Sweeties! Exploring Fine Dessert Wines Around the Globe + Artisanal Cupcake Pairings
2023-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Only days left to sign up for this rare event. I know there’s someone you want to recognize as kind, helpful, essential, or sweet this heart month. Ditch waiting in line and paying exhorbitant prices for dinners, roses, candies, and shows. Invite your favorite people (not just Cupid’s valentines) to this unique food and wine event. They will remember it and talk about it throughout the year!
The tasting panel chose well-balanced (NOT cloying) dessert wines and wonderful cupcake pairings. The wines are being brought into the PLCB system just for this event. And the cupcake flavors aren’t to be found in any mainstream bakeries. We made this special for you.
Important Distinction – We’ve engineered it to NOT overwhelm with sweet.
We’re going light with mini cupcakes and disassembled cupcake ingredients on the side such as nuts and salt snack bits to balance and cleanse the palate. This is food and wine SCIENCE. And Maryalice Warfield is just the right scientist and baker to do it well. CupCakEquation is her brainchild and creative outlet. Maryalice started baking when she was just a little girl. She has continued making cupcakes and other sweet treats as a hobby away from her career as a microbiologist at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. After winning the amateur division at the Harrisburg Cupcake Cup in 2015, Maryalice decided it was time to share her passion for making inspired flavor combinations as well as beautifully and artistically designed cupcakes with a wider audience. We are so excited to work with her!
Here’s what we’ll taste and savor from around the globe.
Slovenia—Domaine Ciringa—spontaneous fermentation Sauvignon Blanc with a honey pecan cupcake and Cambozola frosting topped with fresh fig & pecan
Austria—Heidi Schröck—Late Harvest Welschriesling and Furmint blend and a fruit cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting (fruits include dried figs, dates, cranberries, and golden raisins)
South Africa—Mullineux Straw Wine—Recioto Chenin Blanc with a pistachio, olive oil cupcake topped with raspberry buttercream frosting and a fresh raspberry
France—Geoffrey—Ratafia distilled from fine of Pinot Noir Champagne with a dark chocolate covered cherry cake pop; dark chocolate shell with chocolate cake and Bing cherry center
Uruguay—Bodega Pablo Fallabrino —Alcyone style Tannat with a pretzel bottom vanilla cupcake, marshmallow frosting and salted caramel drizzle
Portugal—Kopke Douro red blend 10yr Tawny Port with an apple cider cupcake and bourbon buttercream topped with apple and candied bacon
Need I say anything more?
Click here to reserve now.
Member Reservation: $90
Patron Reservation: $85
Nonmember Reservation: $110

DEADLINE to register for Women and Wine In Person Tasting Event
2023-03-21 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

Women and Wine (In Person Event)
2023-03-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Today’s Women and Their Wines – an in person tasting of nine wines!
Spring is upon us and what’s a better way to celebrate the longer and warmer days than tasting exceptional wines produced by women in honor of Women’s History Month? Join us March 26 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg for a celebration of women and wine (and spring!).
There were three guiding principles for our wine selection process for this event:
1) Quality – Every wine is rated 90 points or higher by a recognized wine critic or organization and was approved by our tasting group as a top-notch wine. The female winemakers creating these wines are all lauded in the industry as among the best winemakers of any gender!
2) Availability – Every wine is available (as of this writing) through the Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores or on its website, although not all wines are in every store. Our goal was to let you run out and buy (or order) your favorites from the tasting.
3) Variety – The wines are from different grapes made in different styles from regions around the world. From a California sparkling to a robust Pacific Northwest Cab, we’ll taste a full range of wines.
At the event, you’ll be greeted with a Brut Rosé from Schramsberg’s winemaker, Jessica Koga, whom I had the pleasure of chatting with recently. I’ll share her insights on her road to winemaking and her wines at the event.
We’ll move on to four excellent white wines, all of which would be heaven sipping on the back deck on a warm spring afternoon or paired with a light summer meal. We’ll taste a Pinot Grigio from Italy (Elena Walch); a Grüner Veltliner from the Lehigh Valley (Sarah Troxell of Galen Glen); a McBride Sisters New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a White Burgundy (Veronique Drouhin-Boss of Joseph Drouhin wines).
But not to be forgotten are the reds, those that are perfect for food or drinking alone. Come sample an Australian Shiraz (2014 Australian Winemaker of the Year Louisa Rose); an Argentinian Malbec from the renowned Susana Balbo; a California Zinfandel (Queen of Zin, Carol Shelton) and finally a Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Kate Michaud of Double Canyon). Imagine any of these reds with summer grilled meats or even a juicy burger and you’ll remember that summer isn’t just for white wines!
Registration deadline is Tuesday March 21st.
Member Reservation: $70
Patron Reservation: $65
Nonmember Reservation: $90

DEADLINE to Register for Sherry Event
2023-04-18 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

SHERRY - Spain's Unique Gift to the Wine World
2023-04-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
How can Sherry become hip to the consumer of the 21st century? Most of us recognize Sherry as a very old wine growing region (the area’s winemaking has its roots back as far as 3,000 years ago) and as a sweet style of wine.
But Sherry is not just sweet – it has a diversity of styles – from dry to sweet. And with that diversity in wine styles, Sherry has the ability to pair with a wide range of foods. So, if Sherry is so great with food why hasn’t there been a Sherry revolution? Is it too complicated? Too many styles?
Certainly its rarity on wine store shelves, and often being lumped in with dessert wines contribute to the misunderstanding of Sherry.
Sherry is a versatile beverage and our event on Friday, April 21st at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg will showcase this versatility. Sherry makes a killer cocktail so we will sample two cocktails. The first cocktail will be made with a dry style of sherry – served at the beginning of the evening. The second cocktail will be made with a sweeter style sherry – served at the end of the evening.
In between we will have six Sherry wines – ranging from dry to sweet – with three small plates of food.
FINO
Lustau Fino Jarana
MANZANILLA
Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzilla Pasada Pastrano
AMONTILLADO
Bodego Hidalgo La Gitana Amontillado Napoleon
PALO CORTADO
Gonzalez Byass Palo Cortado Leonor
OLOROSO
Williams and Humbert Oloroso Don Zoilo
PEDRO XIMÉNEZ (PX)
Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio
Three plates of food:
1) Almonds, Olives, Manchego Cheese
2) Spanish Tortilla (potatoes, onion, egg) and Croquetas de Jamon (Spanish Ham Croquettes) – Pescetarian Substitute for Croquetas de Jamon is Garlic Shrimp
3) Mushroom Risotto
Please send any food allergies and requests for substitution WITH YOUR Resevations, or if you forget then send to the Assistant Treasurer’s email or via the website contact form. Click here to email.

