Pennsylvania Wine Society

NO EVENTS this month - see August onward for more great events!
2025-07-01 00:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | PA

Board of Directors Meeting
2025-07-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-09-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 UTC and 3 more dates | Wherever YOU Connect with Zoom
Board meetings are virtual via Zoom. Active, dues paid current Members may attend as guests. Please contact an Officer if you are interested in attending a meeting.

DEADLINE to Register for Sauvignon Blanc
2025-08-05 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Purchase reservations from the Shoppe Page of this website as soon as pricing is available. The products for this event will appear on the Shoppe Page as soon as pricing is determined.

Sauvignon Blanc
2025-08-08 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
~ SOLD OUT and WE ARE Taking a Waiting List ~ Contact the Treasurer if interested in the Wait List.
We look forward to seeing you Friday, August 8th – 7p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg for a summertime Sauvignon Blanc tasting. We selected 10 Sauvignon Blancs from 5 countries – the United States (California & Washington), Argentina, Chile, France, and New Zealand. The wines will be accompanied by three small plates, which the Hilton Chef has paired with the wine. If you have special dietary requirements, please be sure to note that on your registration or email the treasurer.
The small plates will consist of:

Toasted Pumpernickel, Lemon Goat Cheese, Basil Pine Nut Gremolata
Crispy Rock Shrimp, Spicy Remoulade, Celery Slaw, Flour Tortilla
Grilled Chicken Brochette with Arugula Chimichurri

The following is a listing of the 10 wines you will be tasting:

Cottesbrook Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc – non-vintage from Marlborough, New Zealand.
Honig Winery 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley, CA
Airfield 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Yakima Valley, Washington. This wine has been rated 92 pts by Wine Enthusiast and 91 pts by James Suckling
Seven Hills 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from the Columbia Valley, Washington. Wine Enthusiast and Decanter gave this wine 91 pts.
Wapisa 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Patagonia, Argentina. This wine was rated 91 pts by James Suckling and 90 pts by Wine Spectator.
EQ Coastal 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from the Valle de Casablanca in Chile. James Suckling rated this wine 91 pts.
Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley in France. This Sauvignon Blanc received the following ratings: 91 James Suckling, 91 Wilfred Wong, and 89 Wine Enthusiast.
L’Escarpe 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, France. This wine was awarded 91 pts from Wine Enthusiast and 90 pts by the International Wine Report.
Cois Henri Estate 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. This wine was rated 91 pts by Wine Enthusiast.
Invivo X SJP 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. This vintage was rated 93 pts by Wine Spectator and has consistently been rated 92 pts or above by Wine Spectator from 2021 to 2024. James Suckling rated the 2021 and 2022 vintages 90 pts.

At the end of the evening, you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite Sauvignon Blanc from each of the featured regions. We’ll tally the results and crown the crowd favorites, so come ready to swirl, sip, and stake your claim on the best in the lineup.
Whether you’re team New Zealand zing or California sunshine in a glass, your palate will help decide the winners! We hope you will join us for this refreshing summer event!
Reservation deadline —Tues., Aug. 5th You may make reservations via the Shoppe Page on this website.
Members—$95
Patrons—$90
Nonmembers—$115

DEADLINE to Register for Luxury Zinfandel
2025-09-16 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
You may reserve seats by going to the Shoppe Page of this website.

Luxury Zinfandel - EVENT SOLD OUT
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
This event is sold out. If you wish to join a waiting list – contact the Treasurer.

