Meet the Owner

Coming from Fair Lawn New Jersey in the turbulent 60’s, Elaine moved to Pennsylvania eager to live off the land. She purchased a farm overlooking the Delaware River Valley and set herself to the task of raising her family and growing grapes. In 1982 the winery was established producing 2,000 gallons of wine. Shortly thereafter Elaine found herself as a single mother raising two young children while keeping the farm and winery growing. She rose to the challenge and allowed herself one year to make it or break it.

That year Franklin Hill Vineyards won three medals at the Pennsylvania Wine Competition and Elaine knew she would survive. Today Franklin Hill Vineyards produces over 35,000 gallons of award winning wine per year, sold at Elaine’s four wine and gift shops. Among the accolades Elaine has received are the Woman of Merit from Scranton University, the prestigious Athena Award, the Nike Award, and Top 50 Women in Business in the State of Pennsylvania from Governor Rendell.

The Wine Maker

Flowers (especially pansies), painted nails and sparkly earrings are favorites of our winemaker Bonnie Pysher. Beneath that fancy exterior is a talented, knowledgeable winemaker who is as comfortable working with wines as she is tearing apart a tractor. Bonnie started at Franklin Hill Vineyards as a young mother with twins at home. She followed the winemaker and learned everything she could about the wine making process. In 1985 when Elaine was without a winemaker she asked Bonnie to rise to the challenge. That year Franklin Hill Vineyards won three medals at the Pennsylvania Wine Competition. The rest as they say is history… Today you can stop in our winery to meet Bonnie and taste some of her newest creations.

The Staff

We have a team at Franklin Hill that is here to help you. Knowlegeable, reliable, creative, and caring, our staff is the best of the bunch. So come see us at any of our locations and you can expect a fun time.