Women in Wine Luncheon - Limited SEATS Available
2025-03-23 12:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Greystone Public House, 2120 Colonial Rd, Harrisburg, PA, 17112, United States
This event was sold out but had two late cancellations. Contact the Treasurer to check availability.
Mark noon March 23rd on your calendar to celebrate International Women’s History Month with the Pennsylvania Wine Society’s wine luncheon at Greystone Public House featuring wines from wineries in which women play prominent roles. Chef Jason Viscount has developed another stellar menu that will pair perfectly with the unique wines that have been selected for this event.
You’ll be greeted with a taste of Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Reserve Brut. This 92-point sparkler is 80% Pinot Blanc and 20% Pinot Auxerrois from a wine house that boasts two women winemakers, Corinne Perez, who has been the head winemaker since 2020, and Hélène Georges.
This will be followed by Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Grüner Veltliner 2023, a 91-point wine from the Wachau region of Austria. Domane Wachau has numerous women among their vignerons (wine growers in the cooperative that supplies the grapes) and management teams. Patricia Sánchez Moro, oenologist and general manager of Bodegas Emilio Moro, produced our next wine, the Emilio Moro Polvorete 2023 (92 points). This Godello from Spain is a fresh white wine that will dazzle you! These two wines will be paired with our first course of Roasted Asparagus with Goat Cheese and Walnut Dressing.
We’ll then travel to Argentina for Santa Julia La Oveja Torrontes Natural 2023 (92 points) production of which is not just overseen by but actually named for Julia Zuccardi. This fragrant, dry white wine is produced with minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar.
From Italy, we’ll next taste Elena Walch Lagrein 2022 (90 points), a subtly spiced wine with a complex bouquet, crafted by a winery run by not one but three women, the distinguished Elena Walch and her daughters, Julia and Karoline. These wines will be complemented by the second course of Burrata and Brown Butter Roasted Pears. Yum!
Austrian wine lovers need no introduction to Heidi Schrock and her award-winning wines and at the event we’ll be tasting Heidi Schrock & Sohn Kulm Blaufankisch 2022, a medium-bodied red with notes of cherries, plums and cinnamon.
California’s contribution to the tasting is a 92-point Petite Sirah, Shannon Ridge High Elevation Petite Sirah 2021. Shannon Ridge is co-owned by Angie Shannon with Carolina Vargas as wine maker. This rustic red with notes of dark berries and pepper along with the Blaufrankisch will provide a perfect pairing to our earthy main of Porcini Mushroom Risotto with Fried Artichoke hearts.
We’ll finish off with a dark chocolate flourless dessert to go with Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2020 (92 points), an intense red from “the Soul of Lugano and the Heart of Valipolcella.” At the Zenato winery, Nadia Zenato oversees communication and sales and contributes her talents and love of the art of winemaking to harvesting grapes and barrel tasting wines.
We can’t wait to see you at 12 noon, March 23, at Greystone Public House, 2120 Colonial Road, Harrisburg!
Please inform us of any food sensitivities early by emailing the Treasurer.
You’ll definitely want to join us for this brunch wine tasting to learn more about these special wines and the women behind them.
Registration deadline is Sunday, March 16th and seating is limited so sign up today!
For Reservations – go to the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$100
Patrons—$95
Nonmembers—$120

DEADLINE to Register for All Around Riesling
2025-04-08 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
You may make reservations by going to the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.

