Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Wine - Story of Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

by Jodie Dello Stritto

Scott Bubb’s passion for wine-making began in 1976 when he made a batch of wine from grapes he picked from his aunt’s arbor. It was good, but he knew he could do better. So he embarked an almost-obsessive journey to perfect his skills and, along with his wife Mary Ann, enjoyed perfecting his wine and sharing it with eager family and friends.

Last year, Scott and Mary Ann’s life took an unexpected turn when Scott, then 52, lost his job of nearly 35 years. Facing an uncertain future and without the steady income he’d had since age 17, he was worried. Who would hire a 52-year old? What would he do? Then, Mary Ann brought home a gift for her husband. A ‘Life is Good’ hat. On the inside is a saying, “Do what you like and like what you do.” And Seven Mountains Wine Cellars was born (he still wears the hat, and reads the inside, every day).

Pulling into the lot of their brand new rustic lodge, it’s evident that Seven Mountains is positioned for success, literally, in many ways. The location is prime: only a mile off 322, just a little way up the mountain from Potter’s Mills (same turn off the road as Mountain Acres Lodge—you’ll see signs coming from East and West).

Inside, it’s open and simple, letting the fine details shine—the wine racks with seven mountain-esque peaks, the wine barrel-style bar, the elk antler chandelier. It’s inviting, comfy AND classy, and it accomplishes Scott and Mary Ann’s goal entirely: you want to sit down in the great room or on the deck, relax, and enjoy a glass. They take these compliments to hearthaving completed the structure, other than the framing, themselves, with help, muscle and sweat from family and friends.

Speaking of a bottle… the wine. Oh, the wine. The bottles on display on the mantle proudly sport layers of medals awarded at tasting competition. In fact, Scott is currently ranked 12th on the American Wine Society’s list of the top 50 Amateur Winemakers; and after submitting 24 entries to their last competition they walked away with an astounding 17 awards.

Scott is big on balancing flavor, and let me tell you, he is a master. We sampled a Red Raspberry that literally tasted like we’d just eaten a handful of the real thing, which is exactly his intent, that you taste the fruit last. Every sample was equally mmm-worthy, from the traditionals to the fruits, and they are NOT lying when they say a sip of Rhubarb tastes like a forkful of pie. I could go on and on, but you’ll taste it for yourself.

Penn State fans heading down the mountain will love the wineries We ARE Blue and White Weekends during home game weekends, with extended hours and Grab and Go Penn State Party Packs for tailgating. The packs include a Blue (yes, Blueberry) and Cayuga White, along with a special WE ARE… glass.

The lodge is available to rent for parties, showers, reunions and other events. In addition to the lodge, there’s a sizable deck for seating or mingling. There’s also a full kitchen available for your use or your caterers. Custom labeling is also available for wedding favors or other gifts.

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars is a welcome addition to the Happy Valley family. So welcome, in fact, we’ve already been there twice (and they just opened August 12th). Add Seven Mountains to your “to-do” list and we promise it will become your favorite new Happy Valley tradition.