Whether you’re new to Pittsburgh or a veteran looking for an interesting way to spend an evening there are a number of tasting events about town on a regular basis. And if you’re flying solo it’s the perfect way to meet new & interesting people. While only 3 venues featuring wine are reviewed in this article many of the restaurants around town also host tastings on a regular basis + the Cultural Trust also presents a beer tasting series, so stop by in person or check out the websites for additional information.
Dreadnought Wines & Palate Partners
Located @ 2013 Penn Avenue in the Strip in a very informal environment, on the 1st & 3rd Friday of every month from 5:30-7:30, this little shop is full of people enjoying the wines represented by Dreadnought. It’s always an eclectic mix of newcomers visiting for the 1st time & regulars who love to taste & talk about wine – don’t worry everyone is willing to share their knowledge & make you feel welcome. And you can’t beat the price = $12/person to taste 3 whites & 3 reds + enjoy some bread & cheese to cleanse the palate. Wine can be ordered for pick up 48 hours later (sorry PLCB rules) + they offer a discount on many gift items in the store, but valid only during the tastings (some restrictions apply). Stop by the shop any day but Sunday, visit www.dreadnoughtwines.com or call 412-391-1709 for more information on these & other tastings.
The Andy Warhol Museum
Good Friday Wine Tastings take place from 5:30-7:30 on the “final” Friday of every month in this fabulous & funky space. Another location where you can pop in solo – A partnership between Big Burrito supplying the cheese, fruits & assorted munchies + Dreadnought Wines presenting 4 wines for tasting. The cost is $20/person. For more information stop by 117 Sandusky Street, visit www.warhol.org, or call 412-237-8300.
Wednesday Wine Flights
Presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in the Cabaret Theater these are the most formal of the 3 tasting eve
nts since tickets are now sold as a subscriptions series, although individual tickets are usually available for $35 each. But by no means can these tastings be called stuffy, rather the crowd can get quiet boisterous as they enjoy the company of their table mates + those seated nearby. Starting a bit later @ 6:15 the evening includes discussions with local wine experts & special guests, 4 wines for tasting, delicious light fare by Chef Tony Pais, Café Zao & Café Zinho + wine-related door prizes. The Cabaret is located @ 655 Penn Avenue, in the 1st floor of the Theater Square Garage, behind the Backstage Bar. Visit www.pgharts.org, stop by the box office or call 412-456-6666 for more information.
A votre santé, Vin Femme