There are so many topics to discuss about Sherry – in addition to an introduction to the solera system for aging Sherry we will touch on:

Sherry Casks – highly valued for use in aging other alcoholic beverages.
Vintage Sherry – a very small percentage of production.
Sherry Labeling – if there is no vintage listed, how do we know how old it is?
Recent changes to the rules governing the production of Sherry

Please join us for this informative and enjoyable event.
Member: $100
Patron: $95
Nonmember: $120

DEADLINE to Register for Wonderful World of Waltz Wines
2023-05-16 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

The Wonderful World of Waltz Wines
2023-05-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
What does this impressive beast have to do with putting better wines in your glass? To find out—join us on Friday, May 19th at the Hilton Harrisburg.
The Waltz team has prepared a special event—more than a tasting. Here are 7 key features for you:

Enjoy an educational presentation supported with slides and video content showcasing what’s new at Waltz Estate Vineyards.
Taste new wines made by 7th generation Zach Waltz, graduate of Cornell’s oenology program.
Learn about the mysterious Gregoire GL7.4, and how it improves wine production from vine to glass.
Relax and comparatively taste, not just the familiar, but a full lineup of White, Rosé and Red wines.
Get FREE passes for visiting the Waltz tasting room to check out future selections!
Win Waltz Library Wines! Wines no longer available for purchase—some that you may have purchased and should have aged, but were too impatient to stay the path. Join us to get your hands on one of those older bottles which is now drinking prime!
Enjoy pairing wines with Hilton Chef Bianca’s special nibbles plates to accompany our wines. For the whites: Seared Sea Scallop Garlic and Honey, Bowtie Pasta in a white wine cream sauce, Herbed Cheese Crostini and Arugula. For the reds: Sauteed Mushroom with a Cabernet Demiglaze, Beef Brochette with Bleu Cheese, Dark Chocolate Truffles.

It will be a great evening. Please come help us celebrate this four-time PA Wine Excellence Winner!
Waltz Vineyards is committed to using only their estate-grown fruit. The vineyard team works diligently throughout the year shoot tucking, thinning, leaf pulling and weeding to assure vines produce top quality vinifera wine grapes. The boutique winery utilizes the most modern wine-making technology imported from Italy.
Many of the wines are finished in French oak barrels sourced from some of the top coopers in France. Each barrel is ordered to be charred specifically for the type of wine to be made. Throughout the year, a rigorous barrel maintenance program is maintained to protect and preserve the beautiful cooperage. If you’ve seen the barrel room, you know.
Waltz has always meticulously maintained all their processes to make great wines. I can’t recall ever seeing a cleaner crush pad or barrel room!
Here’s what we’ll be tasting Friday, May 19th:
2022 Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Sémillon
2021 Fusion
2021 Old Line Chardonnay
2019 Reserve Chardonnay
2021 Stiegel Rosé
2019 Baron Red
2019 Cabernet Franc
2019 Cherry Tree Merlot
2019 Crow Woods Cabernet Sauvignon
I know many of you are excited about this event. For those of you who have not tried these wines, you will be surprised and delighted. Find out what hard work in the vineyard and the cellar means for you the consumer. Enjoy Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery’s bold reds, intriguing whites, and a most captivating rosé guided by the actual grower and winemaker.
Make note that the reservation deadline is Tuesday, May 16th so don’t delay. Go to the Shoppe Page to make Reservations!
Member Reservation: $70
Patron Reservation: $65
Nonmember Reservation: $90

DEADLINE to Register for La Strada del Vino
2023-06-13 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

La Strada del Vino
2023-06-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
On Friday evening, June 16 at 7:00 pm 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 seven different Italian regions (states).
Our wine road in Italy will cover Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna in the north, Tuscany in central Italy and Abruzzo, Campania, Puglia and Sicily in southern Italy.
The Wine List
~Whites~
Villa Sparina Gavi DOCG del Commune di Gavi 2020. Piedmont. Gavi is known as the white wine jewel of southern Piedmont. It is the showcase for the Cortese grape. This wine comes from an area that is only 30 miles north of Genoa, Christopher Columbus’ home town in Liguria. This Gavi has always been integral to the identity of Villa Sparina. It has a unique strength and exquisite freshness that is a true expression of the appellation. 100% Cortese. James Suckling 91 points.
Cantina Sanpaolo Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2020 Claudio Quarta. Campania. Most Italians believe the greatest expression of Fiano comes from the hills around Avellino east of Naples in Campania. I agree. The winery sits on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards and woods populated by wolves. This wine comes from a single vineyard. It is full of flavor and is pale straw yellow in color. It has a typical herbaceous scent that is well reflected on the palate, together with a quality of freshness. 100% Fiano.
Cantina Zaccagnini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2020 Il Bianco di Ciccio. Abruzzo. When you sip this wine, you can clearly understand why Trebbiano is the most widely planted white grape in Italy. This wine is medium straw yellow in color. On the nose it is intense and fragrant with a focused bouquet mainly of white-fleshed fruit with hints of citrus and dried fruit. On the palate it displays freshness with a flavor of citrus. 100% Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.
Ottosoldi Gavi DOCG 2021. Piedmont. This wine is a bright and juicy Gavi with ripe lemon, peach and apple fruits highlighted with a whisper of herbs. Really well-textured on the palate with lifted acidity lending length on the finish. It is a dynamic and versatile white made from organically grown grapes. 100% Cortese. James Suckling 92 points.
~Reds~
Poggio Anima Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2019 Asmodeus. Sicily. This wine is dark garnet in color. It has notes of ripe plums, leather, garrigue and pepper on the nose. This Asmodeus displays ripe black cherry and a touch of candied berry on the palate. The finish consists of fruit sweetness and a licorice note with soft gripping tannins to hold it all together. 100% Nero d’Avola.
Tre Monte Romagna Sangiovese Superiore IGT Campo di Mezzo 2020. Emila-Romagna. Made with organically farmed grapes, this young red has inviting aromas of wild berries, eucalyptus and tilled earth. It is bright and easy but also delicious. It features juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise set against polished tannins and lively acidity. 100% Sangiovese di Romagna. Vinous 91 points, Wine Enthusiast 90 points.
Poggio Anima Primitivo – Salento IGT 2019 Lilith. Puglia. This wine is opaque ruby. It displays smoked meat, dried cherry, cracked pepper, and cassis on the deeply scented nose. It is medium to full-bodied with berry cobbler flavors showing a liqueur-like intensity with an anise note coming up with air. The smoke and cassis notes carry through on the finish, which also features dusty tannins. This is a wine of real intensity and concentration. 100% Primitivo.
Tenuta Degli Dei Tuscana IGT 2019 Le Redini. Tuscany. Le Redini impresses with its energy and vibrancy. Plum, mocha, gravel, spice and licorice are all beautifully delineated. With the 2019 vintage, Le Redini has an extra kick of energy that is just compelling. It’s a wine of extreme pleasure. 90% Merlot, 10% Alicante. James Suckling 94 points, Vinous 93 points
Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017. Tuscany. A certified-organic wine, this 2017 Brunello di Montalcino shows a graceful and delicate side with wild cherries, blue flowers and warm earthiness. The wine is silky and smooth on the palate, with hints of crushed mineral or limestone. Fresh acidity fuels a long finish. 100% Sangiovese Grosso. Wine Advocate 93 points, Wine Spectator 92 points.
This will be the ONLY PWS Italian wine event for the year. You will not want to miss this exceptional tasting. Join us for an evening enjoying some of the finest wines Italy has to offer. We will also have a selection of fine cheeses and Hilton baguettes.
Member—$65
Patron—$60
Nonmember—$85

