You’re driving up a winding road in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, and for a second, you’d swear you took a wrong turn and ended up in Tuscany. It’s a common reaction. The Ridge at Maiolatesi isn’t just some suburban banquet hall with a fancy name; it’s basically a hilltop perch that overlooks the Endless Mountains. Honestly, if you haven’t stood on that back deck with a glass of Coal Miners Red while the sun is setting, you’re missing out on one of the best views in Lackawanna County.
But there is a lot of confusion about what this place actually is lately.
Is it a winery? An event space? A restaurant? The answer is "yes," but it’s more nuanced than that. Since the partnership between Sal Maiolatesi and Larry Nicolais of Constantino’s Catering took off, the identity of the property has shifted into something way more professional than the "tasting room with a view" it used to be.
The Constantino’s Era: It’s Not Just a Tasting Room Anymore
Most locals remember the old Maiolatesi. It was charming, sure. You’d go there, grab a flight, maybe a pizza, and sit on the deck. But the "Ridge" branding specifically refers to the full-service event venue side of things.
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Basically, the first floor of the building has been transformed.
Larry Nicolais—who also runs Constantino’s in Clarks Summit and Bailey's Cafe—brought a level of polish that the space honestly needed. We’re talking about a "reminted" tasting room, a massive ballroom that fits 200 people, and a bridal suite that actually feels luxurious rather than an afterthought in a basement. The winery itself hasn't disappeared; Sal still makes the wine in the cellar. But the experience upstairs? That’s all Constantino’s.
It's a smart move. Running a high-end winery and a high-end catering business at the same time is a nightmare. By splitting the duties, you get Sal’s winemaking expertise and Larry’s obsessive attention to event detail.
What to Expect If You’re Just Stopping by for Wine
You don't have to be getting married to enjoy the place.
They still operate as a wine bar and kitchen on the weekends. But listen—don’t just show up on a Friday night and expect a table. Reservations are mandatory on Fridays. For Saturdays and Sundays, you can usually wing it if you have a small group, but if you’re rolling six deep, you better call ahead.
The menu is actually pretty killer for a winery. Most places give you a sad sleeve of crackers and some refrigerated cheddar. Here, they have a brick oven.
- The Mambo Pizza: Prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic reduction. It’s messy, but it’s the best thing on the menu.
- Wagyu Sliders: They come with bacon jam. Enough said.
- Whipped Ricotta: It’s topped with hot honey and pistachios.
They also do this "Daytripper" pizza with truffle oil and mushrooms that smells amazing the second it hits the table. The vibe is very relaxed, but it feels upscale. You’ve got the hardwood floors, the floor-to-ceiling windows, and those cross-back chairs that look great in photos.
The Sal Maiolatesi Story
Sal is kind of a legend in the PA wine scene. He started in 1999 as one of the youngest winery owners in the state. He didn't even start out as a "wine guy"—he was a technician for WEA in Olyphant. He found an old wine press in his grandmother’s basement, got curious, and the rest is history.
In 2007, a fire completely destroyed his original winery in Childs, PA. It was a total loss. But the industry pulled together, helped him with tank space, and by 2009, he opened the current 10,000-square-foot facility on Cabernet Drive. The fact that the place is thriving now, especially with the Ridge partnership, is a pretty cool comeback story.
Planning a Wedding at The Ridge: The Logistics
If you’re looking at this for a wedding, there are a few things people often overlook.
First, the sunsets. Because the venue sits so high on the hill, the sunset deck is the prime spot for ceremonies. If it rains, you’re not screwed; they have a covered portion of the deck that still looks out over the mountains.
Second, the "weekend" concept. Unlike most venues that kick you out the second the music stops, couples who book the Ridge often get access to the space from Wednesday to Sunday for setup and breakdown. That is a massive stress-reliever. You aren't rushing to hang decorations two hours before the ceremony.
Real Talk on Pricing and Packages
It isn't the cheapest spot in NEPA, but they include a lot.
A standard five-hour reception usually includes an open bar (with glass-wear, none of that plastic cup nonsense), a champagne toast, and all the linens. They even have different pricing tiers based on the month. If you’re willing to get married in the "off-season"—January through April or in November—you can save a significant amount of money.
The ballroom is the centerpiece. It has these panoramic windows that make you feel like you're outside even when the AC is cranking. It’s got a refinished dance floor and can comfortably seat 200. If you have a smaller group, like a bridal shower or a birthday party, they use the Tasting Room instead, which has a 30-person minimum.
The Wine List: Dry vs. Sweet
Pennsylvania wine gets a bad rap for being "juice," but Sal balances the list well.
The "Mia" series—named after his daughter—tends to be the sweeter side. Mia Labruscana is the big seller there. If you want something dry, look for the Giulia’s Reserve (named after his other daughter). The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the Chardonnay are legitimately good, standing up well against anything coming out of more "famous" wine regions.
They also have some weird, fun stuff like "Mango Sweet Tea" wine and "Trippin' Berries." Honestly, they know their audience. Sometimes you want a complex oaky red, and sometimes you just want something that tastes like a summer afternoon.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
- The Drive: It’s about 9 miles north of Scranton. It’s easy to get to, but the road up the mountain can be a bit steep. If you’re coming from Route 6, you’re only minutes away.
- Outside Food: Don't bring it. They are very strict about this. No outside booze, no outside snacks.
- The Fire Pits: If you’re there for an evening event, the back porch has fire pits. It’s the designated "cigar and cordial" spot, and it’s arguably the best part of the whole building.
- Handicap Access: The facility is fully accessible, which is a big deal since it's built into a hillside. There is plenty of parking right by the entrance.
The Actionable Takeaway
If you’re just looking for a weekend outing, book a reservation for a Friday night. Get the Mediterranean platter, a bottle of the Meritage, and grab a seat near the window.
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If you're scouting for an event, schedule a tour on a weekday. The space looks different when it's empty and you can actually see the layout of the ballroom versus the patio. Check the "off-season" dates if you're on a budget; the view is just as good in November as it is in June, maybe even better with the fall colors.
The Ridge at Maiolatesi has successfully transitioned from a local secret into a powerhouse event destination. It manages to keep that family-owned "Sal found a press in the basement" feel while delivering a high-end experience that fits right in with the best venues in the state.