WINE MONTH: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board announced that October is Pennsylvania Wine Month, which the agency is marking the occasion by “kicking off a month-long celebration in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores to encourage consumers to enjoy wine produced in the Commonwealth.”

The liquor control board shared this in a press release on the topic:

“‘Pennsylvania wineries are producing wine for a variety of palates and pocketbooks,’ said PLCB chairman Joseph E. Brion. ‘At a time when more and more people are buying local, the PLCB wanted to give people the information they need and the product they want to meet that growing demand. We’re extremely pleased to work with the Pennsylvania Winery Association to promote that ‘buy local’ message and support state-made wines.’

“During the first week of October, Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection stores will host special tastings of Pennsylvania wines for consumers who are at least 21 years old. Call your local Premium Collection Store for dates and times.

“In addition, wine and spirits stores will feature specialized signage and product displays drawing attention to Pennsylvania wines. A map of in-state wineries and information about in-state wine trails provided by the Pennsylvania Winery Association will be available at select Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, while all store locations will receive informational inserts directing consumers to a dedicated website, m.pennsylvaniawine.com.”

According to the Liquor Control Board, Pennsylvania is ranked seventh in the United States for wine production. Who knew?

Not that we needed an excuse to visit a Pennsylvania winery, but for anyone who does, here it is. Pennsylvania Wine Month.

OCTOBER: We knew that October was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we now know that it is Pennsylvania Wine Month, but it turns out it is many other things, too.

October also marks month-long celebrations for adopting a shelter dog, cookies, lupus awareness, eating country ham, sarcasm and popcorn popping, among other things.

Is this getting out of hand?