Grapes grow at Ransom Ridge Winery and Cidery.
Submitted Photo
Ransom Ridge Winery and Cidery continues growth in Ransom Twp.
People participate in a wine tasting event at Ransom Ridge.
Submitted Photo
A collage showcases some of the wines and ciders produced by Ransom Ridge Winery and Cidery.
Submitted Photo
RANSOM TWP. — Located off of Newton Ransom Boulevard, Ransom Ridge Winery and Cidery graces the countryside on Port Royal Road. It has a small vineyard and a big vineyard. During its inaugural season, 2,800 vines have been grown in the big vineyard to produce four varieties of hybrid grapes (cayuga white, aravelle, pink pearl, and catawba) that are suited for the colder temperatures. Eighteen tons of grapes were pressed to make wines such as Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Gris. Apples and juices are sent from Grassy Ridge Farm in Noxen to craft hard ciders, including one that’s semi-dry and one that’s semi-sweet.
Ransom Ridge is a passion project of founder Jeremy Wentz. He has been in the winemaking business for ten years. Before pursuing viticulture, he began his career as a veterinarian at White Haven Veterinary Hospital.
In 2019, he partnered with co-owners Amy and Jerry Smith to establish Wentz Farm and Winery, which celebrates local winemaking traditions. But the pandemic in 2020 caused a pause in operations. In 2024, he met with local produce farmer Mark Phillips. They both combined their expertise to create Ransom Ridge Winery and Cidery.
Ransom Ridge doubles as a farm. Mark sells eggs from his chickens that roam the vineyards. He also grows tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash, beans, and potatoes on the property. He takes care of the vineyards, keeping the rows in decent shape.
The winemakers include Peter Bell and Shahna Cheney. According to Ransom Ridge’s website, Peter is the lead winemaker, who has been in this business since 1988. He worked for Fox Run Winery in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. At one point, he was voted in the top 20 winemakers in the county. He is also a senior cook, world traveler, and the founder of a tight-knit tasting group.
According to the website, Shahna’s wines tell their own stories. Her background in medical labs means she approaches every batch with scientific vigor. As a fire performer and burlesque dancer, she brings flair and precision to winemaking. She makes sure every bottle of wine has personality.
Ransom Ridge was named for Captain Samuel Ransom, a local Revolutionary War legend. A deer named Rascal, who wanders around the property, became the unofficial mascot.
With currently limited hours, the winery hosts special event wine tastings once a month. The most recent one was the Haunted Halloween Harvest Tasting, which was held on Saturday, Nov. 1. Ransom Ridge has a wine-tasting room for birthday parties and private events by appointment only. For the upcoming holiday, it will offer holiday gift baskets.
Once Ransom Ridge receives the necessary permits, construction will begin for a building in February 2026. It will have full food service, a winery, and fresh produce. It will have full-time hours. The goal completion date is September 2026.
Ransom Ridge’s harvest season recently came to an end. The final grapes were pressed in October to be bottled this coming spring. There are about 2,500 gallons of grape juice in the fermenting process.
“I enjoy being able to take something I grow and turn it into a delicious drink,” said Jeremy. “I love the true farm-to-table experience.”
