2023 Holiday Party Invitation

 

 Pittsburgh Chapter Holiday Party

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

7 p.m.

Please join the AWS Pittsburgh Chapter for our holiday party. There will be a variety of wines to try and a catered meal featuring beef brisket, chicken romano, green beans almondine, with garden salad and dessert.

We will also have a (not mandatory/volunteer only) wine elephant game which is basically the typical white elephant game. Please bring a wrapped wine related gift valued at $10-15. Each couple may bring one gift. If you bring a gift you will receive a number and will have the opportunity to select a present and/or take an already opened gift. We hope you can join us.

Reservations will be accepted until November 28.
Attendees must prepay to hold their spot.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

 Cost for members or guests:

$40 per person

aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

412-979-9594

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

 

OR 

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane
Pittsburgh PA  15229

 

Important note : The venue has reserved parking spots for our attendees near the back of the building. You can enter through a door with a sign that says AWS.  

Are Napa Valley Wines Worth the Hype? You be the judge!

 

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at 7 p.m  

 

The AWS Pittsburgh Chapter invites you back to PYCO School of Music's Concert Hall on, Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. 

Rachel Gallagher, an AWS Pittsburgh Chapter member, visited the Napa Valley area this summer and has insights from her experience to share with the chapter.  You can save your money and get to experience some of these Napa Valley Wines here in Pittsburgh.  We will enjoy a blind tasting of wines from Napa against wines from Lodi. You will have only your pallet to tell the difference. Do you think you will be able to tell?

Deadline to RSVP is Nov. 3, 2023.

MEMBERS PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM

WHERE: PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

 

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

 

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com or you may reply to:  412-979-9594

Cost:$40 per person

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

 

OR

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh PA 15229

 

Important note : The venue has reserved parking spots for our attendees near the back of the building. You can enter through a door with a sign that says AWS. 

Invitation to October Wine Tasting - Wines of Portugal

 

Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m  

 

The AWS Pittsburgh Chapter invites you back to PYCO School of Music's Concert Hall on, Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Because Portugal’s wine culture developed in relative isolation, many grape varieties do not grow anywhere else in the world. If you don’t recognize the grape variety on a Portuguese wine label, it’s a good thing. There are over 250 indigenous varieties and a few imports (including Alicante Bouschet) that have adapted well to the Portuguese landscape (they are delicious). To many wine experts, Portugal is the last frontier of wine in Western Europe; there is still so much to be tasted and explored.

Lucky for us Deb Mortillaro of Palate Partners and Dreadnought Wines is headed to Portugal in the coming days to return with exciting discoveries to share. This program is not to be missed.

 

Deadline to RSVP is Oct. 2, 2023.

MEMBERS PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM

WHERE: PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

 

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

 

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com or you may reply to:  412-979-9594

Cost:$40 per person

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

 

OR

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh PA 15229

 

Important note : The venue has reserved parking spots for our attendees near the back of the building. You can enter through a door with a sign that says AWS. 

Invitation to September Wine Tasting

 International Regional Classics
Not Always What You Think

 

The AWS Pittsburgh Chapter invites you back to PYCO on, Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.

Join us for a look at some classic varietals and international regions with some twists! We will brush the dust off of these "classics" and explore producers and wines that are shaking things up. Things may not always be what they seem. We will have catered food from Bella Frutteto Catering in Wexford. 

Deadline to RSVP is Sept. 1, 2023.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

Wednesday, Sept 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com or you may reply to: 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Cost:$35 per person

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

OR

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh PA 15229

 

That's a wrap~ See you in the fall

 

That's a wrap on our wine tastings for a while. 

Take some time this summer to enjoy wines with friends and family as we gather at parties, reunions and holiday picnics and share some of what you learned!

 Please visit the site soon for more details on our fall schedule and we will see you in September!

Before we you go, we wanted to leave you with some parting gifts:

• Wine scores and summary of the Finger Lakes Wine Tasting from April
• Our National Tasting Project Scores from the May Southern Rhone Wine Tasting

The Wines of Southern Rhone, France - AWS National Tasting Project

 The Wines of Southern Rhone, France
AWS National Tasting Project

May 10, 2023 at 7 p.m.

To give you an idea of the true size of the Southern Rhone Valley, in an average vintage, more than 380 million bottles of wine are produced each year.

The Southern Rhone Valley is a much larger area than the Northern Rhone. To illustrate that point, close to 95% of all wines in the Rhone come from the Southern Rhone.
Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/rhone-wines-cote-rotie-hermitage-chateauneuf-du-pape/chateauneuf-du-pape-wine-producer-profiles/southern-rhone-complete-appellation-guide-chateauneuf-15-regions/

The Southern Rhone Valley is a much larger area than the Northern Rhone. To illustrate that point, close to 95% of all wines in the Rhone come from the Southern Rhone.

