Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Taste of PA: New downtown concept to feature PA beer, wines, spirits, food.

In downtown Harrisburg, Mulligan’s is being reborn as a new tasting room.

It’s been said that that technology has turned us all into seekers of novelty.

If that’s true, a new concept in downtown Harrisburg should benefit from our constant desire for something new.

On Thursday, long-time Harrisburg club and restaurant owner Ron Kamionka plans to debut Hops, Vines & Spirits Tasting Room in the former home of Mulligan’s Courtyard & Café on N. 2nd Street.

The plan, said Kamionka, is to feature a rotating menu of beer, wine, spirits and food from Pennsylvania producers.

“We’re really excited for the opportunity to showcase Pennsylvania products—whether it’s a craft brewery or a local butcher shop or cheese maker—right in downtown Harrisburg,” Kamionka said.

Kamionka said that he expects to host two PA breweries, two wineries and one distillery per month.

The debut lineup this weekend includes beer from St. Boniface Brewing Co. (Ephrata), beer and cider from Wyndridge Farm (Dallastown), wine from Broad Mountain Vineyard (Halifax) and Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery (Wrightsville) and spirits from Tattered Flag Brewery & Distillery (Middletown).

Patrons will be able to order by the glass or for takeout, with a bottle shop on premises. Flights will also be available to allow customers to sample small quantities of both drink and food.

Kamionka plans to feature numerous Harrisburg-area craft food producers, including products from Knead Pizza, Urban Churn ice cream, Anna Rose Bakery and 717 Tacos.

The venue also will feature special events throughout the month, including live music and guided tasting nights, Kamionka said.

The tasting room concept increasingly has caught on statewide as Pennsylvania has liberalized its liquor laws, especially for products made in-state.

Just last week, sip@soma debuted on the 100-block of S. 3rd Street in Harrisburg, with plans to feature a rotating series of PA breweries and wineries. In contrast, the Harristown-sponsored venture plans to be more event-focused, opening during 3rd in the Burg evenings and during special events, such as Harrisburg Beer Week, and requiring reservations to attend.

At Hops, Vines & Spirits, each producer will have its own dedicated bar, where patrons can learn in detail about the offerings from the brewery, vineyard or distillery.

“We have a unique opportunity to share the stories of all of these producers with our guests, and we’re eager to host a full slate of events to complement the vendors,” Kamionka said.

Hops, Vines & Spirits Tasting Room is located at 17 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.hvstastingroom.com.

 

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