The Best in Pittsburgh Area Wineries

When you think of Pittsburgh, you probably think of the Steelers and the beautiful skyline, but do you ever think of wine? Pittsburgh has some incredible wineries around the city and with great flavor and vast varieties, the choices are endless. Matching tastes from light to full flavor and from sweet to dry. If you are looking for a great place to relax and enjoy a glass or pick up a bottle to share with loved ones, these wineries should be top on your list.

Winfield Winery located in Cabot, Pa in Butler County, which is just a thirty five minute drive from the city. It is a beautiful location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The shop makes you feel like you are in a beautiful country home with a layout that can be easily navigated. The friendly staff was there to answer any questions I had and direct me to the perfect wine for my evening. When the weather gets nicer, I would recommend enjoying a glass on the patio and relax or wait until fall when the leaves change colors. They are open Wednesday thru Sunday starting at 11am and close at 8pm, Sundays are till 6pm. Depending on your tastes, a semi-dry Fredonia, which is filled with nice bright note of flavor with a clean aftertaste, or their Pinot Grigio, which is dry but is still smooth and refreshing.

If you are willing to take a drive to Volant, Pa, you will find the Volant Mill Winery, which is located an hour north of the Pittsburgh near Grove City. The shop will give you a sence of comfort with that country shop feel, you can pick up a bottle of wine and a souvenir made from empty wine bottles. The wines are phenomenal, including a chocolate wine that is for the true chocolate lover in all of us, and they offer wine tastings during normal hours. They are opened from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Thursday, 11am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday, and 12-5 Sundays. They also have 2 stores closer to Pittsburgh, in Cranberry Township and Clinton, Pa, for those who dare not to venture to far from the city.

A little closer to home and short drive from the city is Gibsonia, Pa, and a not so little place called Narcisi Winery. This is one of the longest established wineries in Western Pennsylvania going back over 75 years. Their family traditions were brought over from Italy, and they stay true to the classic style of wine making. The food and wine selection is outstanding and with a restaurant attached you can enjoy your favorite glass of wine while you dine on some of the best food in the area, reservations are encouraged. They offer a 10 week class, for those who are more local, on wine making, including a glass of wine and an appetizer at the start of each class. Take the time to browse their tasting room which is warm and inviting from the second you enter. Walk up to their sample bar and try a taste of your favorite wines or pick up a bottle to go. They are open year around but closed Monday, Tuesdays, and major holidays. They are open 11am to 9pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 8pm.

these hard economic times, a lot of people don't have the money to travel to Napa Valley in California, or over seas to the beautiful wineries in Europe. So, If you visit any of the wineries in Western Pennsylvania, make one of these three a top priority and you will not be disappointed. Whether you are looking for a place to grab a glass of wine and relax or a bottle to take home, you are sure to get a friendly smile and some great wine.

Sources: Winfield Winery, www.winfieldwinery.com, Hours and exact proximity to city.
Volant Mill Winery, www.volantmillwinery.com, Karen Lynn, Hours and extra locations.
Narcisi Winery, www.narcisiwinery.com/about/Home.html, Sara Narcisi, Hours and some historical information.