PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Pennsylvania’s wine industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The state’s  Limited Winery Act of 1968, which raised production limits and allowed wineries to sell directly to consumers, saw the birth of the state’s first licensed winery — Penn Shore Winery & Vineyards, which was created by the pioneering grape growers of North East, the small town in Erie County that emerged as the cradle of Pennsylvania wine.

It marked the dawn of a new era.

“Through the slow and steady growth of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, our wine industry witnessed a surge in the past 15 years, burgeoning into an expansive community of over 400 wineries,” says Scott Neeley, president of the Pennsylvania Winery Association who with his wife, Hannah, own Penn Shore Winery and KingView Mead, Wine and Hard Cider. “We have a treasure trove of grape varieties — from classic vinifera like Riesling and Cabernet Franc to the trademark Ice Wine to unique hybrids and native varieties.”

In Neeley’s eyes, Pennsylvania’s future in winemaking is bright. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” he says. “The best is yet to come for Pennsylvania wines.”

Whether you’re leisurely sipping in urban wineries during a city stroll or venturing to bucolic landscapes a short drive away, there are myriad experiences to be enjoyed, especially in the summertime. With an open mind and palate, explore the unexpected — there’s a perfect pour for every taste in our blossoming wine culture.

Here’s a lineup of standout wineries in and around Pittsburgh.

PHOTO COURTESY BLACK DOG WINE COMPANY

Black Dog Wine Company

Oakdale: 7425 Steubenville Pike

724-485-9463 | Website

Established in 2016, Black Dog stands as one of Western Pennsylvania’s most decorated wineries, tracing its origins back to vintner Mark Rozum’s humble garage experiments with winemaking. Black Dog operates in the historical (and allegedly haunted) Hankey Mansion in Oakdale. There are food trucks with local bites, live music, expansive lawns for games and a ghostly touch — because why not? And let’s not overlook the canine crew — Black Dog, as the name suggests, welcomes our furry friends.

Rozum, formerly a technical solution architect at IBM, exchanged the tech world for the delightful chaos of winemaking. Fast forward to today: the winery offers a hefty portfolio of more than 20 wines, including their signature Trophy Wives — a sweet white wine crafted from Diamond grapes, all sourced from Lake Erie. Their Keelboat Red, a single-varietal DeChaunac, stands out as the perfect summer red with a medium body, lighter than Cabernet, and heavy on the good times.

Narcisi Winery

West Deer: 4578 Gibsonia Road 

724-444-4744 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY NARCISI WINERY

Venture beyond city limits to the rolling hills that cradle the family-owned Narcisi Winery. Under Roberto Smiraglio, the director of operations and sales, the winery has expanded production to nearly 300,000 bottles a year, making it one of the region’s largest producers. Set amid lush vineyards — with vine-covered pergolas, a babbling brook in the backyard and a rather stately tasting room — it evokes the rustic charm of the Tuscan countryside.

Summer at Narcisi is a jubilant affair, offering family-friendly summer afternoons where parents can sip some luscious merlot or a lean chardonnay at the outdoor wine bar or Biergarten while kids can frolic to their heart’s content. There’s also delicious wood-fired pizza for everyone. To explore the winemaking end of things, join the weekend tour (or weekday tours upon request), beginning at the vineyards, winding through the wine production process and tasting through six signature wines along the way. There’s also live music every day between mid-April to mid-October and twice a week in the winter. Bellissima!

Engine House 25 Wines

Lawrenceville: 3337 Penn Ave.

412-621-1268 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY ENGINE HOUSE 25

Engine House 25 resides within the walls of a historical Lawrenceville firehouse dating back to 1896. The private tasting room is an almost-secret wine lair in the cavernous depths beneath the Clemente Museum, with 6,000 square feet of wine-soaked history. The clientele? A mosaic of sports aficionados, discerning wine connoisseurs and those seeking an extraordinary intersection of both.

The winery (and the museum) are the brainchild of Duane Rieder, a maverick with 30 years of winemaking prowess. Rieder embraces a hands-on approach, from sourcing full-cluster grapes in California, Chile and South Africa to the meticulous process of sorting, crushing and pressing. His repertoire offers gems like the bold Clemente Cabernet and the irresistible Clemente Barbera, aged for four years in the best French barrels money can buy. Want to swirl fine wine surrounded by the memorabilia of baseball’s finest? Join the two-hour tour and tasting package for a deeper dive, a blend of history, sports anecdotes and wine.

It’s not just the fire-engine red building that makes this place so iconic, though it does make you do a double-take. It is the 150-member strong secret society of athletes — Derek Jeter, Carlos Beltran, Ichiro Suzuki — who buy wine by the barrel. It turns out that the legendary Franco Harris had a thing for Sangiovese. Rieder speaks reverently about Clemente, “I’m pretty sure Clemente is the one making all this incredible wine from the heavens, ensuring the museum stays afloat. I’m just the messenger.”

