Hello Fellow AWS Pittsburgh Chapter Members,

 

I hope this message finds you well and that you have enjoyed the beautiful colors of fall that are still lingering as the days grow darker and colder. Sadly, we do not have any plans to meet as a group in the near future since we are collectively still battling this global pandemic.

 

The Board met recently (with social distancing protocols in place) to discuss the future of the chapter and how to move forward. A few members have asked about zoom online tastings and we decided that we will not host official AWS Pittsburgh Chapter tastings on zoom, but if you wish to connect and taste wines online with some of your friends from the Chapter, we would be happy to connect you to each other to do so. Simply email chair.aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com and we will work to connect you. 

 

The Board discussed some great ideas about how to modify the meetings once we resume and we are excited to start back up again when it becomes safe for us to meet. We want to encourage our members to also let us know if they have ideas for our Chapter once we resume programming. If you are bursting with ideas, or have wines that you have tried that are so amazing that we should all try them, please send an email using the address provided above and we will continue to connect through emails and the blog site.   

Since our 2020 program schedule was cut short, we will offer some of the tastings that we didn't get to experience in 2021 when it is safe. They will include: Wines of the Titanic, Wines of Germany, Alsatian Food & Wine Pairings, Bargain Bordeaux, and my personal favorite, Wines that pair well with chocolate!

 

In the meantime, for a taste of wine education, the Shaler North Hills and Hampton Community Libraries are featuring a free virtual wine tasting event with our very own John Eld on Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m. Two wines will be featured during this online event and you will need to purchase them yourself to fully participate. Details are below or you can call 412-486-0211 to register.

Stay well and be safe. 

Santina Balestreire

AWS Pittsburgh Chapter Chair

In Memory of Paul Cunkelman

Paul Cunkelman, co-founder of the Raspberry Acres Winery in Indiana County, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

He and his wife Sally have been faithful supporters and members of the American Wine Society (AWS) for many years. Their winery in a scenic spot by a small lake has been the site of many regional picnics and competitions for AWS chapters over the years. Their annual picnics on Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July are legendary.

Before starting the winery, Paul worked at the Homer City Electric Generating Plant. He and Sally built the winery from the ground up- constantly striving to improve their wines with perseverance and dedication. AWS members were always welcomed in the tasting room as well as their comments about the wines. Paul will be remembered for his smile, his warm greeting and his firm handshake.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no visitation could be held. Instead, the family will host a picnic to celebrate Paul's life later this summer on a date yet to be determined. It will be held at the winery near the lake in a spot Paul called his "bit of Heaven on Earth."

To learn more about Raspberry Acres Winery, visit the links below:

https://shopeclectique.com/raspberry-acres-winery/

Our wine tastings are on hold until it is safe for us to gather together as a group again. We will send notice, once we can make plans! Stay safe and enjoy the spring rain and the blooms that follow.

Upcoming Wine Tasting Postponed

We will be postponing the April 8 Wines of the Titanic tasting until it is safe to gather together again. We don't know when we will resume meetings, but as soon as we know it is safe, we plan to pick up right where we left off!

Don't forget to tune into KDKA's Pittsburgh Today Live on Friday, March 20 between 9-10 a.m. to see our very own John Eld discuss the wines of the Titanic. Consider it a preview of coming attractions for when we meet again.

The world feels like it is shutting down a bit, so I hope you and your family are staying safe and that you have stockpiled some nice bottles of wine to sip as we navigate these trying times. Also, visit our recipes page to make some of those delicious recipes from last week and previous tastings.

Adam Knoerzer, the wine educator and owner of Burghundy.com who presented the Wines of South Africa last week is giving some online classes since gathering as a group is now being discouraged.

There are currently 5 scheduled right now, and they're hour-long sessions that tackle a topic like Chardonnay, Chile, or Pinot Noir in Oregon. The price is low ($15), and he gives an example of what he'll be tasting in case you want to "play along" at home.

During the live presentation he will cover things like history and geography as it pertains to the grape or region/style, climate, winemaking practices, key information, and, of course, taste through the wines discussed.

For more details and to book right through Adam's website, interested parties can head here:

https://www.burghundy.com/online-classes
 

Until we meet again, stay safe and savor life one sip at a time.

Report on Wines of South Africa - Pittsburgh Wine Experience is Cancelled - Up Next, Wines of the Titantic

The Wines of South Africa was a mind opening palate pleasing adventure.  Wine educator, Adam Knoerzer gave a memorable and informative lesson and introduction to the wine regions of South Africa, as well as the varietals currently grown there. Adam also told us about some interesting wine making techniques and current practices that South African wine makers have been using. Such an enriching experience for all!

A special thank you to Beverly Wise and Tim Barden who fed us traditional South African cuisine to accompany the wine. Each dish paired so well with the wines. Recipes will be posted to the blog soon, as so many of you requested the recipes.

The wines:

• Graham Beck Brut/Robertson NV
  ($15-19 depending on sale) on wines.com
  
• Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2017
  PLCB #74668 ($18.99)
• Raaats Original Chenin Blanc Unwooded 2018
  PLCB #79139 ($9.99)
• Capeography Co. Cloudscape Cinsault 2016
  PLCB #75952 ($9.99)
• Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend 2016
  ($16.99) wines.com
• Kanonkop Kadette 2017
  (16.99) wines.com
  
  

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The Pittsburgh Wine Experience Conference that was scheduled for Sunday, March 29 from 10 – 6 p.m. has been cancelled. All those who have registered will be notified. As you probably know, so many events have been cancelled with the potential to spread Coronavirus.
• Our very own John Eld, wine guru will be interviewed on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live between 9-10 a.m. on Friday, March 20. He will be discussing the wines of the Titanic, which also happens to be the theme of our next wine tasting on April 8. Our next tasting event may be postponed depending on how things with the spread of this virus continue. Please stay connected and we will notify you on any decisions we make. 

A little something about the Wines of the Titanic:

Because no wine list survived the sinking of the Titanic, the contents of the great ship’s cellar remains an enduring mystery. Our April program (or the next time we meet) will attempt an answer to that question with a speculation on what the rich and famous passengers in first class had on their tables on that fateful voyage. HINT: They were mostly French and quite expensive! Bite sized plates from the Titantic menu will accompany the wines. 

South African Wine Tasting - SOLD OUT!

Thanks for letting us know you will make it! 

We are pleased to have sold out this program as we invite Adam Knoerzer, Certified Sommelier and wine educator to our monthly meeting for an informative session on the wines of South Africa.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES. 

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM

 

Evergreen Community Park, 3430 Evergreen Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

 

 Cost for members or guests:

$25 per person

Cash or check accepted.

Make checks payable to
AWS Pittsburgh

 

Last Call for South African Wines - Let us know by Friday if you can make it!

Join wine educator Adam Knoerzer for an informative session on the wines of South Africa, a country producing some of the most exciting and best-value wines on the planet right now. Learn about the fascinating history of this region as you taste high-quality examples that showcase the contemporary wine scene.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES. 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Evergreen Community Park, 3430 Evergreen Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

 Cost for members or guests:

$25

Please reply before Friday, March 6, 2020 to:

kedred2006@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Mail your check, payable to
AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh, PA 15229

South African Wine Tasting Reminder - Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m.

The roots of the South African wine industry can be traced to the explorations of the Dutch East India Company, in the 1650s, which established a supply station in what is now Cape Town. The wine was intended to ward off scurvy among sailors during their voyages along the spice route to India and the East.

For much of the 20th century, the South African wine industry received minimal international attention. Its isolation was exacerbated by the boycotts of South African products in protest against the country's system of Apartheid. It was not until the 1990s when Apartheid was ended, and the world's export market opened up, that South African wines began to experience a renaissance. Many producers in South Africa quickly adopted new wine making technologies.

The climate in South Africa is similar to the Mediterranean with intense sunlight and dry heat. Winters are cold and wet with potential for snowfall in higher elevations. Some of the notable wine regions are Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek Valley, Breede River Valley, and Overberg. 

There is so much to learn about this fascinating part of the world and their contribution to wine production. Come and taste some of the best South Africa has to offer with our expert sommelier, Adam Knoerzer, founder of ‘Burghundy LLC, a wine education and consulting business in Pittsburgh aimed at making wine more accessible and inclusive.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES. 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Evergreen Community Park, 3430 Evergreen Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

 Cost for members or guests:

$25

Please reply before Friday, March 6, 2020 to:

kedred2006@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Mail your check, payable to
AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh, PA 15229

South African Wine Adventure

Come experience wine and food pairings from of South Africa along with our host and certified sommelier, Adam Knoerzer. 

March 11 at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Community Center.

Join wine educator Adam Knoerzer for an informative session on the wines of South Africa, a country producing some of the most exciting and best-value wines on the planet right now. Learn about the fascinating history of this region as you taste high-quality examples that showcase the contemporary wine scene.

 

Adam is the founder of 'Burghundy LLC, a wine education and consulting business in Pittsburgh aimed at making wine more accessible and inclusive. He is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a WSET Diploma candidate, and in 2019, he won the United States championship in the Wines of South Africa Sommelier Cup, besting over 200 American entrants. He went on to compete against 10 other national finalists in Cape Town.    

Adam is a native of Indiana who made his way to Pittsburgh in 2011 after stints in New York and Paris. A polyglot with bilingual fluency in French (he also speaks Portuguese and Spanish), Adam brings over 10 years of teaching, training, and public speaking experience to his independent wine education and consulting practice.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES. 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM

Evergreen Community Park, 3430 Evergreen Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

 Cost for members or guests:

$25

Please reply before Friday, March 6, 2020 to:

kedred2006@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Mail your check, payable to
AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane
Pittsburgh PA  15229

Pittsburgh Wine Experience - Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh Wine Experience 

Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Held at the Comfort Inn and Suites (RIDC Park) - 180 Gamma Drive, Pgh PA 15238

 

Register today to experience seminars and tastings to learn about styles of wines. Amateur winemakers may enter their wine and wine labels for awards. 

 

Registration is $65 and includes lunch and the "showcase of wines" which is a walk around tasting of commercial/professional wines.

 

Amateur wine competition entries are $15 per wine.

 

To find out more and to register, visit: www.pghwinexp.org

Registration form: http://www.pghwinexp.org/2020Conf_flyer_March_29_2020.pdf

Wines of Love and Romance Didn’t Disappoint

Many thanks to all who attended and helped to prepare the foods and decorations for this special wine tasting.  Alex Sebastian of Wooden Angel Restaurant proved to be a captivating speaker sharing with us tidbits about his time on the Chairman’s Selection Committee. 

We raffled off many items to raise a total of $215 for the American Heart Association which will be donated in honor of our former Chapter Chair and Regional Vice President, Thom Harding who left us way too soon.   

We ended the night with an emotional toast given by John Eld to honor our Fearless Leader and a few tears were shed. 

As Alex said during this tasting, wine is meant to be enjoyed and so is life! Please join us next month to enjoy both! 

The wines:

1.  Mionetto Rose Extra Dry Prestige Collection (Italy) NV -  $16.99           
PLCB #82206
Paired with Fruit Skewers (Prepared by James and Santina)

2.  Dunham Cellars Riesling Columbia Valley Lewis Vineyard (WA) 2017  - $14.99
PLCB #82206
Paired with Vegetable Egg Rolls with Honey Mustard Sauce (Prepared by Mary and John Eld)

3.  Vignobles Bulliat Beaujolais Villages (France) 2018 - $12.99
PLCB #81426                  
Paired with Blueberry Goat Cheese and Baguettes (Prepared by Kevin and Bob Dering)

4.  Love Noir Pinot Noir (CA) 2017 - $13.99                                                 
PLCB #2051
Paired with Soba Noodles with Walnuts, Mushrooms, & Parsley (Prepared by Kevin and Bob Dering)

5.  Thorn Hill Vineyard Big Magic Red Meritage (CA) 2017 - $17.99          
PLCB #80042
Paired with Roast Beef Roll-ups (Prepared by Pat and Terry Germanoski)

6.  Chocolate Shop Red (WA) NV  - $11.99                                                           
PLCB #4056 
Paired with Coeur a la Creme with Strawberry Sauce (Prepared by Mary and John Eld)

Save the date!

March 11 at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Community Center.

We will be experiencing the Wines of South Africa with our host and certified sommelier, Adam Knoerzer. 

Adam is a holds his certification with the Court of Master Someliers and holds WSET awards in Wine (Level 3) and Spirits (Level 2), both with Distinction. He is an aficionado of off-the-beaten-path grape varieties and regions who aims to make wine more inclusive through his educational programming and portfolio development. In 2019, he won the United States championship in the Wines of South Africa Sommelier Cup, besting over 200 American entrants, and competed against 10 other international finalists in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Adam is a native of Indiana who made his way to Pittsburgh in 2011 after stints in New York and Paris. A polyglot with fluency in French, Portuguese and Spanish, he brings over 10 years of teaching, training and public speaking experience to his wine education. He regularly teaches at Dreanought Wines and Palate Partners as well as other venues like our humble AWS Pittsburgh Chapter.