All Around Riesling
2025-04-11 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Riesling originates from the Rhine Valley where documented history of the grape exists as far back as 1435. Germany still remains the most copious and heralded producer of the grape, and German Riesling is the benchmark for the varietal worldwide. German Riesling personifies the archetype of an Old World, cool-climate style wine. German Riesling typically exhibits racy acidity and penetrating minerality—a smokiness, stoniness or earthiness—that lends complexity to even the most basic bottlings.
From dry to lusciously sweet, Riesling offers a spectrum of styles that cater to diverse palates and is “loved and respected” by wine enthusiasts and wine industry professionals alike.
While some Rieslings are undeniably sweet, believing that all Rieslings fit that description could not be further from the truth. The range of styles crafted from this versatile grape is vast, including expressions that are bone dry and well balanced with both acidity and natural sugars. Due to a lack of tannins, most white wines aren’t known to withstand long times in the cellar. However, Riesling is solidly structured with bracing acidity and low pH, as well as flavor compounds and phenolics that develop brilliantly with age. Tasted young, Riesling is among the most explosively aromatic of wines, profoundly floral and fruity, concentrated with zingy peach, apple or citrus flavors. With age, these primary characteristics shift towards preserved or dried fruit and flower, and savory nuances of caramel and earth appear. Mouth-watering!
While acidity, alcohol and sugar levels remain constant, well-aged Riesling often gains textural richness and density. Sweeter styles even seem to shift drier on the palate as sugar molecules polymerize. Of course, not all Riesling is meant to be aged, but exceptionally well-made Rieslings, particularly those fermented and matured in traditional oak casks and stored correctly, can evolve marvelously for decades. Seize this rare opportunity to taste 24-year-old Rieslings in April!
Our April 11th event 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg will unlock the whole fascinating world of Riesling, exploring its different styles and the factors that influence them. Our event will allow you to experience German Rieslings from dry to sweet and from young to old, including eight fine Rieslings from the Credo Imports Portfolio and four special library wines from Germany’s phenomenal 2001 vintage.
We are excited to welcome back Matt Goss from Credo Imports to present the first eight luxury wines. PWS Board Director, Barry Hixon, is generously donating the library wines as a thank you and give-back gesture to PWS for the member benefits he’s enjoyed over the years. Barry will present these 2001 vintage wines.
This in-depth study of Riesling’s amazing versatility will be accompanied by food pairings from the Hilton Chefs to include: Salmon and Crab Cake with Lemon Pear Chutney, Spicy Stir Fry with Roasted Pork Loin, and Peach Tart with Apple Caramel Compote and Smoked Sea Salt. Please inform us early of any food sensitivities by sending email to the Treasurer.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 8th. Seats are limited due to wine availability. This event is offered at special savings thanks to donations from Credo Imports and Mr. Hixson.
Members—$125
Patrons—$120
Nonmembers—$145
For Reservations – go to the Shoppe Page of this webite.

Board of Directors Meeting
2025-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-06-09 18:30 - 20:30, 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 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 Viaggio del Vino
2025-05-13 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.

