irritating palate nerves. Remedy: Press tongue to roof of mouth to warm the area; sip slushy and repeat.
Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery
576 Foxpointe Drive
State College, PA
Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery cultivates premium grapes for distinctive dry whites and reds among its 30+ wines. Slushy lovers enjoy red (Chancellor) or white (Vidal Blanc) varieties—no added flavors needed, thanks to their popularity. Sip on-site or take to go.
Open 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Thursday–Sunday.
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars
324 Decker Valley Rd,
Spring Mills, PA
From a small venture in 2008, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars has grown into an award-winning family operation with 40+ wines. Pair your sip with peach Riesling or blackberry Merlot slushies, plus rotating frozen cocktails. Per PA COVID-19 rules (applicable to all trail spots), pair with a meal from their menu or your picnic, indoors or out.
Open daily 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
About the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail
The trail unites 12 Happy Valley producers: four microbreweries, four wineries, two distilleries, two cideries. Get a $35 passport for free gifts/tastings at each stamped stop. Stamp all 12 within a year for a premium hooded sweatshirt.