PHOTO COURTESY COURTYARD WINERY

Courtyard Winery

Strip District: 108 19th St.

412-408-3237 | Website

Despite its prime location in the Strip District, Courtyard Winery’s tasting room feels like you stumbled upon a hidden gem. Tucked alongside the Olive Tap, this cozy nook unveils a warm haven of wood and wine, bringing offerings from Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie AVA, the American Viticultural Area, which includes 2.2 million acres on the south shore of Lake Erie in Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania. Choose from crisp whites, robust reds and trademark Pennsylvania sweet blends. Try the Saperavi, an ancient Georgian grape known for its big, bold flavors. Interestingly, the grape thrives in Erie, and Courtyard does a fantastic dry-style expression — a deep inky red, mouthwatering acidity, velvety tannins and great aging potential.

PHOTO COURTESY VINOSKI WINERY

Vinoski Winery

Rostraver: 333 Castle Drive

724-872-3333 | Website

Hold on to your wine glass because the tasting room at Vinoski Winery is basically a castle. Yep, you read that right. Walt Vinoski, the proud
custodian of an ancient winemaking legacy, continues his family’s centuries-old tradition at Vinoski Winery. The journey began with the Winowski Family crafting wines for European royalty in 1200 AD, a legacy transplanted to the United States by Walt’s great-grandfather, Pawel Winowski, in the late 1800s. “The Castle,” a 34-room estate transformed into a winery, provides the perfect stage for summer shindigs, tastings, concerts and maybe a few wine-induced dance moves. Picture this: centuries-old stone walls, archways steeped in history and a vibe that exudes regal elegance.

What sets Vinoski apart? A commitment to crafting private reserve-class wines — no additives, no artificial hues, just pure, unadulterated grape goodness. Walt, along with winemakers Robert Blosser and Eric Earl, sources the finest grapes from California’s Coast Valley, Sonoma and Lodi. Tastings include a sampling of sweet elixirs or a flight of the premium dry varietals. Luxuriate with some sparkling rosé while pretending you’re the king or queen of your castle — even if it’s just for an afternoon.

Greenhouse Winery

North Huntingdon: Jacktown Plaza, 10650 US-30

724-864-5002 | Website

In 2007, Greenhouse Winery began as a quaint greenhouse experiment by founders Greg Hazuza and Cindy Helinski. Over the years, it has burgeoned into a mainstay, weaving itself into the cultural fabric of southwestern Pennsylvania. Expansions brought a new banquet hall, VIP cabanas, a full wine-sampling bar and a sprawling back patio.

Grapevines once stretched over the fields right up to the winery. While they’re gone now, it still feels like a true countryside sojourn. As the sun-kissed months roll in, the patio comes alive with live music on weekends. Plus, there’s a food truck, or you can BYO snacks. The lush grounds are perfect for picnicking, sunbathing and riotous cornhole matches. Try their Riesling, a dryer, delightful take on what is arguably Pennsylvania’s favorite varietal.

Refucilo Winery

North Side: 907 Western Ave.

412-251-0231 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY REFUCILO WINERY

Argentinian wine is having a bit of a moment. To see what the fuss is all about, head to Refucilo on the North Side, one of the city’s most underrated wineries. Owner/Winemaker Juan Antonio Lora pays homage to his adventurous Uruguayan uncle, whose sailboat was called “Refucilo,” crediting him for taking him on amazing Caribbean escapades and instilling a love for fine wine early in his life. Lora’s vineyard haven in the Uco Valley of Argentina stands at 3,800 feet above sea level and benefits from varied temperatures and well-drained soils, creating wines of unparalleled complexity.

The tasting room is not just a sip-and-go affair. The WSET-accredited staff (WSET, The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, is a globally recognized organization for alcoholic beverage education) ensures a welcoming atmosphere, guiding novices and connoisseurs alike through a diverse selection of more than 20 terroir-driven wines. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, there are empanadas from the Empanada Company (based in Bridgeville) along with Argentinian tapas on offer.

Their star varietals? Refucilo does a marvelous single-vineyard Malbec. For a revelation, try the Torrontés, a white wine almost exclusive to Argentina. This savory elixir with hints of salinity is a fabulous beach vacation in a bottle. ¡Salud!

Bella Terra Vineyards

Hunker: 121 Sunny Lane | Hampton: 3141 Harts Run Road | Bedford: 113 S. Richard St.

724-635-3658 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY BELLA TERRA VINEYARDS

Bella Terra Vineyards offers a diverse array of experiences over three locations. In Hunker, lose yourself in the vast outdoor sanctuary set against the tranquility of a 3-acre lake. Seek refuge in Hampton’s Wine Cave, a subterranean spot that feels like a clandestine retreat. Lastly, the newly renovated Bedford spot showcases exposed brick walls, captivating local artwork and an awesome chalk mural by three artists.

