By Rachel Stevenson

As a business owner and writer, I can’t think of a week that has been more non-stop than this one.  With schools back in session and employees home from summer vacation, the first two weeks of September were packed with traffic, corporate meetings, fundraisers, and networking events.

While exhausted from the September chaos, I never fully tire of meeting new people, sharing stories, and learning about the businesses and events that make Chester County unique and exciting.

And when that opportunity is paired with great wine, or delicious food, I’m in heaven! Fortunately, tonight was one of those heavenly nights.

This evening, I attended a human resources networking event at Stone Barn Cellars in Spring City, PA.

Located near the intersection of Pottstown Pike and Prizer Road, Stone Barn Cellars is a hidden gem along French Creek. In fact, it’s so hidden that I’ve lived here for eleven years and only fifteen minutes away, but had never heard of the winery.

Owner, Benjamin Morrison, said it’s not unusual for locals to have missed them. “Many locals are just now finding us. We were told it would take around three years for people to find out that we’re here. That’s about what it’s taken.”

As I sipped on their prized Bonfire wine, Morrison told me about the history of the winery and the many events they host year round.

While he and his wife, Suzanne, opened the winery in 2013 and spent 10 years renovating the space, the building itself is a barn from 1856.

Everything about the space was designed to honor the barn’s original structure, support green living, and provide a fun space for networking and entertainment.

To provide a zero footprint venue, the stunning ash and oak floors were made from trees that fell on the property during an electrical storm and solar panels were installed to minimize energy cost.

Outside, there is a large lawn that accommodates a 50-person bridal shower, or networking event, and the cozy outdoor deck overlooks the grape vines along Pothouse Road.

Morrison said that they are a PA preferred winery, meaning that all of their grapes are grown in the state of Pennsylvania.

Throughout the year, Stone Barn Cellars hosts a variety of events, including their always-sold-out “Lady’s Night Out” buffet dinner socials on the last Thursday of each month from 6:30-9:30.

“We sell out immediately,” Morrison said of the monthly social event. “Tickets include a buffet dinner, entertainment, local and international cheeses, and dessert. All for only $30. Wine is additional.”

The winery will also host Bark for Life: Doggie Date Night, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, on September 24^th. The venue will open its lawn to pet-lovers with their furry friends, and include numerous activities.

To learn more these and other events, visit the winery’s event calendar.  And check out their new pumpkin wine. It was my personal favorite.