Mount Hope Estate & Winery - Manheim, PA - Victorian-style Mansion and Renaissance Fair

The Mount Hope Estate traces its roots to the Grubb family who settled in the area in 1734. Several generations of the Grubb family lived in the area becoming wealthy through the iron industry. The last descendent of the Grubb family to own the thirty-two room mansion and property was Daisy Elizabeth Brooke Grubb. She had the mansion renovated in a Victorian style. After Daisy died, the property was divided and changed hands several times before Charles Romito purchased the mansion and what property was near it for $1 million in 1980. Romito hosted several events on the grounds that became so popular that the Mansion and grounds were included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The winery produced wines from Pennsylvania crops. Originally, the ten acre vineyards that Romito planted were not enough for the winery product. They were eventually removed and production was moved to Erie County, PA. The Mount Hope Carriage House Wine Shop carries a number of products from the winery, including wine accessories, and other unique memorabilia. Wine tasting is also offered at the Carriage House Shop. For details, interested parties can call 717-665-7021 ext. 129.

One of the main attractions that Romito established was the Renaissance Fair. It began as a one-day jousting tournament, but gradually expanded from a two-day Renaissance Faire, to the twelve-week Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair currently held annually. This Fair is run on roughly 35 acres of land including fifteen stages. There are dozens of places within the Fair to purchase Renaissance period items. These run the gamut from brooms and jewelry, to fashion and pottery. There is even a Greyhound adoption center. There is ample food and drink that includes teas, sodas, and alcoholic beverages, breads, Mexican faire, and sausages. Throughout the festival there are numerous presentations and demonstrations. There are plenty of activities for children. Admission to the Fair is varied, depending on the type of visit desired. A single day adult pass is $25, for a child (5-11 years) it is $10. An adult season pass is $100. Additional information on tickets can be obtained by calling the box office at 717-665-7021 ext. 321.

Throughout the year there are also a number of outdoor festivals that visitors enjoy. These include Brew Fest, Pennsylvania Flavor Fest, and an Easter Seals Concert. The Flavor Fest showcases the diversity of Pennsylvanian cuisine and mini-events include Chef Demos and lectures. Brew Fest participants include over twenty different breweries from the Northeast of the US. In 2009, participants included Sam Adams Brewery and Yuengling Brewery.

During May, Mount Hope celebrates the Great Green America Fest. This festival celebrates by offering food and entertainment with a focus on health and environmentally-safe products. The festival includes food, merchandise, and music.

During Christmastime, the Mount Hope Mansion has several theatre productions. In 2009, the production is called "Dickens of a Christmas!'' and features various shows based on Victorian Christmastime. There is also an option for guests to purchase and dinner and show package. The dinner is held at the Swashbuckler Restaurant and prices start at $40 a head.

Mount Hope Mansion also can be reserved for weddings, school reunions, and birthdays. Information is available at 717-665-7021 ext. 135.