At Adams County Winery, we’ve always believed in pairing exceptional wines with a commitment to sustainability. That’s why we’re proud to announce a groundbreaking step in addressing the local challenge of glass recycling. As Gettysburg’s original winery and the fifth-oldest operating winery in Pennsylvania, we’re excited to be the first in the state to implement the Expleco GLS 2.0 bottle crusher—a solution that transforms glass bottles into reusable sand.
With local recycling companies no longer accepting glass products, we saw a need to act. Glass bottles are a significant part of our operations, and rather than letting this valuable material go to waste, we’ve taken matters into our own hands.
“The Adams County Winery team decided we needed to find a sustainable way to reuse our bottles on-site, so we started researching. We found the [Expleco GLS 2.0] bottle crusher from Johnson Recycling Solutions and knew it would be the perfect addition for our needs, considering how difficult it is to recycle glass now,” shared Dan Baumgardner, General Manager.
This innovative machine takes empty bottles and crushes them into sand, creating a versatile material that’s already finding new uses across our 40-acre Farm Winery location. From sustainable weed control in our gardens and vineyard to tent sandbags and decorative accents, the possibilities for this eco-friendly sand are endless.
Sustainability isn’t new to us. Our Farm Winery, nestled on rolling hills in Orrtanna, PA, has long been celebrated for its lush gardens and stunning landscape—a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. This latest initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to preserve the environment while enhancing the natural beauty of our grounds.
Adams County Winery is more than just a place to enjoy award-winning wines; it’s a place where innovation meets tradition. From our historic 1860s bank barn to the five grape varieties spread across 12.5 acres of vineyard, we continue to blend history with forward-thinking practices.
Since opening our doors in 1975, we’ve grown to become a beloved local institution, creating memories for generations of visitors. Our signature wine, Tears of Gettysburg, has been a favorite since 1988 and remains one of the oldest wines in Pennsylvania. With nine wins as Best Winery in Gettysburg’s Greatest awards, we’re proud to be a cornerstone of this vibrant community.
By taking this proactive step in glass recycling, we hope to inspire others to explore innovative ways to address environmental challenges. Together, we can create a future that’s as sustainable as it is beautiful.
For more information about Adams County Winery or to plan your visit, call us at 717.334.4631 or explore our offerings at www.adamscountywinery.com.