Raise Your Glass at the Mount Hope Brewfest: A Craft Beer Extravaganza

Get ready to savor the finest craft beers amidst a lively atmosphere at the highly anticipated Mount Hope Brewfest. Located at the scenic Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim, Pennsylvania, this annual beer festival brings together beer enthusiasts, local breweries, and a vibrant community of craft beer lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates a good brew, the Mount Hope Brewfest is an event you won’t want to miss.

Discover an Array of Craft Beers

At the Mount Hope Brewfest, immerse yourself in a world of craft beer excellence. With a diverse lineup of breweries, both local and regional, this festival showcases an impressive selection of handcrafted brews. From hop-forward IPAs bursting with citrusy and piney flavors to smooth and rich stouts boasting notes of chocolate and coffee, each sip reveals the passion and creativity of the talented brewers. Take the opportunity to explore different beer styles, expand your palate, and find new favorites that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer crisp and refreshing lagers, fruity and aromatic ales, or complex and barrel-aged brews, the Mount Hope Brewfest has something to satisfy every beer lover’s cravings.

Embrace the Festive Atmosphere

Years ago at the one brewfest, I entered “the gladiator pits” at the Renaissance Faire. (Its a small circular fighting area, and the competition is three or four guys with balloons on their shoulders and head, and the winner is the last man standing with at least one balloon.) I fought Rob Myers, Justin Albright, and Aaron Delp.

The Mount Hope Brewfest is not just about the beer—it’s an experience that blends camaraderie, live music, and a lively ambiance. As you enter the festival grounds, the air buzzes with excitement and anticipation. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Live music performances by talented local artists provide the perfect backdrop, adding to the overall festive vibe. The Mount Hope Brewfest is a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a passion for craft beer, creating a sense of community that is both invigorating and heartwarming. As you mingle with fellow beer enthusiasts, share stories, and make new friends, you’ll find yourself immersed in a spirited atmosphere that celebrates the joy of craft beer.

Delight in Local Flavors

Pennsylvania is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, and the Mount Hope Brewfest proudly showcases the best of what the state has to offer. Sample brews from local breweries, experience the distinct flavors that Pennsylvania brewers have perfected, and support the artisans who contribute to the state’s beer culture. From well-established breweries with a rich brewing heritage to up-and-coming gems pushing the boundaries of innovation, each pint tells a unique story. Discover the artistry and craftsmanship that go into each beer as you interact with passionate brewers eager to share their knowledge and creations. The Mount Hope Brewfest is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the local flavors that make Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene truly exceptional.

Savor the Pairings

To complement the exceptional craft beers, the Mount Hope Brewfest features an array of food vendors offering delectable bites that perfectly accompany the brews. Indulge in mouthwatering fare ranging from savory snacks to gourmet treats, carefully selected to enhance your beer-tasting experience. Satisfy your cravings with juicy burgers, tangy barbecue, flavorful tacos, or even artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The food options are crafted to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The carefully curated food pairings elevate the flavors of the beers you’ll be enjoying, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Plan Your Visit

This year, the Mount Hope Brewfest is on June 10th, with two sessions: 11 AM – 3 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

To make the most of your Mount Hope Brewfest experience, it’s essential to plan ahead. Secure your tickets early, as this popular event tends to sell out quickly. Check the festival’s official website for the most up-to-date information on dates, participating breweries, ticket prices, and any additional activities or entertainment planned. Consider carpooling with friends or using public transportation to ensure a stress-free arrival, allowing everyone in your group to indulge in the festivities responsibly. Don’t forget to drink responsibly and arrange for a designated driver if needed, as the primary focus of the event is to celebrate and appreciate craft beer in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Please do not try and drive home (unless you are a designated driver) from the brewfest. You will be way (Waaaaaaay) too intoxicated to be able to drive. The police highly monitor the routes out of the brewfest knowing enough idiots try each year.

Some Participating Breweries

The following is some of the participating breweries from the past; this does not mean they will be at this year’s brewfest or the brewfests in the future.