DEADLINE to Register for Summer Sippin' - French Bistro
2023-07-18 00:00 - 22:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Summer Sippin' - French Bistro
2023-07-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Join us for our summer outdoor event on the Hilton balcony overlooking Market Square. We have indoor space available in case of adverse weather, so no risk other than missing this event if you don’t reserve early. We are limited by balcony and indoor room space to 20 participants.
The date/time is Friday, July 21st at 6:30 p.m. The fare is Fabulous French sippers, compatible with hot weather, paired with small bites—Melon Skewers, Oysters on the half shell, Shrimp Ceviche, Berry Dessert Shooters, and Chocolate Truffles—incredibly edible!
French wine is widely regarded as the best wine in the world. It has amazing soul derived from terroir—the practice of creating wine through allowing it to be deeply influenced by the particular character of the soil, climate, sun, and minerals of the specific area it is grown. We will venture off the beaten French paths for this event, so don’t miss it. What do I mean by off the beaten path? There will be no Chardonnay, no Champagne, no Bordeaux—BUT there will be fabulous wines that you may have missed in the PLCB system.
The wines by region include:

A sparkling wine we think is a perfect summer aperitif—Vouvray (and that means Chenin Blanc).
White Chateauneuf du Pape. It is100% —are you ready? Viognier.
Aligoté from Bouzeron; the only region in Burgundy that produces Aligoté. It is amazing—terroir shows so well!
Bandol Rosé—this one a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It is fresh and lively and perfect for summer.
Alsace Pinot Noir—a stunner of a Pinot Noir —wild and “lightly animal” per the winemaker. Lovely harmony, with length and balance.
Savoie Mondeuse Noir— a ruby-colored, delicate, floral, nearly ethereal red—terrific with a slight chill. It’s a Weygandt import.
Cahors Malbec—nobody does Malbec better. This one is imported by Kermit Lynch and is so rich, velvety and wonderful we had to serve it.

We are so pleased to present this event to you! It will be a delightful summer’s evening by itself, but you may extend the adventure—the Hilton is offering a 10% discount on food (alcoholic beverages not included) to those who make reservations in the Ad Lib Restaurant either before or after the event—you choose the time.
Dinner reservations may be made at opentable.com. Proof of event participation will be emailed to you prior to the event, and must be presented to your Hilton server for the discount. The Event Reservation deadline is Tuesday, July 18th unless we fill the space prior. Please be aware of this deadline.

Member —$70
Patron —$65
Nonmember —$90

DEADLINE to Register for South African Wines Event
2023-08-15 00:00 - 23:30 | PA

South African Wines
2023-08-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Too quickly dismissed by some, South Africa is undoubtedly one of the world’s most dynamic wine producers. So, if your experience of South African wines is from a party ten years ago, it’s time to take another look! This wine line-up has fresh, crisp, acidic whites and robust smooth reds worth exploring.
Established South African winemakers re-emerged onto the international scene in the early 1990s, following the demise of the apartheid era. New wines, new wineries, highly qualified winemakers, and even new regions have appeared steadily ever since. All of this makes South Africa more exciting than ever, but more complicated, too. And that’s why we recruited an expert to guide our tour—Kevin Ostrowski, PWS member and wine tour guide extraordinaire! Kevin is American Wine Society’s Western Pennsylvania Regional Ambassador, Chapter Chair of the AWS Beaver County, PA, chapter, and member of the AWS Education Committee.
An AWS Certified Wine Judge, Kevin is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators, holds a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits (with Merit), and has completed level 1 Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Kevin has vetted most of these wines; with our tasting team suggesting a few extras (you know… we couldn’t help it). In addition, Kevin has toured South Africa’s wine areas and brings personal stories to enrich the presentation and transport us all briefly to this beautiful wine region.
In South Africa, the sustainability initiative is encapsulated by a San word, hannuwa. It is a collective word suggesting a life of harmony and plenty; in other words, success in sustaining life. Hannuwa expresses the wine industry philosophy embodied in the pledge signed by producers: to farm sustainably; to be a custodian of the land and preserve it for future generations; to nurture a culture of respect among the people who work on the farms and in the cellars; to promote an environment of dignity, equality and upliftment for all; to protect the unique and valuable biodiversity of our winelands; and to safeguard the rich heritage of South Africa’s winelands. AND they make some excellent wines!
On Friday, August 18th at 7 PM—Hilton Harrisburg, our wine tour begins with a sparkling greeting wine made in traditional style from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Following the bubbles, we’ll start the program and get serious with the whites. South Africa boasts some of the world’s great Sauvignon Blanc, and we have two!
South Africa though, to many, suggests Chenin Blanc. South African Chenins are quite different from French—almost always dry, but ripe and full of flavor (often with the complexity that comes from the increasingly sought-after old-vine fruit). We think we’ve narrowed it down to two we want you to try. (BTW, one is old vines and lovely!)
We’ll move gently to reds with a Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé you’ll likely recognize, but perhaps haven’t tried because lesser-known regions are sometimes passed by. And since it’s summer—a second rosé of—guess this one—Pinotage. You can’t object because no tour of South Africa is complete without Pinotage. For many it is a love-it-or-hate-it grape. It is a South African creation (1926) of ‘parents’ Pinot Noir (which imparts its strawberry aromas and lovely texture in young wines, and more complex, farmyard characteristics in the more mature), and Cinsault, which adds spice and body. Whether you love or not the grape, we bet you’ll love this rosé!
Our first red is another widely planted noble grape–Pinot Noir. We follow with a Cabernet Franc we found to be like no other we’ve had from anywhere in the world—and it’s so interesting we had to include it, you understand. To finish the reds flight we have, of course, chosen a Pinotage from the Western Cape. Pinotage continues to evolve into a plethora of different styles meaning there’s never been a better time to explore, or revisit, it. Seriously. Join the fun here!
Equally enjoyable as the wines will be foods native to South Africa. Hilton Chef Bianco is preparing in house the following foods for us. Isn’t he fabulous to do this for us?!