Photo by Craig Lovell – https://fineartamerica.com
United States, 1885. Grover Cleveland was sworn in for his first term as POTUS, the Washington Monument was dedicated, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York harbor, and the first Zinfandel vines were planted on steep, rocky limestone slopes in Paso Robles. Many 100+ year old Zinfandel vines planted across California are still thriving, and used to make some of the state’s most compelling wines. Wines made from these legendary vines are distinctive, complex and imbued with history. Old vines produce lower yields, and their grapes have more concentrated flavors and tend to communicate terroir more effectually because of their long-established presence in the soil.
Zinfandel changes character significantly depending on whereabouts in California it’s grown. But classic Zinfandel – spicy, peppery, brambly-briary and fruity – has no equal. Its charm is in its rustic exuberance. It has soul. “At harvest time, growers bring the Cabernet in new trucks and ride fancy cars. The Zinfandel arrives in a motley assortment of old 1940s and 1950s-era vehicles, and the growers are just as earthy and uncomplicated. That only happens with Zinfandel.” notes Tom Mackey, of St. Francis Winery in Sonoma County.
Many of you who participated in past Zin events have asked for a high-end Zin tasting and here is your event! We are fortunate that wine expert and entertaining speaker, Eric Miller, agreed to find some luxury bottles and prepare an elegant tasting of wines from the most succulent, spicy and delicious Zinfandel grapes.
Once upon a time in America, Zinfandel was known as a “hot tub” wine and most people were discreet enough to not talk about what they were having with it. Those Zinful stories are for another night when the women are smoking cigars and the bobblehead men have fallen asleep with the TV on. No, this night is a more sedate window into what has happened to our beloved grape in Eric Miller’s fifty years of vinous romance.
Because Zinfandel is a prolific grape there was a lot of it to be found from Cucamonga to Mendocino counties, along with other social entertainments. The pale version of Zinfandel played an important role in our favorite dark red beverage, which will be briefly mentioned, but we will not be smoking any weed or tasting any White Zinfandel.
Red Zinfandel is known for its rich, dark purple color scheme, medium to high tannin levels, high alcohol content, and medium acidity. While it tends to be medium-bodied and medium dry, it is literally bursting with flavors and aromas of jam, raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plums, cinnamon, black pepper, and licorice all wrapped around various intensities of oak. It’s seductive… people love it.
For Eric, the love began with the breakthrough “Three R’s” — Ravenswood, Rafanelli and Ridge. They mastered the grape’s foibles and used them to create an irrepressible style of California red wine. They rocked our world. Happily, we could afford them, but then the world changed. Too much press. Some son of a gun was buying them up before we could get our hands on them.
Then came Good, Better, Best Zinfandel and we needed to navigate an ocean of wannabe’s. It was not a coincidence that a brand new winery began to make Zinfandel exclusively and started its name with an “R” so it could get on the Zinfandel wagon. High-toned wineries like Biale got the idea and gave Zinfandel full focus. Then came Madison Avenue and Julia Child, the Food Channel; and OMG, Zinfandel became the step-child of sophisticated wine-speak.
Eric’s big questions:

Is this new generation of Zin worth a hundred bucks? Thirty?
Who is Rajat Parr (not a winemaker, I promise you) and why is he using grapes from Cucamonga?
Why does Joel Peterson call his Zinfandel a “food wine” and why is it so light?

Come confused.
Leave happy.
You’ll enjoy both the wine and food at this event. Chef Justin’s small plate food pairings are all meat-centric this time because that’s what Zin cries out for; but Chef also has some great vegan options available for each course. Please send all food allergies to the Treasurer. Here are the small plates:

Roasted Garlic Loaf Crostini, Smoked Skirt Steak with Chive Aioli
Herb Crusted Lamb Lollipop with a Red Wine Reduction Sauce
Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin with Fig BBQ Sauce

Join us Friday, September 19th, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg to taste some of the very best wines from this favorite grape. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, September 16th.
You may make reservations via the Shoppe Page of this website. Trust us—you want to be there—you deserve this special treat!
Members—$155
Patrons—$150
Nonmembers—$175

Deadline to Register for Board Selections
2025-10-07 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Make reservations AFTER August 1st on the Shoppe Page of this website.

Board Selections - Reservations closed - Call to be on a Wait List
2025-10-10 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Reservations are closed for this event. If you’d like to be on a wait list, please contact the Treasurer.
On Friday evening, October 10, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg we will have Board Selections. This is a different type of event for the PWS. Instead of the usual formal event format with presentations, we are hosting an informal, highly personal event.
Six PWS Board members will pour wines they’ve selected. There will be a wide variety of wines from all over the world; something for everyone. You will have the unique opportunity to personally interact with each board member. Board members will be at separate pouring tables to tell you about each wine along with information on its origin and the winery that produced it.
You may feel free to ask questions about the wine, its appellation and the region it comes from. No doubt, you will gain further insight by discussing each wine with the PWS Board member.
Keep in mind that this type of event will be the only one of its kind for years! It will be a really fun and educational experience.
A bread, cheese and fruit nibbles station will be provided, as well.
The Wine List
White
Domaine des Aubuisières Vouvray Cuvée de Silex 2023
100% Chenin Blanc from some of the best soils in Vouvray; two flint-stone parcels of 55-year-old vines in Touraine, Loire Valley, France. The wine shows a marvelous balance of explosive fruit and titillating sensation. The juice is done entirely in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. The finished wine is aromatic and fresh on the nose, gentle on the palate, with a tense finish. It boasts flavors of creamed honey, baked apple, lifted white blossoms and exotic fruit cut by vibrant, mouthwatering acidity and a lick of flint. Expressive and exceptionally well balanced on the palate with lots of lemon and a trace of anise. Decanter 91 Points.
Thistledown Gorgeous Grenache Blanc 2024, South Australia
Palate – An explosion of flavor meets suave, seductive personality! Bright, tangy citrus laced fruit with hints of honeysuckle and lemon balm. Taut, yet textured and complex, this is a beautifully crafted white that breaks the mold.
Clos Dalian Garnacha Blanca 2023, Spain
Clos Dalian Garnacha Blanca is a bright white wine with a golden hue. Aroma of ripe white fruit and minerals. Creamy, fleshy, fresh, and very seductive in the mouth. Its mid-palate is quite long and silky. Wilfred Wong 89 Points
Peju Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley Legacy Collection 2023
This wine has vibrant aromas of grapefruit and tropical citrus that leap from the glass. The tropical notes linger, while hints of green apple and pear emerge. White peach and passion fruit weave together on the palate to create a soft yet refreshingly crisp finish. The layers of this wine create so much intrigue on the palate; they invite you back for another sip and yet another. — Winemaker’s notes
Ruhlmann Riesling Vielles Vignes (Old Vines), Alsace, France 2021
This wine is yellow, slightly golden with a beautiful shine. It has a strong attack of black currant and lemongrass with nice freshness. It’s very floral with a dominance of fruity Riesling. At the end, there’s a note of vine flowers. It has a beautiful persistence of a powerful fruitiness, due to the heavy soil where the vines are grown. This highlights the characters of lychees and mandarins. Ruhlmann is a historical producer of fine Alsatian wines. This wine is 100% Reisling from old vines that are over 30 years old.
Forge Cellars Freese Vineyard Dry Riesling Finger Lakes 2021
Focused and tight, with a mix of yuzu, yellow apple, fennel and almond notes that race along through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2028. Wine Spectator 90 Points