1. Troegs Brewing Company: A standout participant at the Mount Hope Brewfest is Troegs Brewing Company. Hailing from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Troegs is renowned for their innovative and flavorful craft beers. With a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and a focus on sustainability, Troegs creates a diverse range of brews that cater to various palates. From their flagship HopBack Amber Ale, a balanced and hop-forward delight, to their bold and complex Troegenator Double Bock, their lineup showcases their brewing expertise. At the Mount Hope Brewfest, be sure to try their seasonal and limited-release offerings, as Troegs consistently surprises and delights with their unique and boundary-pushing creations.
2. Spring House Brewing Company: Another local gem that takes the stage at the Mount Hope Brewfest is Spring House Brewing Company. Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Spring House is known for their creative and whimsical approach to brewing. Their lineup features a range of beers, each with its own distinct personality and story. From their Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout, a rich and decadent treat, to their refreshing and citrusy The Astounding She-Monster Mango IPA, Spring House never fails to deliver bold flavors. As you sample their brews, you’ll appreciate their dedication to quality ingredients and their ability to infuse each beer with character and charm.
3. St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company: Hailing from Ephrata, Pennsylvania, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company brings their exceptional beers to the Mount Hope Brewfest. With a commitment to traditional brewing techniques and a focus on quality, St. Boniface produces beers that pay homage to classic styles while infusing them with their unique touch. Their Libation Belgian Tripel, with its fruity esters and spicy notes, showcases their mastery of Belgian-style ales, while their 3lb IPA exemplifies their skill in creating hop-forward brews bursting with citrus and pine flavors. Prepare to be impressed by their attention to detail and their ability to craft well-balanced and memorable beers.
4. Lancaster Brewing Company: Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Lancaster Brewing Company is known for their handcrafted ales and lagers. From their refreshing Strawberry Wheat beer to their robust and malty Milk Stout, they offer a diverse range of brews to suit different tastes.
5. Boneshire Brew Works: Boneshire Brew Works, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a microbrewery that prides itself on producing creative and flavorful beers. Their rotating tap list often features experimental brews and unique flavor combinations, making them a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary.
6. Moo-Duck Brewery: Situated in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, Moo-Duck Brewery is known for their approachable and well-crafted beers. From their easy-drinking Pilsners to their rich and complex stouts, they strive to create beers that showcase quality ingredients and careful brewing techniques.
7. Collusion Tap Works: Collusion Tap Works, located in York, Pennsylvania, specializes in innovative and boundary-pushing brews. Their tap list features a wide variety of styles, from hazy IPAs to tart and fruity sour beers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
8. Mad Chef Craft Brewing: Mad Chef Craft Brewing, based in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, prides itself on brewing unique and flavorful beers. Their lineup includes everything from classic styles to experimental brews, often showcasing their culinary-inspired approach to brewing.
9. Swashbuckler Brewing Company: Nestled within the Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Swashbuckler Brewing Company combines traditional German brewing methods with a touch of pirate-themed fun. They specialize in German-style lagers and ales, creating a memorable experience for beer lovers at the Mount Hope Brewfest.
10. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant: Iron Hill Brewery, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, brings their award-winning craft beers to the Mount Hope Brewfest. With a focus on brewing exceptional beers across various styles, Iron Hill offers a wide range of options to satisfy every beer lover’s palate.
11. Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works: Located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works is a craft brewery and distillery that offers a wide selection of beers and spirits. Their diverse lineup features everything from hop-forward IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, providing a range of flavors to suit various preferences.
12. Zeroday Brewing Co.: Zeroday Brewing Co., situated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their rotating tap list often includes experimental brews and limited releases, showcasing their dedication to pushing boundaries and creating unique flavor profiles.
13. Ever Grain Brewing Co.: Based in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Ever Grain Brewing Co. is a family-friendly brewery that focuses on brewing high-quality craft beers. They specialize in a variety of beer styles, from crisp and refreshing lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich, malty ales.
14. Molly Pitcher Brewing Company: Molly Pitcher Brewing Company, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, is a beloved local brewery known for their handcrafted beers and warm hospitality. They pride themselves on brewing approachable yet flavorful beers that appeal to a wide range of palates. From their light and crisp Kölsch to their robust and malty Scotch Ale, Molly Pitcher Brewing Company offers a diverse lineup of beers that exemplify their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

These local breweries are just a taste of the vibrant craft beer scene that graces the Mount Hope Brewfest. As you explore the festival, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with these passionate brewers, learn about their brewing processes, and discover the stories behind their beers. Each brewery brings its own unique flavors, styles, and experiences to the table, enriching the festival with their creativity and expertise. So, raise your glass and toast to the exceptional craftsmanship and community spirit embodied by Troegs Brewing Company, Spring House Brewing Company, St. Boniface Craft Brewing Company, and the many other local breweries that make the Mount Hope Brewfest a true celebration of craft beer. Each brings their own unique flavors, brewing philosophies, and sense of community to the event, creating an exciting and diverse experience for attendees.

Renaissance Food

The Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Winery and Estate has lots of different food options. The Mount Hope Brewfest does include free food (from the Renaissance Faire vendors; but not from outside parties). They usually have chicken tenders, hamburgers, Italian susage, po’bois, and much more. Here are some foods that the Rainaissance Faire has, and over various years they’ve also had during the brewfest itself:

1. Turkey Legs: A Renaissance Faire classic, turkey legs are a must-try delicacy. These succulent, slow-roasted legs of turkey are seasoned to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a flavorful and smoky taste. Sink your teeth into the juicy meat and savor the savory goodness that will transport you to a medieval feast.
2. Meat Pies: Discover the joy of savory meat pies, a staple of Renaissance-era cuisine. These handheld delights feature a flaky crust filled with a delicious combination of meats, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. From hearty steak and ale pies to chicken and mushroom variations, each bite is a burst of savory flavors that will leave you wanting more.
3. Giant Pretzels: Satisfy your cravings with a warm and freshly baked giant pretzel. These oversized treats boast a soft and chewy interior with a golden, slightly crunchy exterior. Sprinkled with coarse salt or served with a variety of dipping sauces, these pretzels are the perfect blend of salty and doughy goodness.
4. Scotch Eggs: Scotch eggs offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Hard-boiled eggs are encased in a layer of savory sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a delicious handheld treat with a crispy exterior and a rich, flavorful center that makes for a satisfying snack during your Renaissance adventure.
5. Sweet Treats: Indulge your sweet tooth with an array of delectable treats. From freshly baked pastries like apple turnovers and cinnamon rolls to creamy homemade fudge and caramel apples, the Renaissance Faire offers a cornucopia of desserts to delight your taste buds. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample traditional favorites like mead-infused honey cakes or delicate rosewater-flavored shortbread cookies.

Whether you’re craving savory delights or sweet temptations, the Renaissance Faire has something to please every palate. As you explore the fairgrounds, be sure to immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the era, savoring the flavors of a time long past. From the aroma of roasted meats to the enticing scents of freshly baked goods, the food at the Renaissance Faire adds to the immersive experience, allowing you to truly indulge in the delights of a bygone era.

Mount Hope Brewfest Past

In the years before COVID – 19 / coronavirus pandemic (2019 and earlier) the Mount Hope Brewfest was always held in May. Usually around the time of Mother’s Day. For the longest time one could assume that one would we get soaking wet going to the brewfest; the Mount Hope Brewfest had this ‘tendency’ to be the day of rain, and sometimes, very heavy rain. The forecast could say pure sun, and it could look sunny up until 4 PM and then suddenly the heavens would close up and the rain would pour.

When the brewfest returned in 2021 (they cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic), they moved the date back to June, and it has somewhat lifted the rain curse on the brewfest.

Unless the forecast looks absolutely perfect, I would still advise guests to bring a poncho (they are available for sale there as well).

Tasters

When you arrive, you’ll be given a 5 oz taster glass. Protect this with your life. This is your way to sample all the delicious beers in the Mount Hope Brewfest. They are glass, and can easily break when dropped to the paved road and paver based areas that make up most of the brewfest course and layout.

If you do drop it – and it breaks – expect a big “OOOOOOOOOOOH” to go up from the crowd near you.

You are able to purchase a new taster glass at the Informationstress (Information + Mistress) near the entrance to where you entered the Mount Hope Brewfest. It will cost you 10$ to replace the glass, so like I said, hold onto these babies like they… are… well… your babies.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mount Hope Brewfest and Renaissance Faire offer a truly immersive and captivating experience for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The festival brings together the best of both worlds, showcasing a wide selection of craft beers from local breweries while enveloping attendees in the enchanting atmosphere of a Renaissance-era fair. From the moment you step foot on the grounds, you are transported to a world of knights, maidens, and merriment.

The local breweries that participate in the Mount Hope Brewfest bring their unique flavors, brewing philosophies, and sense of community to the event. Each brewery offers a distinct lineup of beers, ranging from traditional styles to innovative and experimental brews. The opportunity to engage with the passionate brewers and learn about their craft adds an extra layer of appreciation and connection to the beers enjoyed throughout the festival.

But it’s not just the beer that makes the Mount Hope Brewfest and Renaissance Faire an unforgettable experience. The culinary offerings at the fairgrounds further enhance the journey back in time. From indulging in savory turkey legs and meat pies to treating your taste buds to giant pretzels and sweet confections, the food selection is a feast in itself. Every bite carries the essence of the Renaissance era, making you feel like a noble feasting at a grand banquet.

Beyond the libations and the culinary delights, the Mount Hope Brewfest and Renaissance Faire captivate attendees with a range of engaging activities and entertainment. From games and competitions that foster camaraderie among visitors to educational sessions and brewery tours that deepen your understanding of the brewing process, there’s never a dull moment at the festival. The lively atmosphere, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of beer steins, adds to the sense of celebration and merriment.

In the end, the Mount Hope Brewfest and Renaissance Faire encapsulate the spirit of community, creativity, and appreciation for craft that defines the craft beer and Renaissance fair cultures. It’s an opportunity to not only enjoy exceptional brews and delicious food but also to immerse yourself in a world of history, tradition, and fantastical wonder. So, raise your tankard, savor the flavors, and revel in the magical experience that awaits you at the Mount Hope Brewfest and Renaissance Faire.

Thank You For Reading

Will you be attending the Mount Hope Brewfest this year? Drew and I will be at the 4:30 – 8:30 PM session. (I tend to prefer the later sessions, getting done being pretty good and buzzed and drunk at 3 PM, just means I gotta then keep day drinking or just crash early, so I prefer to do my crashing at bed time.

If you do go, let us know in the comments section! And after the brewfest let us know your thoughts on it. Did you like it? What were the best beers? Was it as good as last year’s – or better, or worse?

We (Drew and I) just survived the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. We collected our thoughts into our seven favorite beers from that festival (last week). You can view that here:

• Top 7 AC Brewfest Beers

Thanks For Reading Everyone! We appreciate all the support.

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including AC Beerfest recaps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

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