Black Dog Wine Company located in the Hankey Mansion in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. The Hankey Farm dates back to the 1800’s. The Mansion was owned by John F. Hankey who was born in 1883 to German parents, Frederick William and Josephine Marks Hankey.
John worked briefly for a baker and learned the practical basis for operating and marketing a successful bakery. John’s bakery products were so high in demand that he decided to house the Hankey Baking Company Farms right in the Hankey Mansion. The Hankey Farm raised chickens to supply eggs for the bakery. The basement of the Mansion was modeled one very large room after a rathskeller, which is German term for a basement pub or restaurant.
The Hankey farmhouse also housed a printing press business in 1954 when James A. Stewart purchased the Mansion. He continued to use the land for farming and raised English show horses and Jersey cows.
Now, the Historical Hankey Farmhouse is the location home of the Black Dog Winey. The winery offers a hefty portfolio of signature wines to choose from while enjoying in some light appetizers in a pet friendly atmosphere surrounded by historical history.
The Mansion may be a place to enjoy a glass or two of some delicious wine but it also has some ghostly guests that make you think you’re getting tipsy.
When the lights go out and the doors are locked the mischievous souls come out. Bottles of wine have been known to be on the floor or pushed out from the wine racks to the point of falling. Sounds of farm animals linger throughout the grounds. People have claimed the feeling of being watched as you pass by each room. Phantom voices, knocking sounds and footsteps are heard all around you in the basement area. Sit still, you may hear papers crinkle and the sounds of the pressing machines hard at work.
Hold your glass tight when sipping your wine because you never know when a frightening experiences will occur at this Mansion!