Viaggio del Vino
2025-05-16 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
On Friday evening, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg, we will be experiencing a special event featuring nine carefully selected wines from Italy. We will be pouring four white wines and five red wines representing eight different wine appellations from five different Italian regions (states). Our wine journey in Italy will cover Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto in the north and Tuscany and Umbria in central Italy.
The Wine List—Whites
Lungarotti Umbria Vermentino IGT 2023. The Greeting Wine. Umbria. Vermentino is high in acidity which makes it crisp and refreshing. The dominant flavor is lemon with pear and green apple. It is often said, “If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love Vermentino.” This wine was produced with free-run juice. 100% Vermentino.
Bersano Gavi DOCG del Commune di Gavi, Mirage 2023. Piedmont. Most Italians believe the greatest expression of Gavi comes from the hills around the commune of Gavi. Most American Gavi drinkers agree. The fruit for Mirage is hand picked from the finest selection in the vineyard. This wine is a bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. It has a fragrant nose, with refined floral notes and intense fruity scents of citrus and peach. Mirage is fresh, harmonious and elegant with a full and delicate body. The wine has a fruity and persistent finish. The Cortese grape is native to Piedmont. 100% Cortese. Wine Enthusiast 93 points.
Lungarotti Umbria Grechetto IGT 2023. Umbria. Grechetto is a grape native to Umbria. It is largely unknown outside of Umbria and only a small amount is produced in the region (state). This wine is a dry white. It has a medium-light body with medium-high acidity. It has flavors of white peach, honeydew melon, wild flowers and seashell. 100% Grechetto.
Ca dei Frati Lugana DOC, I Frati 2023. Lombardy. The varietal Turbiana is native to the Lugana appellation. Lugana DOC is located on the south shore of Lake Garda. It straddles the regional boundary of Lombardy and Veneto. The winery and estate vineyards are located in Lombardy. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it has a significant influence on the micro-climate of Lugana. When young, this wine is fresh with delicate hints of white flowers, balsamic notes and traces of apricot. Time enables it to evolve, allowing the mineral notes to be expressed with greater determination. On the palate, it has a significant savory essence, accompanied by exuberant acidity. Ca dei Frati calls this wine “the jewel in the winery’s crown.” 100% Turbiana.
The Wine List—Reds
Fontanabianca Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC 2021. Piedmont. The Barbera grape is native to Piedmont. It makes an excellent food wine because it is high in acidity and low in tannins. This wine is medium bodied. It has aromas of plum and cherry with the same fruit on the palate accompanied by spice. 100% Barbera. Vinous 90 points.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG 2021. Tuscany. The Sangiovese grape is native to Tuscany, although it is grown throughout central Italy and parts of northern and southern Italy. The Frescobaldi family has been making wine in Tuscany from the Sangiovese varietal for over 700 years. The grapes for this wine were grown in the Siena area and were all harvested by hand. This Chianti Classico is a splendid limpid shade of ruby red. On the nose it begins with fruity notes of berries and other red fruits such as cherries and plums. The floral aspects are very evident and are dominated by strong hints of violet and wild rose. This gives way to the spicy aroma with cloves and cardamom, and ends on a fresh, balsamic note. On the palate it is mineral with a silky tannic texture, while the finish is fresh and mineral. Sangiovese base with a few complimentary varietals. Wine Spectator 93 points.
Cafaggio Basilica del Cortaccio Toscana IGT 2019. Tuscany. It has been said that “Tuscany was made for Cabernet Sauvignon.” This may explain why “Super Tuscans” are so popular world-wide. Do not expect this wine to taste like California or Bordeaux Cabs. It’s different. This Cafaggio offers enticing violet and black currant aromas and flavors, shaded by accents of boysenberry, mint and black pepper. It firms up on the dense finish, where earth and spice accents add detail. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. James Suckling 92 points, Wine Spectator 91 points.
Zenato Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC, Ripassa 2020. Veneto. In Italian, ripasso means “repassing.” This wine is vinified in the fall but a few months later it is poured over the skins and pulp of a previous Amarone fermentation. This “repassing” incites a secondary fermentation infusing the wine with a hint of the spicy, glycerol kick of Amarone. It is often referred to as a “baby Amarone.” All of the varietals in this wine are native to Veneto. This Ripassa is a deep ruby-red in color. It shows intense aromas of blackberries and black currants underscored by additional aromas of spice, pepper and a hint of leather. On the palate, it is smooth and viscous with well-balanced acidity and alcohol. 80% Corvina Veronese, 10% Corvinone and 10% Oseleta. Wine Spectator 92 points, James Suckling 92 points.
Monte del Fra Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Casa Capitei 2018. Veneto. Rich aromas of spiced plums and blackberry preserves open the nose of this Amarone. As the wine develops, notes of dried leaves, roasted coffee and dried purple flowers begin to flow. The luscious palate is mouth filling with juicy black cherry compote, anise and clove flavors swirling on the palate. It finishes with fine tannins and lifted acidity. Drink now through 2040. All of the varietals in this wine are native to Veneto. Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella. Wine Enthusiast 94 points and Editors’ Choice, Luca Maroni 94 points, Decanter 93 points, The Wine Journal 93 points, Wine Critic.com 93 points, Vinibuoni d’Italia 4 stars.
We will be pairing these great wines with three small plates created by the Hilton Chefs. Please inform us of any food sensitivities early by emailing the Treasurer.
You may purchase reservations on the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$95
Patrons—$90
Nonmembers—$115

DEADLINE to Register for South Pacific Terrific
2025-06-10 00:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