Estate wines include chardonnay, pinot gris, merlot, petit verdot and Malbec — all grown here in Pennsylvania. Try their Blanc de Blanc, a sparkling chardonnay in an adventure-ready can — it pairs well with grilled seafood and poultry but also with their line-up of fun summer events — farmers markets, sip-and-paint events, Chardonnay and Yoga and more.

PHOTO COURTESY LA VIGNETA WINERY

La Vigneta Winery

Buffalo Township: 110 South Pike Road, Suite 204

412-802-1695 | Website

There is an immersive Italian escape near Pittsburgh — authentic Sicilian ceramics, vibrant colors reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, and, of course, stellar wines by winemaker Fred Sammons can all be found at La Vigneta Winery. Francesca and Bob Howden started small at farmers markets and are now crafting 50,000 bottles annually on their rambling 17-acre estate in the Sarver community of Buffalo Township. At the tasting room, Calogero, Francesca’s father, hailing from Alia, Sicily, is a wine maestro guiding the tasting experience. In Francesca’s words, “There’s a lack of rules when it comes to tasting with us and an abundance of unbridled joy.”

Italian influences aside, La Vigneta also celebrates collaborations with local artisans and farms. Come summer, their rotating ‘petite’ menu is heavily inspired by seasonal produce sourced from Ambrose Farms and Pat’s Perfect Produce, a toast to the region’s flavors. Savor their award-winning Sangiovese with some rustic flatbread or the citrus-forward pinot grigio with a farm-fresh Caprese salad. In the mood for something sweet? Try the apple pie moscato paired with a warm cinnamon roll. Or, after a flight of tastings, enjoy some homemade tiramisu and perfectly brewed espresso from Ohiopyle Coffee Roasters.

PHOTO COURTESY R WINE CELLAR

R Wine Cellar

Strip District: 2031 Penn Ave.

412-562-9463 | Website

Even before you walk down to R Wine Cellar’s underground tasting room, the outdoor bar beckons to passersby with wine samples, soaked in the Strip District’s unmistakable energy. There’s a snazzy mural at the entrance, hinting at an Instagram-worthy experience. The name is an ode to the local owners, the Russell family, and ‘R’ is also Pittsburghese for ‘our,’ a nod to the city. Speaking of local, the winery supports the Strip District community by sourcing specialty cakes from My Sweet Lilly and rare cheeses from Penn Mac — a true neighborhood affair.

Mimosa-fueled weekend brunches are a crowd favorite here. Try the Fiona Peach Chardonnay, named after the family’s daughter — hints of peach and apricot that pair seamlessly with brunch fare. Want something bolder? Enter the Carmenere, a Bordeaux-style gem aged in whiskey barrels, a robust companion to summer barbecue.

Greendance Winery

Mount Pleasant: 306 Deerfield Road

724-547-6500 | Website

PHOTO COURTESY GREENDANCE WINERY

Escape to Greendance — The Winery at Sand Hill. When the Lynns and the Schillings began the monumental journey of reviving this abandoned farm in 1982, what eventually emerged was not just a winery but a flourishing oasis. The winery opened in 2007.

Hang out in their open-air cafes, munch on BBQ sandwiches and sip innovative fruit wines in the Nectar Garden amid the bees and the butterflies. The historical working farm promises a fun time for grown-ups and kids alike. Pick your own zinnias in the cutting garden or wander about to say hello to adorable goats and ponies. And the best part? No entry fees; Greendance is a family-friendly fiesta. It’s generally pet-free, but if you have your pet along, they’re allowed on leashes in the parking lot and an adjacent field. The winery and its facilities are also wheelchair accessible. Weekends bring live music on the garden stage. Some sangria with a side of jazz? Yes, please.

Pittsburgh Winery

Strip District: 2809 Penn Ave.

412-566-1000 | Website

GENERAL MANAGER COLE RAPSO AT PITTSBURGH WINERY | PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH WINERY

The essence of “local” runs deep at Pittsburgh Winery, shaping every aspect of the experience. The space is crafted with reclaimed materials sourced from around the city, including bleachers from co-owner Tim Gaber’s high school and a bar made from doors of a local church. Furthermore, there’s entertainment from homegrown music bands, Pittsburgh craft brews and yummy eats from nearby DiAnoia’s.

As for the wines, they’re sourced from world-class vineyards, with California grapes delivering fruit bombs and jammy notes, while Chilean grapes offer spicier and earthier profiles. One of the proprietors, Cole Rapso, says, “The farmers have grown this beautiful fruit. We just try not to screw it up. Our goal is simple: find a wine for everyone. I cannot tell you the number of yinzers that have come in and said, ‘I hate dry wine,’ and left with a smile on their face and a bottle in their bag.”

Aakanksha Agarwal, now of Pittsburgh, is a wine, travel and lifestyle writer from India. Formerly a Bollywood stylist, she embraces writing full time while juggling family life and indulging in her passions for cuisine, literature and wanderlust.