Of course with an area of that size, you have a wide range of terroirs, micro-climates, soils, wines, and wine styles. Some of the best wine values in the world can be found in the Southern Rhone Valley.

Wines from the Southern Rhone are, generally speaking, lighter, sweeter, more open, and more alcoholic than wines from the Northern Rhone. They are much fruitier, expressing red fruit flavors over black fruits, giving you more fresh, sweet, ripe cherries, kirsch, black raspberry, and strawberry flavors, often with fresh Provencal herbs, olives, and a nice, spicy accent.

Wine lovers can enjoy red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, which are all made in the Southern Rhone Valley. We will try 6 great examples of these fantastic wines at our May wine tasting.

Wines from the Southern Rhone are, generally speaking, lighter, sweeter, more open, and more alcoholic than wines from the Northern Rhone. They are much fruitier, expressing red fruit flavors over black fruits, giving you more fresh, sweet, ripe cherries, kirsch, black raspberry, and strawberry flavors, often with fresh Provencal herbs, olives, and a nice, spicy accent.

Wine lovers can enjoy red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, which are all made in the Southern Rhone Valley.

Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/rhone-wines-cote-rotie-hermitage-chateauneuf-du-pape/chateauneuf-du-pape-wine-producer-profiles/southern-rhone-complete-appellation-guide-chateauneuf-15-regions/

Deadline to RSVP is April 26, 2023.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com or you may reply to: 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Cost:$40 for members of AWS and $50 for guests

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

OR

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh PA 15229

Finger Lakes Reisling Wine Tasting - Understanding Acids in Wines

 Understanding Acids in Wines 

 Discover Through Finger Lakes Rieslings

Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.

What is acid in wines? What does it taste like? Why is it important? Can you have too much…too little? How is it balanced? Our Finger Lakes, NY region provides some world class Riesling to help answer these questions. This cool climate region is a great place to illustrate the importance of wine acidity.

Come join us as we explore acidity in wine. If you thought you preferred ‘dry’ wine you may find some of these wines cause you to reconsider. We hope you’ll find this evening informative and fun.

Reservations will be accepted until April 3 to allow for preparation.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com or you may reply to: 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

Cost:$25 for members of AWS and $30 for guests

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

OR

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane

Pittsburgh PA 15229

 

Washington State Wines - Columbia Valley

 

Washington State Wines - Columbia Valley Region

Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7 p.m  

Join us on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. as we experience wines from the Columbia Valley of Washington. This is a rare opportunity to try wines from small wineries that make only several hundred cases of wine and are not available in our local stores. We will also hear directly from the wine makers about the region and their processes through videos filmed on site at the wineries and even in the vineyard.

Cost is $50 per person and will be limited to 35 participants. This will include a full catered meal and these premium wines. We ask that you pay when you RSVP to secure your seat. No reservations will be accepted after February 28. You don't want to miss this!

Reservations will be accepted until February 28 to allow for preparation.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

 Cost:

$50

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

 

OR 

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane
Pittsburgh PA  15229

 

Wine Tasting 101 - Refining Your Skills

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7 p.m  

 

Join us on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. as we focus our attention on how to make the most out of a wine tasting experience. Very light snacks will accompany this tasting experience so be sure to eat dinner before attending.

We will learn about proper etiquette, how to move the wine in your mouth to ensure you taste all of the flavors and learn more about how the appearance; aroma and bouquet; taste and texture; and aftertaste all contribute to how you experience wine.  

Reservations will be accepted until February 1 to allow for preparation.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR WINE GLASSES.

(Other helpful tips to make the most out of this meeting: Don't wear any fragrances or perfume so we can fully smell the wines and avoid strong flavors prior to our tasting like mouthwash and toothpaste so you don't miss out on all the flavors that the wines will present.)

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM

PYCO School of Music, 150 Lake Drive, Wexford, PA 15090

Please park in the rear of the building and enter through the back door for easiest access to the Concert Hall at PYCO.

 Cost:

$25 for AWS members

$30 for guests

RSVP to: aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com

Or you may reply to:

 412-979-6565 or 412-979-9594

We now accept payment via Zelle. Just send your payment to aws.pittsburgh@gmail.com.

 

OR 

Mail your check, payable to AWS Pittsburgh to:

Robert Dering

38 Perry Lane
Pittsburgh PA  15229