Biltong (similar to beef jerky)
Piri-Piri Chicken (grilled with red pepper seasoning but not too hot)
Boerewors on the Braii (beef sausages) w/Apricot Dijon Sauce

These small plates will be accompanied by palate cleansing bread or toasted crostini. Please note any food allergies in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurers with concerns.
You may make reservations via the Shoppe Page of this website. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, August 15th
Member —$70
Patron —$65
Nonmember —$90

DEADLINE to Register for The Wines of Sunny Greece
2023-09-26 00:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

The Wines of Sunny Greece
2023-09-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
It’s easy to miss Greece as a wine gem because not that much Greek wine is exported. Greeks love their wine just as Italians do; and 90% of production is consumed in Greece. Most know Greece has a long, rich winemaking history, yet Greek wines are often passed by simply because we don’t know much about them—and fear we can’t pronounce the grape names to ask about them. So being risk averse to what the bottle may hold—we move onto our comfort zone and take home another Italian red or French white.
BEFORE you err and pass by this event though, you may want to review some key points about Greek winemaking. First, the wines of Greece are truly European. This is not just an issue of provenance but a matter relating to style and quality. They are a part of the premier European wine league and in terms of quality they belong to the same class as Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Austrian wines.
Greece should be approached in the same way as Italy: a large country packed with indigenous varieties and terroirs not found anywhere else. The Greeks and Italians have influenced each other when it comes to wine more than many might think, trading varieties (such as Aglianico) and techniques for centuries.
Most importantly, Greece is a treasure trove of genuine, authentic wine. It’s a part of the country’s history and is imbedded in the soul of every Greek man, woman and child. Just like Italy.
Greek wines are expressive of their distinctive and historic terroirs, bearing all the hallmark characteristics of their Old-World provenance. Hence, the wines are a must-try for all people wishing to explore and taste the wines of the essential vineyards, the grand terroirs of the world.
Historic vineyards with unbroken track records of several millennia abound. Many of these distinctive ecosystems developed through natural selection and are located in areas protected from most vine pests and vine diseases. Therefore, the vast majority of Greek vineyards are suitable for organic cultivation or other alternative methods of viticulture and chemical spraying has been largely eliminated.
Greece is blessed with an amazing array of distinctive and unique terroirs. Greek wine is very distinct and is able to transfer you to the place of its production. The alternation of mountains and countless miles of coast create a varied combination of altitudes, different mesoclimates, orientations, inclinations, aspects and soils. Within a single region there might be several different available terroirs.
Greek wines are some of the best value-for-money buys in the world market today. Along with great quality and affordability, these wines are an inspirational, truly different proposal, based on unique attributes. They are a superb source of enjoyment for people who are offended by blandness and who understand the need for diversity. Greek wine has been made to meet that need since long, long ago.
So, check it out—join us on Friday, September 29th at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg to taste ten wines representative of the variety available from these unique Greek wine regions. Mitigating our fear of tasting new wines and being unable to say the grape names will be our special guest speaker, Ioannis G. Tsapos (Yanni). Yanni, who is a Greek native, will take us through a 10-wine sampling chosen by John Brinjac of Keystone Importers, including some unique wines not on the shelves but available by SLO. We’re excited to share them with you:

Zoinos Brut 100% Debina
Tetramythos Roditis Orange Natur
Tetramythos Retsina Roditis
Avantis Estate Malagousia
Kotrosos Agiorgitiko
Gavalas Santorini Assyrtiko
Bosinakis Moschofilero Mantinia
Tetramythos Phelloe Natur 50% Mavrodaphne, 25% Kalavratino and 25% Agiorgitiko
Foundi Naoussia Xinomavro
Gavalas Vinsanto (Assyrtiko)

Trust us—the wines are as beautiful as the Greek countryside. There will be Greek food to pair with the wines for a true cultural learning experience. Hilton Chef’s small plates will include Grilled Pita, Grilled Feta, Hummus, Spanakopita, Chicken Souvlaki, Lamb Lollipops w/Chimichurri or Mint Yogurt.
Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurer with concerns.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, September 26th.
Member —$95
Patron —$90
Nonmember —$115
You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Please note any food allergies EARLY in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurers with concerns.

DEADLINE to Register for French Cru Beaujolais
2023-10-17 00:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

French Cru Beaujolais
2023-10-20 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Get onboard with Beaujolais!
The Beaujolais region is a classified district within France with a centuries-long history of favor among kings and commoners—highly valued. Then, for the past 20 years, nobody’s gonna’ touch it.
Happily for the bargain hunter, its fall from favor has not caught up with the recent decades of unheralded work by its farmers and wine makers! To the wine cognoscenti, the Cru of Beaujolais are suddenly (and probably temporarily) among the few ‘bargains’ available in French wines.
? What happened to bring Beaujolais down to this new low?
? How do you sort the brilliant jewels from the dirt clods?
? How do you read the labels?
? What does a great one taste like?
? And to the Foodie, when I get my hands on a great bottle, what do I pair with a great Beaujolais for just snacks or dinner?
Happiness guaranteed! All mysteries and your personal questions resolved; your taste buds and food-related questions answered on the plate before you. If the delight of Beaujolais has escaped you and you have questions, bring ‘em on! Join Eric Miller as he shares and relives his youth in the back roads of French wine country. Relax and show up for uncommon values and some of the most fun wines in the world!
The Crus of Beaujolais are stand-alone AOCs representing the region’s very best vineyard land. The wines are high-quality, reflecting individual terroirs and showcasing the great potential of the Gamay grape. Across the board, these are structured, complex wines with spicy aromas and the potential to age well.
We showcase these wines Friday, October 20th—7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. You don’t want to miss this one. Guaranteed GREAT wines, GREAT food, GREAT humor and entertainment from the man—Eric Miller, vintner, author and GREAT guy.
In consultation with the Hilton Chef, we plan three small plate food pairings to complement these wines:
Salmon Brandade with Croûton ~ Frisée with Duck Confit, Pomegranate and Chèvre ~ Grilled Pork Loin with Cherry Demi-Glace
Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurer with concerns.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, October 17th . We are limited to 36 participants due to the number of bottles Eric stashed. I’d say this isn’t one to wait if you want to savor the best of the best Cru Beaujolais. To sweeten the deal Eric is providing several door prizes. Don’t miss this!
Member —$115
Patron —$110
Nonmember —$135
MAKE RESERVATIONS by going to the Shoppe Page of the website.
Please note food allergies in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurers with concerns.

Deadline to Register for A Tour of Spanish Wines
2023-11-07 00:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

A Tour of Spanish Wines
2023-11-10 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
A country rich in viticultural history, grape vines have been grown on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula since at least 3000 B.C. It was not until 1000 B.C. that winemaking began in earnest – a skill brought by Phoenician traders from the eastern Mediterranean. Today, the country is home to more vines than any other country and has a national wine output only exceeded by France and Italy.
Historically, winemaking culture throughout Spain was very rustic. Oxidized styles are common as well as the heavy use of American oak for lengthy periods of barrel ageing. However, in the past few decades, Spain’s wine industry has engaged in a great deal of modernization and an embrace of New World techniques. The result has been a significant improvement in quality and reliability.
Topography plays a fundamental role in defining Spain’s many wine styles. From cool, green Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees in the north, via the parched central plateau, to sandy, sunny Andalucia in the south, the Spanish landscape is very diverse. The cool vineyards of the far north and northwest create light, crisp, white wines, exemplified by Rías Baixas and particularly Txakoli. Those in warmer, drier regions further inland tend towards mid-bodied, fruit-driven reds such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Bierzo. Those close to the Mediterranean can produce heavier, more powerful reds except in higher altitudes, where reduced heat and humidity allow the production of lighter reds and, of course, white sparkling Cava.
Our tour guide for this event is Federico-Martin Pisani. Federico, a Belgium native, studied international trade as an undergrad. He also holds a Masters Degree in International Business from UCLM, Albacete, Spain. With this background and an interest in wine, he’s enjoyed two decades in the industry as Export Manager, Horticoalba, Albacete; Export Director at Morgante SL – Bodegas Cristo de la Vega, Albacete/Socuéllamos/La Mancha; and now the Export Director at Neleman Organic Vineyards, Valencia.
Our event Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg features ten wines, five from Federico’s organic portfolio and five from Keystone Importer’s portfolio in order to examine wines from Spain’s major regions and best-known grapes.
Spanish wines demand Tapas—yes? So, accompanying our wines is Manchego, Prosciutto Grapes, Spiced Almond Chorizo, Olives, Heirloom Tomato Puff Pastry and Beef Empañadas with Chile Sauce. This sounds like a great menu!
Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurer with concerns.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, November 7th .
Member —$80
Patron —$75
Nonmember —$100
You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Please note any food allergies EARLY in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurers with concerns.

Deadline to Register for Sparkling Wines
2023-11-28 00:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Sparkling Wines
2023-12-01 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
The holidays are fast approaching as is the PWS Sparkling Wine event featuring wines from the United States and Europe that are unique and flavorful. Come join us for this festive event on December 1st and taste some new sparklers you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
We’ll start with one of the most unique wines we’re tasting, Aquilini Già Bella Brut Rose Red Mountain 2020, from Washington State’s prestigious Red Mountain AVA. Even hardcore oenophiles have tasted few, if any, Cabernet-based sparkling wines. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sparkling wine is so different that it’s worthy of standing on its own at the beginning of the evening. One might expect a Cabernet sparkling to be heavy but it’s not – it’s bright and lively and will start our evening off well.
The next two wines, both from Europe, will be paired with the first plate of hors d’oeuvres, the Spanish Cava and the Italian Prosecco. Our Cava is from “one of Spain’s finest Cava producers” (Wine Advocate). This flagship wine of Juvé & Camps is cellar-aged, organic and seeks to be Spain’s answer to champagne at a fraction of the cost.
The prosecco will not be your ordinary, “add to orange juice for a mimosa”, Prosecco. As wine expert Kermit Lynch has said, “For most wine drinkers, “Prosecco” is a stand-in for a cold, crisp, sparkling white wine that should be pretty cheap. There’s nothing wrong with that desire, but there is such a large range of wines bearing the Prosecco DOC and DOCG that they are worthy of as much understanding and differentiation as any other style of wine.” The prosecco poured at this event will be worthy of exploring; it will be neither ordinary nor cheap!
The Livio Sassetti Pertimali Prosecco Superiore Brut is a blend of 90% Glera, 10% Bianchetta from the Valdobbiadene DOCG. The wines of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG represent Italy’s highest-quality designation in the Prosecco category. For over a century, the Sassetti family has been cultivating some of the best vineyards in the area, thanks to the very favorable terroir.
For our middle wine pairing, we are in the southwest of the United States with a New Mexico produced Blanc de Noirs and a California champagne style brut from Anderson Valley. Both are a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and produced using the traditional method, méthode champenoise, but the Blanc de Noirs is predominantly Pinot Noir (75%) and the Anderson Valley sparkling wine is predominantly Chardonnay (60%). It will be quite interesting to compare similar but different wines in this pairing.
The last pairing of wines are two wines from the same region of the Languedoc-Roussillon in southwest France – Limoux. However, the wines are very different. One is a Crémant Rosé – similar in style to a Champagne rosé and based on Chardonnay blended with Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir – and the other a Blanquette de Limoux – an ancient style wine that was one of the first styles of sparkling wines ever produced. The Blanquette de Limoux is 90% Mauzac, a white aromatic grape that ripens late permitting a slow initial fermentation with plenty of residual sugar to facilitate the natural second fermentation in the bottle the following spring. Its name is derived from the French “blanc” meaning white because a fine white down grows on the bottom of the leaves so when the wind blows the vines look white. Unless you’ve had a wine from Limoux, it’s unlikely you’ve tried a Mauzac-based wine so this should be a treat!
The wines:
Aquilini Già Bella Brut Rosé Red Mountain 2020
Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva 2017 Cava
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Prosecco Superiore Brut
Gruet Blanc de Noirs
Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley
Gerard Bertrand An 825 Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé 2020
Domaine Martinolles Le Berceau Blanquette de Limoux

Wines will be served with small plates prepared by the Hilton Culinary Team:
Halibut Fritter w/Red Pepper Marmalade
Sweet Potato Latke and Grilled Shrimp Salad
Wild Mushroom Puff Pastry Tart w/ Caramelized Shallot & Truffle Aioli
Please inform us of allergies well in advance in reservation notes or email to the Treasurer

Don’t forget there is a door prize of wine flutes from Lehman Glass of Rheims, France for one lucky taster!
Deadline for reservations is November 28th and our holiday sparkling events often sell out so don’t wait, sign up today!
Member – $80
Patron – $75
Nonmember – $100
You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website. Please note any food allergies EARLY in the notes section of your reservations or email the treasurer with concerns.

EVENT CANCELED - Binah Fine Wines of the Mid-Atlantic
2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:30 | PA

Deadline to Register for Exploring the Rich History of Zinfandel
2024-02-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States

Exploring the Rich History of Zinfandel - SOLD OUT
2024-02-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
This event is SOLD OUT. Please plan early to join us in coming months!

It is a long way from the sunny Dalmatian coast of Croatia to the wine country of California – 6,162 miles (with a slight detour to Italy) to be precise – but that is how far we are going to trace the travels of the wine grape properly known as Crljenak Kaštelanski but which we call Zinfandel.
At one time Zinfandel was thought of as a native American grape. But plant geneticists have determined that it is of far older origins, as we will explore at the Hilton on February 16th. We now know that the grape we know as Zinfandel started out as Crljenak Kaštelanski (Yes, I learned to pronounce that, and we will have a brief lesson in Serbo-Croatian during the tasting.) on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
Our tasting begins with our “welcome” wine Old Black Peter, which is unavailable on the shelves of Pennsylvania’s “Fine Wines and Good Spirits” stores but a favorite of the Wall Street Journal Wine Club, about which I have written (and recommended) in a prior PWS blog post. Grown of fifty-year-old-plus vines, it comes in at 13.9% alcohol whereas many Zins come in at as much as 15%. It boasts multiple 90+ point ratings and gold medals, so we will be off to a good start.
Our first tasting wine, in keeping with the convention that one tastes white wines before red wines, will be a Rosé: Rosé of Primitivo Estate, 2022, deLorimier Winery, Alexander Valley, Sonoma. The so-called “white” Zinfandel outsells red Zinfandel six to one in the United States. Actually a blush or pink wine, white Zinfandel is usually sweet or at least semi-sweet. Why take a red grape and try to make it white? It all goes back to the 1970s. Americans demanded semi-sweet white wines and vintners with acres of old vine Zinfandel had a problem. They certainly didn’t want to plow over 100-year-old vines and plant white wine grapes. The solution was to make a rosé or so-called white Zinfandel. We managed to find a rare dry example.
Turning to the reds, we start in Croatia with a Crljenak Kaštelanski. Very little Crljenak Kaštelanski is exported to the United States – and as far as we can tell none is made available to Pennsylvanians through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Despite the scarcity, the Pennsylvania Wine Society has managed to obtain a few bottles of a very special Dubrovački Prodrumi Crljenak bottled in 2016. This eight-year-old 90-point red (Wine Spectator) is ready to go and will be the starting point for our exploration of the Crljenak Kaštelanski and its migrations. We will explore how technique and terroir create a different red from the Zinfandels we are used to. Having just tasted Old Saint Peter, we can compare the effects of terroir and winemaking style from both ends of the grape’s journey.
Crljenak Kaštelanski did not migrate directly to America from Croatia but made a stop in Italy, specifically the Puglia and Apulia regions of Southern Italy, aka “the boot” of Italy. There the peripatetic varietal changed its name to Primitivo. The name Primitivo does not mean “primitive,” as one might guess based on its similarity to the English word, but rather prime or “first to ripen” from the Latin “primativus”. (I know, Serbo-Croatian and Latin lessons are a bit much for a wine tasting but bear with me.)
We will taste a 2021 Poggio Anima Lilith Primitivo and, again, will call upon all of you to determine how terroir and technique impact taste. Again, we can compare the effects of terroir and winemaking style.
Finally, we come to California. More than 100 years ago Italian immigrants moved to California and brought their grape vines with them. (One alternative version of the story has the vines starting out on the East Coast and then making their way to California during the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855.) For some reason, during the Atlantic and continental crossing, the name changed to Zinfandel (there are still a few California examples that go by the name Primitivo as we saw above). Appropriately, we will start with a wine that boasts that it is created from 100-year-old vines: Cline Family Cellars “Ancient Vines” 2021 Contra Costa. Since 2018 the vineyards and winery became Certified California Sustainable and Sonoma County Sustainable.
Having established Zinfandel’s origins and tasted the product of some 100-year-old vines, we will compare three modern bottlings:
7 Deadly Zins, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2020, Lodi, California (hint: one of my favorites). Crafted by a family with roots in Lodi since the 1850s, and grown using sustainable practices, this wine is blended with a small amount of Petite Syrah and coming in at a healthy 15% alcohol, which comes through on the finish.
Since we are tasting a Zin from Lodi we should mention here that Lodi calls itself “the Zinfandel capital of the world.” Briefly, why does Lodi make this boast? Located between San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the end of the Sacramento River, Lodi features a classic Mediterranean climate and many of the very old Zinfandel vines we have discussed were planted there. Some date to 1888! These old vines produce small fruit in limited numbers, resulting in rich, bold, and complex wines.
Next up: The Federalist, Lodi, 2019. The name and the label are intended as an homage to George Washington, and the wine is crafted from grapes grown on the edge of Dry Creek, just a mile from the famed Russian River. I just have to show you the vineyard’s promo:
In the spirit of George Washington and our Founding Fathers, this wine offers bold and original expressions of this truly American grape. This wine connects the founding fathers love of wine, some of whom had vineyards of their own, with this historic appellation known for its old vine Zinfandel. The result is a revolutionary wine.
Clearly, whoever wrote that PR piece had been sampling The Federalist! We will see if George would approve.
When tasting our final wine, Joel Gott, 2018, St. Helena, Napa, see if you agree with one taster who described the flavor profile is “all in your face”. I’m not sure what that means, but I guess we will find out. The wine is aged in both new American and used French oak barrels.
As a final note, we plan to make this tasting a bit more interactive, asking you to tell us what you think in a more systematic fashion. Don’t worry, there are no wrong answers! “I like it,” is a perfectly acceptable response! In what will be a review for some, we will suggest a tasting methodology in which we look at color, legs, aroma, taste, and finish. Tasting scoring sheets will be provided to provide a framework for analysis and to help you remember which wines you like the best.
Hilton’s Master Chef has put together a hearty cheese plate to accompany our wine tasting. Please inform us of any food allergies well in advance in the notes section of your reservations or email the Treasurer with concerns.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, February 13th! You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Member —$85
Patron —$80
Nonmember —$105

Deadline to Register for Cadenza - A Winemaker's Dream
2024-03-08 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

Cadenza - A Winemaker's Dream
2024-03-15 19:00 - 21:30 | Cadenza Vineyards, Brogue PA, 3475 Sechrist Road, Brogue, PA, 17309, United States
Cadenza Vineyard wines speak from forty years of growing grapes at one special place. Just take that in for a moment. History… commitment… passion…quality.
Our special Cadenza adventure is Friday, March 15th at 7 p.m. Deadline for reservations is March 8th so don’t delay! We are more than halfway to sold out at this writing.
Join Cadenza owner, Carl Helrich for a special library and barrel tasting event exploring how his wines have developed through time augmented by the Cadenza success story as told in Carl’s entertaining and engaging style. Repeat participants say they never tire of hearing the Cadenza story or tasting the. wines as they develop.
This sort of tasting is only offered privately at the winery. The eight wines included in our PWS event follow, sprinkled with Carl’s comments.
2017 Cadenza Chardonnay
Our second “Reserve Chardonnay” released under our Cadenza Vineyards brand. These Chardonnays are grown here at Allegro in our estate vineyard originally planted in 1973. The vineyard is comprised of roughly 9 different clones of Chardonnay, every one of which seems to ripen at a different time with different characteristics. The French call this a “field blend” of sorts, and I believe it is the key to the signature Allegro Chardonnay profile.
Our Chardonnays are where I feel that I have finally dialed in the right winemaking style and process to allow for the best and most appropriate voice from this vineyard. The fruit is barrel-fermented at cooler temperatures, then aged on its lees with weekly stirring—batonnage—for the first six months of its life.
2014 Allegro Reserve Chardonnay (Chardonnay 100%)
This is the most balanced release of our Reserve Chardonnay as 2014 displayed enough warming days for peak ripeness while retaining an amazing freshness. It is one of the most Burgundian wines we have created, and is a great example of a wine just starting to peak in its drinkability. It still shows youth along with a knitting together of its respective parts. This wine really opens up at warmer temperatures, being more directed to red wine drinkers.
2021 Cadenza Bridge (43% Merlot/42% Cabernet Franc/15% Petit Verdot)
The 2021 Bridge is one of the most balanced and refined wines that we have bottled in the past few years. Usually my style is more forceful and abrasive, but the 2021 Bridge shows a refinement and balance that I am usually not capable of. It’s almost European in its sensibility, while at the same time being approachable at this very young age. The Merlot brings darker fruit and body to the wine, while the Franc brightens the flavors and adds depth to the aromatics. They play nicely together while the Petit Verdot in the background holds it all together with its structure. This one of our most hedonistic Bridge offerings ever, reminiscent of the 2017, 2007 and 2006. Very Right Bank Bordeaux (for you traditionalists out there), but as with all of our wines–in the immortal words of John Crouch—”It’ll pay you back if you hold on to it!”
2017 Cadenza Bridge (Merlot 36%/Cabernet Franc 34%/Cabernet Sauvignon 22%/Petit Verdot 7%)
The 2017 was aged 19 months in new French oak barrels and then pulled from barrels in the summer of 2019. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined in early September with 2” corks. The final total was only 134 cases of 750mL bottles and 6 cases of 1.5L magnum bottles.
Nice deep colors and a rich aroma of fruit and oak make this a wine to savor. The structure of the wine is firm yet supple, making it perfect for pairing with beef dishes. This wine still needs some time to come around fully (even though it’s drinking nicely right now). Maximum enjoyment probably come sometime from now to 2026.
2013 Allegro Cadenza (Cabernet Sauvignon 73% / Merlot 22% / Petit Verdot 5%)
The miraculous 2013 vintage will be one that I remember for a long, long time. It yielded four reserve-caliber wines for us, including this one. With this wine, we returned to the Cadenzas of old with lots of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The tannins are not as searing as John’s were in the young wines, but the structure is very present and its age-ability should be significant.
2005 Allegro Cadenza (Merlot 59% / Cabernet Sauvignon 27% / Cabernet Franc 14%)
A Merlot in Bordeaux terms. Using comparatively primitive production methods and minimal handling, this wine is still a sleeper just starting to wake up. The primary fruit is fading, but the cocoa tannins are too enticing to make waiting possible. The inherent spiciness and perfume just suck me in. It’s finally starting to hit its stride and land where I wanted it to. The last bottle I enjoyed was just short of mind-blowing in its inherent complexities.
2023 will be the vintage that sets the new benchmark for wine in Pennsylvania. With an early budbreak and the driest May on record (less than a 1/4″ of rain) followed by a balanced season, the vines from our Cadenza Vineyard finally showed their potential. The whites exhibit wonderful purity of fruit while the reds show off deep rich colors that speak to their underlying power. These are wines for the ages. Taste two Barrel samples—2023 Chardonnay and 2023 Merlot (straight from the barrel if we can figure out how to do it logistically).
To focus more fully on the wines in this library tasting, simple cheese and cracker nibbles will accompany the wines. It is strongly suggested that you eat a normal size dinner prior to the event.
Also plan your Friday travel time to easily gather by 6:50 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Event starts at 7:00 p.m. at Cadenza Vineyards, 475 Sechrist Road, Brogue, Pennsylvania 17309. Phone: 717-501-1413.
This event is limited to 20 attendees. Reservations close Friday, March 8th or, more likely, when sold out. You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Member —$80
Patron —$75
Nonmember —$100

Deadline to Register for Credo European Portfolio
2024-04-09 00:00 - 17:00 | PA
You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.

Credo European Portfolio - Germany, Austria, and Hungary
2024-04-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
Blues Brothers? Nope. One physicist, one engineer. Do they have something to do with wine? Yep. Pictured are Matthew Goss and Daniel Satola from Credo Importers hanging out in the scenic vineyards of Hungary. Not a bad second career gig! All you need do is chat with them to see that they clearly bring great passion to the business.
Please join PWS on Friday, April 12th, to learn about the wine venture and savor specialty wines from Credo’s Central Europe portfolio. Enjoy wines representative of terroir and crafted by artisan winemakers paired with regional style foods.
Credo brings something unique to the table that veteran PWS members and wine afficionados value above all else—flawless, organic, authentic wines on the palate.
The regions represented—Germany, Austria and Hungary—bring centuries old viticulture and winemaking traditions that astute wine tasters recognize to be some of the best in the world.
If you understand the romance of these wines, you’ve already reserved your seats. But if you’re not one of those; and, unfamiliar wine names scare you away, WAIT—read on. These are very approachable, likeable wines, from familiar grapes such as Riesling. Friendly, right? We know you’ll find the other grapes equally approachable and the wines delightful.
Daniel Satola, founder and co-owner, founded Credo Imports with the vision of creating a family-owned company
to import and market small production fine wines from family-owned European producers. Here’s the business philosophy: “We fight back against the power of the mass-produced and distributed to create space for winemakers who may not otherwise be able to voice their passions, conscience, and values. These winemakers’ voices reflect the authenticity of their wines and the integrity of their land—speaking not for the wines, but through them. Our goal is to create demand for our products. In doing so, we also create demand for our producers’ ideals and sustain a process where quality can rule at the expense of volume.“
Here is the wine list from sparkling through red and dry to a sweet dessert wine finish. There may also be a surprise or two!

Play Rose Feind Hungary 2022
Wild Rose Pet Nat Riesling Kamptal 2022
Eck Riesling Pfalz Trocken 2021
Meyer Grauerburgunder Loss Pfalz Trocken 2020
Lajver Incognito Kekfrankos Hungary 2022
Hirt-Gebhardt Mia Lou Roter Riesling Rheingau 2022
Gebert Scheurebe Rheinhessen 2022
Manderschied Gewürztraminer Pfalz 2020
Vylyan Macska Portugieser Hungary 2022
Aichinger Roter Traminer Kamptal 2021

Many will recognize these wine regions, but perhaps not the producers because local stores show mostly mass produced wines. This is a learning experience in “You get what you pay for.” as my mother often pointed out. This event is worth every penny.
Hilton Chef Justin Godfrey chose three small plates to pair with the wines, promising a great palate experience. Those small plates are:
Smoked Trout Brandade with Rye Toast and Chive Oil
Spinach Spätzle in Rosemary Brown Butter
Pretzel-crusted Pork and Potato Croquette w/Pickled Red Cabbage
And we’ve added Apple Strudel for dessert!
Please advise of food sensitivities by emailing the Treasurer with concerns at the time you make your reservations. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 9th.
Appropriately the Credo credo is “To share unique wines from all over the world with wine-loving people.” We’ll have the wine waiting—you bring the wine-loving people!
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 9th . You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Member —$110
Patron —$105
Nonmember —$130

DEADLINE to Register for Fabulous French Whites
2024-05-14 00:00 - 17:00 | PA

SOLD OUT Fabulous French Whites
2024-05-17 19:00 - 21:30 | Hilton Harrisburg, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101, United States
This event is SOLD OUT! We are taking a wait list. If you want to be added to the wait list, please contact the Treasurer via email.
Vive la France, where the lavender grows next to the vineyard! What a beautiful spring backdrop to introduce our May 17th event. Fair warning—die hard red drinkers may convert after this experience! We are excited to welcome back Kevin Ostrowski to explore some of the iconic French white anticipating summer wine tables, picnics and deck parties where you can serve them for guests to enjoy.
Fair warning—die hard red drinkers may convert after this experience!
We are excited to welcome back Kevin Ostrowski to explore some of the iconic French whites; anticipating summer wine tables, picnics and deck parties where you can serve them for guests to enjoy. Kevin is a well-known and respected certified wine judge, sommelier, and wine educator. His exploration of French whites promises a great event!
With Kevin’s guidance, we sought out representative whites from major French growing regions. Here’s the list of regions represented. You’ll see we’re starting with Champagne—so arrive early for the greeting wine!

Champagne where since the 1600s cellar masters focused on cutting-edge wine production and the popularization of sparkling wines.
Burgundy, where Cistercian monks first planted grapevines in walled plots called clos. Burgundy is considered the benchmark of quality.
Loire Valley where a cooler-climate growing area, is an exceptional place to find lean, racy white wines.
Bordeaux where ancient Romans first planted vineyards to launch what’s now the most popular wine region in the world. And it’s not all about the reds.
Rhone Valley where evidence of quality wines dates back to the first century and terraced vineyards originally dug by the Romans still exist.
Languedoc where the conformism of Parisian bureaucracy goes hand in hand with the creative spirit of pure liberalism. Almost anything goes!
Savoie where proximity to endless mountain ranges and crisp bodies of water give way to acidic wines, perfect for food pairing.
Alsace where Germanic influence and strong emphasis on white wines distinguish France’s most unique viticultural region.

We could spend months to years reviewing French wine regions and tasting their great wines. Wine is an integral part of French culture, and wine making processes important to them. Thus, the number of wines available is staggering—and we have but one evening. However, we are confident that our selections offer a great representation of the iconic wines for which each region is known.
The wines will be paired with small food plates designed by Hilton Chef, Justin Godfrey. Food accompaniments include the following:

Halibut Gravlax with dill, baby bell pepper, caper, and pickled shallot
Wild mushroom tart with fennel, Point Reyes blue cheese, and granola
Cheddar Gougères with Prosciutto, peach, and basil

Move something else on your calendar to make room in May for this one! Our event is Friday, May 17th at 7 p.m. Hilton Harrisburg.
Please inform early of any food sensitivities by email to the Treasurer.
Reservation deadline is Tuesday, May 14th. You may MAKE RESERVATIONS via the SHOPPE PAGE of this website.
Member —$95
Patron —$90
Nonmember —$115