Rosé
Lasseter Family Vineyards, Enjoue 2024 Rose
Grenache 42%, Clones: Alban, 224, 136; Mourvèdre 36%, Clone 369; Syrah 12%, Clones: 470, 877, Counoise 10%, Clone: Tablas Creek.
Enjoué Rosé is a “true” Rosé of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, inspired by our travels through Provence in the South of France. Fruit is ripened specifically to produce a highly aromatic, flavorful, crisp Rosé, rather than through the saignée method using grapes that have been ripened for red wine production and “bled” to produce rosé as a by-product of red wine production.
This dry rosé, whose name means “playful” in French, is scented with strawberry and ruby grapefruit, and offers a delicate palate of stone fruit, with a bright refreshing finish. – Winemaker Notes

Red
Tenuta Degli Dei Le Redini Toscana 2021, Tuscany, Italy
The nose opens with lots of fresh blackberry, cassis, dark cherries, earth and plum, leading into Madagascar vanilla pod, minerality and wild herbs. The palate is rich with a noticeable suppleness, yet plenty of poise and energy, too. – Winemaker’s notes
Le Redini is a gorgeous, beguiling wine. It is a blend that is unique to the estate in Tuscany, 90% Merlot and 10% Alicante. This is a wine of aromatic presence and nuance. It presents a compelling mélange of ripe red cherry fruit, wild herbs, mint, rose petal and cinnamon. – Vinous
Tenuta Degli Dei is a gorgeous estate surrounded by horse paddocks in Panzano, Tuscany. The 2021 is a blend from a site with loose soils rich in schistic galestro. What stands out most is the soft and soothing texture of the wine that wraps thickly over the palate. There are no rough edges here. The finish is driven by dark cherry, spice and baking chocolate. – Wine Advocate Vinous 93 Points, Wine Advocate 93 Points, James Suckling 93 Points

Lasseter Family Vineyards, Chemin de Fer 2021
Justi Creek Vineyards, Sonoma Valley
67% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah
Named for the French phrase “railroad,” Chemin de Fer is a nod to the Lasseter family’s love of trains and their travels through Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the South of France. This Rhône-inspired blend comes from the original Justi Creek estate in Glen Ellen, a historic site that once hosted some of California’s earliest French winemakers in the 1890s.
In the glass, it shows a deep garnet hue and an aromatic burst of ripe raspberry and warm spice. The palate is generous yet refined, offering layers of black and red berries, a subtle touch of cocoa, and supple tannins that glide into a long, lingering finish. This wine has a lengthy streak of 90+ point scores from professional wine critics. Quite a testament to the precision of the winemaking and character of the vineyard.
The fruit benefits from warm days tempered by cool ocean breezes funneled through the narrowest stretch of Sonoma Valley, creating dramatic temperature swings that allow for slow, even ripening. Rocky alluvial soils add structure and depth, while goblet-trained vines contribute to the wine’s Old-World charm.
Elegant, expressive, and deeply tied to its terroir, Chemin de Fer captures the romance of Rhône wines with a distinctly Sonoma voice. Jeb Dunnuck 93 points

Cannonau Di Sardegna 2020 Riserva, Sardinia, Italy
The nose begins bright and light, with aromas of cranberry and hibiscus, then turns darker and richer with plums, tobacco and a swirl of chocolate and vanilla. Figs and a potent florality underscore the plum note on the palate, before the chocolate current swells into a tidal wave on the finish. James Suckling 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast 91 Points

Bodega Garzon Uruguay Reserva Tannat 2022
Elegant and powerful, Garzon’s Tannat Reserva features juicy berry, plum, and red cherry aromas with a hint of spice on the nose. The full-bodied palate is complimented by ripe tannins, balanced acidity, and a lingering freshness. – Wine.com
James Suckling 92 Points, Wine Spectator 91 Points, 90 Wine Enthusiast 90 Points, Decanter 90 Points

You definitely will not want to miss this event! Register early so you do not get shut out!

Please send any food allergies to the Treasurer. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, October 7th. You may make reservations via the Shoppe Page on this website.
Members—$90
Patrons—$85
Nonmembers—$110

DEADLINE to Register for Finger Lakes
2025-11-04 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Finger Lakes
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Registration for this event is closed. If you wish to be on a wait list, please contact the Treasurer.
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is home to more than 130 wineries and is the second largest wine producing region in the country. Historically the region was known for wine from native Vitis labrusca grapes like Concord, Pink Catawba and Vidal Blanc. And Hazlitt 1852 Winery on Seneca Lake sells 2.5 million bottles of its flagship Red Cat wine every year. (Cat is wine maker shorthand for Catawba).
Historically it was commonly thought that grapes native to Europe, i.e., Vitis vinifera, could not survive the harsh central New York winters. All of this changed in the 1950’s and ’60’s when a Ukrainian immigrant, Konstantin Frank, partnered with Gold Seal Winery and planted vinifera grapes like Riesling and Chardonnay which ultimately survived the winters. Dr. Frank reasoned that winter in the Crimea where he was from was much harsher than the Finger Lakes.
Join the PA Wine Society Friday November 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg to enjoy ten wines from eight different Finger Lakes producers, beginning with Dr. Frank Cellars whose wines don’t need much introduction. The aforementioned Konstantin Frank started the vinifera revolution in the Finger Lakes in 1958. The winery is still a family run business, now with the 4th generation leading. We will taste two wines from Dr. Frank: the Celebre NV, a medium sweet methode champenoise Riesling Crément-style sparkling wine with apple honey and spicy aromas on an acidic backbone. We will also be tasting the 2024 Rkatsiteli; a white wine made from a Georgian grape whose lineage can be traced to 3000 BC. The Rkatsiteli is a strikingly aromatic wine with a vibrant medley of tropical and herbal notes.
The next winery is Lakewood Vineyards on the southwestern shore of Seneca Lake. Lakewood started growing grapes in 1955 on land that was a derelict peach and apple orchard. Originally, they sold their grapes to larger winemakers such as Tatlor and Gold Seal. However, in the 1980’s changes in the market forced Lakewood to start making their own wine if they were to survive. Lakewood now farms 100 acres and grows everything from Riesling and Cabernet Franc to Catawba and Vignoles. We will be tasting the 2023 Chardonnay, described as rich and honeyed stone fruit character with caramel, mushroom and toasty vanillin notes. The flavor is on the quiet side, but the mouthfeel makes for food-friendly sipping. Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine 89 points.
Next, we will taste wines from Heart and Hands Wine Company. Heart and Hands was founded in 2007 by Tom and Susan Higgans focusing on producing high quality terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Riesling from their estate on the eastern shore of Lake Cayuga. In the early 2000’s Tom left the tech industry to pursue his passion for making wine, Tom followed this passion to Burgundy and California learning traditional winemaking techniques from masters in the field. Upon returning to the Finger Lakes, the Higgans set their sights on finding the perfect limestone-laden land to cultivate world class Pinot Noir. The winery’s vineyards are underpinned by rare limestone bedrock similar to Burgundy’s, and host nine Pinot Noir clones— Riesling as well as lesser-known cool climate varietals like Aligoté, Lagrein, and Pinot Auxerrois. The first wine is the 2021 Esoterra which is a blend of Aligoté and Pinot Auxerrois. The wine is characterized by bright acidity and stone fruit overtones.
The next wine from Heart and Hands is the 2022 Pinot Noir. This Pinot leaves you wanting more, with a tempting nose of roses, raspberries, and subtle hints of forest floor. A firm palate of tart cherries and black currents has a nice balance of refreshment. The finish is graceful with soft tannins lingering on the palate.
Forge Cellars was founded by Louis Barruol from the Rhone Valley’s Chateau de St.-Cosme, the flagship Domaine in Gigondas. The project debuted with the 2011 vintage. Forge specialized in bone dry Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc from the Southeastern shore of Seneca Lake. Forge has 16 different vineyard sites or “Lieux-dits” along an 18-mile stretch allowing an exploration of the unrivaled diversity of soil types.
