A winery that pioneered solar energy in Berks County was the subject of a recent showcase tour by environmental advocacy group PennEnvironment.
Representatives from PennEnvironment and Manatawny Creek Winery, Amity Township, joined Berks County officials and residents last week for the tour of the site’s solar and sustainability initiatives.
Berks officials, residents and representatives of PennEnvironment and Manatawny Creek Winery toured the facility’s solar array in April 2026. (Courtesy of PennEnvironment)
“PennEnvironment is excited to highlight Pennsylvania businesses with a long-term commitment to clean energy, like Manatawny Creek Winery,” Belle Sherwood, PennEnvironment clean energy advocate, said in a press release. “The sun’s power is plentiful in Pennsylvania, and more businesses, schools, and homes should take advantage of clean, fast, and abundant solar energy.”
Manatawny Creek Winery installed its rooftop array in 2007.
At the time, the panels offset 25-30% of the vineyard’s annual energy usage, and excess energy produced during the day was sold back to the electricity grid, helping the winery’s bottom line, according to PennEnvironment.
The owners are now looking to replace their solar panels.
“They can see firsthand how far solar technology has come in the past two decades; the same size panels today would be significantly cheaper to install, generate more energy, be more efficient, and save the winery more money on their electricity bills,” PennEnvironment said.
Manatawny Creek’s owners found a like-minded partner in Mike Dietrich, director of operations at the winery, Dietrich said in a press release.
“My wife and I have Oley Valley Organics.… and we’ve had a produce farm for 18 years now,” Dietrich said in the release. “When we found out that the winery had installed solar panels, we said to ourselves, ‘This is like a match made in heaven.’”
Power from the sun is clean, never runs out, and shows up for free, PennEnvironment said.
“Harnessing more energy from the sun means cleaner air, a more stable climate, and less strain on natural resources,” PennEnvironment said. “Plus, going solar increases energy independence and reliability and allows businesses to save money on their utility bills.”
Renewable resources like solar and wind deserve more attention, said state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th Dist.), who attended the April 15 tour.
“I have a bill called the Community Energy bill,” Schwank said. “A farmer can partner with a municipality, local developers, neighboring residents, or small business owners to build a community solar facility on their land. They can share in some of the energy products, and share in any profits associated with it too.”
State Sen. Judy Scchwank was among the Berks officials touring Manatawny Creek Winery’s solar array. (Courtesy of PennEnvironment)
Pennsylvania is ranked 26th in the nation for solar power.
PennEnvironment said it advocates for programs like the state’s Community Energy Development initiative, which offers technical assistance to communities looking to develop clean energy infrastructure, and other parts of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “Lightning Plan,” a comprehensive energy plan that aims to position the state as a clean energy leader.
PennEnvironment called Manatawny Creek Winery “a shining example of the many benefits of solar energy.”
“(Manatawny Creek) should serve as an inspiration to other small businesses across Pennsylvania to choose clean energy and do their part to protect the planet,” PennEnvironment said.
PennEnvironment is a nonprofit network of 30 state environmental groups that promote clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate.