This is Part 2 in my series featuring Western Pennsylvania wineries. All the wineries from previous posts will be included for reference at the end of each post. If you are new to my blog, Welcome and I invite you and everyone to subscribe to this blog for free using the subscription box at the top of this page. You will receive an email when I publish a new article. Thanks. 

Pennsylvania is home to over four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do. 

We’re off to see “The Castle”. The Vinoski Winery is located in the magnificent Rostraver mansion built by Jay and Sherry Lustig. Jay was the long-time manager of The Rolling Stones, financial advisor to Prince Rupert Loewenstein, and later became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Walt and Roxanne Vinoski bought the sprawling property in 2017 and turned it into the breathtaking home of the Vinoski Winery. They offer two wine tasting options: $10 for 5 sweet wines or a Premium tasting for $20 that includes their dry California wines. Check their website for the event calendar which is always full of concerts and events. http://vinoskiwinery.com 724-872-3333

Let’s not forget about our friends north of Pittsburgh. The next stop is the picturesque Tuscan-inspired winery and restaurant of Narcisi Winery. A short ten-mile drive north of the city will bring you to Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia. Set on an enchanting property, this Italian-themed winery and restaurant will satisfy anyone’s longing to spend a “Bella Giornata” (Beautiful Day) in Tuscany.  http://narcisiwinery.com  724-444-4744

Any time of year is a good time to take a leisurely drive to Glades Pike Winery near Somerset on Pa State Rte 31. It will take you past several notable attractions for the outdoor enthusiast.  The Seven Springs and Hidden Valley ski resorts plus Laurel Hill and Kooser state parks are easily accessible from Glades Pike Winery. Glade Pike Winery makes a diverse selection of wines that will intrigue any wine aficionado. Malbec, Baco Noir, and Tempranillo are some of the unusual wines offered that are not readily found at other local wineries. http://gladespikewinery.com 814-445-3753 

The Original Pittsburgh Winery is an urban winery and as such it can make its wines year-round because they source their grapes from vineyards in California and Chile. Swing by the winery on Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to taste their wines, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live music in an intimate setting. http://pittsburghwinery.com  412-566-1000

Wooden Door Winery is located in a painstakingly renovated 1896 church in Vandergrift. Explore their diverse lineup of wines while sampling a menu of appetizers and lighter fare in the spacious tasting room or the al fresco seating during the warmer weather. http://woodendoorwinery.com 724-889-7244

Photo Credit: Vinoski Winery, Narcici Winery, and Wooden Door Winery 

Scroll down after photos for wineries listed in Part 1

Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy a tranquil ten-acre vineyard from the Tuscan-inspired winery as you savor a glass of their estate-made wine.  Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today, it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo, and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351

Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned business specializing in different types of berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500

Into the Allegheny Mountains, we go to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery is guaranteed to include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424

Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658

If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in the “Strip District” of Pittsburgh. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000

These are only a few suggestions to pique your interest. I will add new wineries for you to try in future posts. I urge you to do a little research on the Internet and I’m sure you will be surprised by the number of interesting options that you will discover in your area. Have fun and always drink responsibly. Cheers!