We will taste the 2023 Forge Riesling Classique. According to Forge the Classique bottlings are their most important wines. Each of the 16 vineyards contribute to the blend aiming to reveal the true nature of each vintage and to explore the terroir of east Seneca Lake. The 2023 Classique is a dry medium bodied wine with notes of orchard fruit, peach and apricot balanced by a taut zesty spine of ginger and quinine with a mineral driven finish. The wine is notable for its precision and balance making it a sophisticated expression of the New York terroir.
A new winery to the region, Apollo’s Praise, was founded in 2023 by wine making couple Kelby James Russell and Julian Rose Hoyle. Apollo’s Praise is a winery committed to expressing the world class and artistic nature of Finger Lakes Wines. Based primarily on fruit from their Lahoma vineyard site on the southeast shore of Seneca Lake, the portfolio stretches from powerful dry Rieslings to Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, Cabernet Franc and surprises yet to come. The Lahoma vineyard is a 55-acre site composed of four rolling hills. Uniquely, the soil is sandstone which is uncommon in the Finger Lakes. “Walking through the vineyard you see large red rocks or quartz coming up from the ground …” Kelby explains. “The sandstone does a phenomenal job of draining away excess moisture … Rieslings on sandstone have real opulence.” We will taste the 2024 Riesling “Kabinett”: a celebration of one of the most delicious, thoughtful and misunderstood expressions of Rieslings that exists—Kabinett! This explosive and flavorful style of Riesling features ripping acidity to underline its precociousness, can age for decades, and is typically lower in alcohol. This wine aims to stop people in their tracks with simply how delicious it is.
Sheldrake Point was founded in 1997 by a group of wine enthusiasts who purchased a former dairy farm and orchard on the western shore of Lake Cayuga. The winery started with 5 acres of Vitis vinifera varietals and has since grown to 57 acres. The vineyard is wedged between two deep gorges gently sloping to the east almost to the shore of the lake, with depths of over 400 feet, the waters create a temperature moderating mesoclimate for the grapes. The lake effect hinders early bud break in the Spring, inhibits daily swings in temperature and can delay the effects of autumn frost. Sheldrake Point Rosé made from 100% Cabernet Franc is a cornerstone of the wine portfolio comprising one third of production (2,500-3,000) cases. To make their rosé Sheldrake Point uses the skin contact method. After harvest, the grapes were destemmed and crushed. The resulting must mixture is allowed to soak 12-18 hours. The must is pressed, and the skins are discarded. The 2024 Sheldrake Point Rosé opens with a bouquet of strawberries and cream, raspberry, tart cherry, grapefruit and delicate floral notes. On the palate it presents with a refreshing burst of tartness followed by sweet Jolly Rancher candy-like notes, all balanced by a dry finish.
Ryan William Vineyard was established in 2004 and is located on the southeast shore of Seneca Lake using a 100 % estate grown model. Several varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes are grown including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and others. We will taste the 2021 Ryan William Cabernet Franc. James Suckling writes: “A translucent nose of cranberries and pomegranates turns to a juicy palate structured by acidity and medium grained tannins, a hint of rose petals and lavender hovering above notes of cherries and rooibos. Nice balance between fruit and more savory notes.”
The last wine of the evening is a Bordeaux blend from Ravines Wine Cellars. Ravines is the project of Lisa and Morten Hallgren. The Hallgren’s realized the serious potential for fine, cool climate wine making in the Finger Lakes. This was in 2000 and as timing would have it an opportunity to buy a 17-acre parcel of land on the eastern shore of Keuka Lake between two deep ravines. These particular ravines became the winery’s namesake. Ravines first vintage was in 2002 and was exclusively dry vinifera wines. The 2021 Maximilien is gorgeously textured with red fruits, spice and fine-grained tannins. The blend consists of od 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot. Softened tannins are created by extended barrel and cellar aging while increasing complexity.
For pairing with these great wines, the Hilton Chefs plan three small plates fashioned after local Finger Lakes cuisine.

Steamed Middleneck Clams w/White Garlic Butter Sauce
Cornell Chicken Thighs with Syracuse Salt Potatoes
‘Beef on Weck’ Toast, Horseradish, Boursin, Caraway

Please send any food allergies to the Treasurer.
This promises to be a great fall event. We hope you will join us. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, November 4th. You may purchase reservations on the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$100
Patrons—$95
Nonmembers—$120

DEADLINE to Register for Sparkling Celebration
2025-12-02 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
You may purchase seats on the Shoppe Page of this website.

Sparkling Celebration
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Nothing says “Celebrate!” quite like sparkling wines. For wine enthusiasts looking to expand their palate, the world of sparkling wine extends far beyond Champagne and the options are equally interesting and complex. These sparkling alternatives often highlight local grape varieties, offering unique taste profiles and a sense of place or terroir.
The differences in grape types and production methods lead to varying flavors, textures and price points among sparkling wines. With options from Spain, Italy, Germany, and other French winemaking regions outside of Champagne, there’s a sparkling wine to suit every occasion and preference. You can also find great value for the dollar with these sparklers.
This event is popular—informal and social; yet educational. And, it’s guilt-free fun because you could actually be working out some holiday party ideas and gifts for friends, finding new and unique sparkling wines for a holiday gathering or planning to stock up on some excellent wines for drop-in guests—we have it covered! The tasting team is busy working through selections from all over the globe to pair with each of our hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. That’s right—each sparkler will be accompanied by an hors d’oeuvre bite prepared by Hilton Chefs and chosen to complement the wine. Here’s the tempting lineup:

Baked Brie with Fruit Coulis
Roasted Broccoli, Aleppo Ricotta, Golden Raisin Crostini
Garlic & Herb Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Salad Cocktail Slider
Eggplant Meatballs, Sundried Tomato Pesto, Mint
Lobster Deviled Egg
Malibu Coconut Shrimp
Mini Chocolate Mousse Cup

Please email any food allergies to the PWS Treasurer. We will consult with the Hilton Chefs to do all we can to accommodate your needs.
Let PWS prove to you once again that learning can be fun! Join us on December 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg for our Sparkling Celebration. You’ll find this event exceptional even if your sole motive is to expand your experience of highly-rated dry sparkling wines.
The reservation deadline is Tuesday, December 2nd—not far after Thanksgiving so don’t wait too long to register and miss the deadline.
Members—$100
Patrons—$95
Nonmembers—$120

NO Events in January - Join us February 20 for Merlot!
2026-01-01 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA

Deadline to Register for Merlot
2026-02-17 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | PA
Events fill up and may sell out fast – we recommend reserving seats at your comfortable earliest opportunity. To reserve seats, go to the Shoppe Page of this website.

Merlot: The Velvet Charmer of the Wine World -- Event is SOLD OUT
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
This event is sold out. Plan now to join us for future events – Alsace Wines with David Killian in March, Honig Wines from Napa CA with Michael Honig in April and Pinot Noir with Kevin Ostrowski in May!

Merlot is one of the most expressive and site sensitive grape varieties and how it can translate soil, climate and winemaking tradition into dramatically different styles.
Therefore, I selected wines for you to taste from the best New and Old-World Merlot regions and hopefully you can pick-up the nuisances of the terroir in these wines.
The following is a listing of the wines we will be tasting:
Montes Alpha Merlot 2020 from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. This wine was rated 92 points by James Suckling.
Oyster Bay Merlot 2023 from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. This 2023 vintage was awarded 90 points by James Suckling and Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK and named a Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast in 2025.
Abeja Merlot 2020, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State. This wine is 99% Merlot with 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and has received numerous ratings ranging from 91 to 94 points. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points and named it an “Editors’ Choice”.
Whitehall Lane Merlot 2021, Napa Valley, California. The 2021 vintage is a blend of 82% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc and has been rated 92 points by Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.
Trefethen Merlot 2021 from Napa Valley, California. It was rated 92 points by James Suckling and 94 points by Decanter.
Saintayme Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2022. This wine is from the Saint Emilion AOC in the Bordeaux region of France. This wine was awarded 94 points by James Suckling, 91 points by Wine Spectator and 90 points by Wine Advocate.
Chateau Gazin Pomerol 2021. This wine is 100% Merlot and received 93 points from James Suckling, 95 from Vinous and 92 from Decanter.
Pomerol is a small but prestigious wine-growing region in Bordeaux, France, known primarily for its red wines made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is recognized for its exceptional terror and produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
Bell ‘Aja Bolgheri Superiore 2021 from Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy. This wine is almost entirely Merlot. This vintage was given 95 points by Wine Spectator and 93 by James Suckling.
Tolaini Picconero Tenuta Montebello 2019 from Tuscany, Italy. This wine is 100% Merlot and is our highest rated wine of the evening. It received 96 points from James Suckling, 95 from Robert Parker and Wine Advocate, and 92 points from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.
The wines will be accompanied by three small plates. Below is the menu for the small plates. If you have food allergies please email the Treasurer.
Course 1 – Toasted Sourdough, Seared Duck Breast, Cherry Jam, Black Pepper Ricotta
Course 2 – Braised Short Ribs, Potato Gnocchi, Pine Nut Gremolata
Course 3 – Dark Chocolate Entremet, Roasted Fig, Honey, Marcona Almond
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, February 17th. However—THE BEST TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE MERLOT EVENT IS RIGHT NOW!! To make reservations, go to the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$135
Patrons—$130
Nonmembers—$155

Deadline to Register for Alsace Wines
2026-03-10 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Alsace Wines - SOLD OUT - Join the wait list by emailing the treasurer
2026-03-13 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
This event is SOLD OUT. We are taking a wait list. To join the wait list E-mail the treasurer.
Anne Krebiehl, MW makes the case for Alsace as an under-the-radar region that comprehensively caters to the demand for fresher, lighter styles of wine in a February posting on Club Oenologique. Allow her words which follow to motivate your securing seats for our unique Alsace event on Friday, March 13th.
“Whether it’s racy dry whites, fragrant reds, refreshing fizz or unique aromatic varieties, Alsace has it all. Yet this region, tucked into the north-east corner of France, is often overlooked. Why? Because its varied wine styles and grape varieties refuse to be typecast easily; offering so much to the wine lover seemingly counts against it. Given the nature of contemporary tastes in wine, however, Alsace is a region ripe for reassessment.
The varied wine styles and grape varieties of Alsace refuse to be typecast easily Crémant d’Alsace is the region’s most dynamic category. These traditional method sparkling wines went from representing just under 25% of the region’s total wine production in 2005 to 40% by 2025. Their success is not surprising and is helped by a latitude almost identical to that of Champagne.
Alsace Crémants, chiefly based on Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, come with the kind of cool, natural freshness that’s so desirable in fizz. Most are clean, bright aperitif styles but there are artisanal, longer-aged cuvées that will impress sparkling-wine aficionados.
The rosé category also merits attention: by law, the rosés have to be made from Pinot Noir, so every single bottle of pink Crémant d’Alsace is a saignée-method rosé – only without the hefty price tag.
Lovers of Pinot Noir should also tune into Alsace. This is where things have changed most dramatically in recent years. Pinot Noir has long been the red grape of Alsace and, for the longest time, it was turned into juicy, light-bodied, pale reds that made for delicious, easy drinking but would not have impressed serious Pinot lovers – this has changed fundamentally. Climate change and ambition have wrought wonders.
When a law change in 2011 finally permitted separate rulebooks for Alsace’s 51 grands crus, rather than one general rule for all, growers in three sites applied to have Pinot Noir approved as a permitted grape in the grand crus of Kirchberg in Barr, Hengst in Wintzenheim and Vorbourg in Rouffach. The first two were finally approved for the 2022 vintage and Vorbourg, at long last, for the 2024 vintage. But even outside these sites, Pinot Noir makes exquisitely elegant wines, especially in the sites of Jurassic and Triassic limestone that crop up in the varied geological mosaic of Alsace. These wines can rightfully take their place in any line-up of fine Pinot Noirs.
In 2022, Alsace also changed the rulebook for Riesling so that all non-late harvest wines must be dry. This finally put an end to lingering associations of sweetness with those flute-shaped bottles. These expressive, often site-specific wines are perfect for moods and situations where finesse is prized over power, where fine, ripe acidity takes the lead in accentuating subtle flavours and complements rather than dominates. Their lightness of body and moderate alcohol levels dial into that same desire for lightness and transparency that defines much modern cooking.
For Riesling fans, Alsace offers beautiful combinations of bedrocks: why not compare Rieslings grown on granite, limestone and marl and find your favourite? And lovers of sweet Rieslings need not worry: beguiling Vendanges Tardives and Selections de Grains Nobles, i.e. late harvest and nobly sweet styles, are still made and are always clearly labelled.
Alsace finds itself right back on trend with wines that are fresh, light and nuanced with its Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, Alsace holds another card up its sleeve. These more aromatic varieties are still made in a spectrum of dry, off-dry and medium sweet, but the choices put them in a sweet spot for pairing with dishes that also play with gentle sweetness while staying savoury.
This happens when spice and fruit are combined, say in a Mexican pineapple salsa with chilli, in fruit- or honey-glazed hams, or in North African tagines or pastillas. Various Asian cuisines also play this game: in Thai cuisine, for instance, accents of palm sugar counter chilli-heat and citrus tanginess, while sweet-savoury hoisin sauce lends mellow depth to Cantonese favourites like char siu-style barbecues.
With these kinds of flavours, off-dry and medium-sweet wines come into their own and can pick up and resonate with these sweeter strands of the food. Often dismissed as difficult to pair, they open up possibilities where dry wines start to struggle because they are not bone-dry or decidedly sweet but somewhere in between. Once you accept this playfulness in the wines’ balance, these pairings suggest themselves. The sweetness scale, mandatory on every bottle since 2021, has ended the guessing game that once may have prevented you from opening bottles.
Away from the spotlight, it’s clear that Alsace has quietly continued in a multifaceted vein, honing almost every style, and now finds itself right back on trend with wines that are fresh, light and nuanced – and still incredible value.”
Our event host, David Killian, has similar feelings for Alsace wines and has collected some gems for us to experience. The lively acidity and fruitiness that defines Alsace wines makes them some of the best all around partners for food. David has paired these wines with three Alsace-inspired dishes prepared by Hilton Chefs. Please contact the Treasurer for any food allergy concerns.

Chicken Liver Mousse on Garlic Crostini with Pickled Cipollini
Choucroute – Sauerkraut and Potatoes with Pork and Grilled Bratwurst
Caramel Apple Galette with Brown Butter Streusel and Smoked Pecans

This is a wine lovers’ event not to be missed! We will be at the Hilton Harrisburg Friday March 13th at 7 p.m.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, March 10th. Please contact the Treasurer for any food allergy concerns.
To make reservations, go to the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$140
Patrons—$135
Nonmembers—$160

Deadline to Register for Honig Wines
2026-04-21 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Honig Wines - Reservations Closed 4/21
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Reservations for this event closed on Tuesday, April 21st. If you’d like to join a wait list to be called in case of a cancellation, please email the Treasurer
Rutherford: The Historic Heart of Napa Valley
When we talk about Napa Valley, we often talk about it as a whole. But the reality is that Napa is a collection of distinct places, each with its own identity, climate, and voice. And then there is Rutherford. Often referred to as the historic heart of Napa Valley, Rutherford is one of the region’s most important and recognizable appellations. At just six square miles, it is relatively small in size, but its impact on the world of wine, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, is enormous. It is here that Honig Vineyard & Winery has built its legacy, and understanding Rutherford is key to understanding why their wines resonate so clearly.
Rutherford sits along the valley floor in central Napa, stretching between the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east. This positioning creates an ideal environment for growing grapes. Warm summer days allow fruit to fully ripen, while cool evenings, often dropping more than ten degrees after sunset, help preserve acidity. This balance between warmth and cooling is one of the defining characteristics of the region and plays a critical role in shaping the wines.
The soils add another important layer. Formed from ancient alluvial fans, they are gravelly, sandy, and exceptionally well-drained. These conditions naturally limit vine vigor, encouraging the plant to focus its energy on producing concentrated, high-quality fruit. The result is wines that achieve ripeness without heaviness and structure without excess.
Rutherford is perhaps best known for something that cannot be easily measured but is unmistakable once experienced. Often referred to as “Rutherford dust,” this signature characteristic describes the fine, powdery tannin structure that underpins many of the region’s Cabernet Sauvignons. It adds a subtle cocoa-like texture and a sense of refinement that sets these wines apart. Combined with flavors of cassis, black cherry, and dark plum, this textural element gives Rutherford wines their hallmark balance of power and elegance. It is not just about intensity. It is about proportion.
Rutherford’s reputation for excellence is not new. Dating back to the 19th century, the region has been home to some of Napa Valley’s most influential vineyards and producers. From early pioneers like Georges de Latour at Beaulieu Vineyard to the historic Inglenook estate, Rutherford has long been associated with wines that define California Cabernet Sauvignon.
That commitment to quality continues today. Organizations like the Rutherford Dust Society bring together growers and vintners with a shared mission to uphold the highest standards in grape growing and winemaking, to care for the land, and to ensure that Rutherford’s unique character is preserved for future generations. In 2020, Rutherford became the first AVA in Napa Valley to achieve 100 percent participation in the Napa Green Land program, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Honig is very much a reflection of Rutherford’s philosophy. Their wines are not about excess or showmanship. They are about clarity, balance, and allowing the vineyard to speak. This is especially evident in their Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether it is the broader Napa Valley bottling, the Rutherford expression, or the single vineyard Bartolucci Vineyard wine, each step brings you closer to the source. The structure becomes more defined, the texture more precise, and the sense of place more apparent. Even their Sauvignon Blanc, while vibrant and refreshing, carries a depth and composure that reflects the same careful approach.
What makes the upcoming Honig event so compelling is not just the quality of the wines, but the ability to experience them in context. This is not simply a tasting. It is an opportunity to understand how geography, climate, soil, and philosophy come together in the glass. You will taste Napa Valley alongside Rutherford. You will experience the difference between appellation and single vineyard. You will see how subtle shifts in place translate into meaningful differences in structure, aroma, and texture. And you will do it with Michael Honig in the room, offering firsthand insight into the decisions behind each wine.
Rutherford is not just a location on a map. It is a benchmark for what Napa Valley can achieve when everything aligns, climate, soil, history, and intent. On April 24th, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, that benchmark comes to life. For anyone who appreciates Napa Valley wines or simply wants to better understand why they are so compelling, this is an evening worth being part of. Seats are limited, and this is one you will not want to miss.
We will be pairing wines with artisanal cheese plates.
Sauvignon Blanc will be paired with: Lemon Chive Whipped Chevre, Grilled Feta, Austrian Gruyere, Basil-roasted Pear, Spiced Marcona Almonds, and Blueberry Jam.
Cabernet will be paired with: 6-month Farmstead Manchego, 2- year-aged Black Diamond Cheddar, Gorgonzola Picante, Honeycomb, Cherry Jam, and Dark Chocolate.
Please review all cheese plate items and contact the Treasurer for any food allergy concerns.
Reservation deadline is April 21st or when we sell out. Make reservations on the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$155
Patrons—$150
Nonmembers—$175

Deadline to Register for Pinot Noir - Simply Elegant
2026-05-12 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Events fill up and may sell out fast – we recommend reserving seats at your comfortable earliest opportunity.