South Pacific Terrific
2025-06-13 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
RESERVATIONS CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT. LOOK TO THE COMING MONTHS TO JOIN US!
Join us for an unforgettable evening tasting ten (yes, 10!) exceptional wines from Australia and New Zealand at South Pacific Terrific! on Friday, June 13th, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. Guided by wine expert and educator, Kevin Ostrowski, we’ll learn about the world-class wines and the vibrant wine culture of these two dynamic wine regions. Whether you’re a Southern Hemisphere wine aficionado or just curious about the wines of this region, this event promises to introduce you to new and exciting wines that will become some of your favorites.
WINES You’ll be greeted with a bubbly rosé from Hawke’s Bay New Zealand from the acclaimed McBride Sisters Wine Company, McBride Sisters Collection Sparkling Brut Rosé Hawke’s Bay. The aromatic nose, vibrant fruit flavors, and creamy texture of this Wine Spectator 92-point Pinot Noir-based brut sparkler is sure to whet your appetite for the wines (and small plates) to come.
We’ll move on to three white wines from three different areas of Australia and one from New Zealand to show the diversity of grapes that can be grown to produce exceptional white wines in this region.
The first white will be Hewitson Gun Metal Riesling 2022 from Eden Valley, Barossa Valley, South Australia, a dry Riesling with a juicy citrus flavor profile complimented with noted minerality. This wine is consistently highly rated: 94 points by James Suckling and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate; and 95 points by Australian Wine Companion.
This will be followed by another highly rated white (94 Wine Enthusiast; 93 Wine Spectator; 91 James Suckling) from Western Australia, Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay Margaret River 2023. If you are an ABC (anything but Chardonnay) wine drinker, this Chardonnay may convert you. It’s fresh and juicy and beautifully balanced with floral, green apple, and nectarine notes.
Continuing with our highly rated white wines, from New South Wales, Australia, we’ll taste Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley Semillon 2024 (92 Wine Enthusiast). This 100% Semillon wine is medium-bodied, yet intense on the palate with an abundance of citrus fruit, honeydew melon, and floral notes and a brisk acidity.
Not to be overlooked and rounding out the white wines, New Zealand’s classic Marlborough Region contributes Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (93 Wine Spectator). This wine presents bold and vibrant flavors of lemon, ripe mango, tangerine, and crisp apple with hints of candied ginger and green tea.
After these diverse and flavorful whites, we’ll move onto the reds, equally interesting and delicious. We’ll stay in Marlborough, New Zealand for the first red, Wairau River Pinot Noir 2022 (92 Wine Enthusiast). This Pinot Noir is described as highly approachable with bright raspberries and cherries, fresh white pepper, and savory oak on the palate.
We’ll head back to Australia for a sampling of the classic Aussie red wine, Shiraz. Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz 2022 (94 Decanter; 92 James Suckling; 90 Australian Wine Companion) is nicely structured and displays the plum, dark berry, pepper, and spice notes one expects from an Australian Shiraz.
Staying in Australia, the next wine is a Rhone-style blend of Grenache (58%) and Shiraz/Syrah (42%), d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Shiraz/Grenache 2020 (90 Wine Spectator) from the McLaren Valley in South Australia. This wine is a dark ruby red color with a bouquet of red and black berries. It’s velvety with flavors of cherries, black plums, strawberries, and herbs de Provence.
New Zealand presents our final red, a Bordeaux-style blend from the Gimblett Gravels Appellation in Hawke’s Bay, Craggy Range Winery Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2022. This wine is made from a classic Bordeaux blend of grapes, Merlot (77%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Cabernet Franc (7%). A bright nose with notes of cedar, cassis, and black current leads to a very precise palate displaying black fruit and violets in this wine.
Because this sampling wasn’t quite enough for our tasters, we decided to top it off with a well-balanced dessert wine from Australia, Yalumba Antique Muscat (92 Wine Enthusiast; 92 Decanter; 91 Wine Spectator). This fortified wine is rich with tastes of caramel and raisined-fruit and a touch of acidity on the back end to balance the sweetness.
FOOD The Hilton chef has created three interesting and flavorful small plates to accompany our wines. The first plate will be a Roasted Eggplant with Frisee, Heirloom Tomato, Grilled Feta and Poppyseed Dressing. That will be followed by Grilled BBQ Shrimp with Goat Cheese Grits and finally, Braised Lamb Leg Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Pea Tendrils.
To top it off, we’ve commissioned Mysig Bakery, a local small batch bakery, to provide the absolute must have Australian cookie known as an Anzac Biscuit, to pair with the Muscat and end the evening with a touch of sweetness. Please inform us of food allergies by emailing the Treasurer.
RESERVATIONS There is no better way to spend a Friday the 13th than at an exceptional wine tasting presented by the Pennsylvania Wine Society. Reservation deadline is Tuesday June 10th so don’t delay and RESERVE TODAY!
You may reserve seats by going to the Shoppe Page of this website.
Members—$105
Patrons—$100
Nonmembers—$125

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

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)
