Savor the Flavors: 5 Must-Visit Wineries Near Downtown Pittsburgh
These wineries near downtown Pittsburgh each offer a unique experience, blending rich history, local culture, and exceptional wines. Whether you're a sports fan, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique outing, these local wineries have something special to offer.
Nestled within a historic Lawrenceville firehouse from 1896, Engine House 25 offers a hidden gem of a tasting room beneath the Clemente Museum. Spanning 6,000 square feet, this wine sanctuary attracts a diverse clientele of sports fans and wine enthusiasts alike.
Engine House 25's reputation is bolstered by a 150-member "secret society" of athletes, including Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki, who purchase wine by the barrel. Rieder attributes their success to the spirit of Roberto Clemente, saying, “I’m pretty sure Clemente is the one making all this incredible wine from the heavens.”
Located on the North Side at 907 Western Ave., Refucilo Winery showcases the best of Argentinian wines. Owner and winemaker Juan Antonio Lora honors his adventurous Uruguayan uncle with the winery's name, "Refucilo," inspired by his uncle's sailboat. The vineyard in Argentina's Uco Valley, situated at 3,800 feet above sea level, produces complex wines thanks to its unique climate and soil.
The tasting room, staffed by WSET-accredited professionals, offers a welcoming atmosphere for both novices and connoisseurs. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of over 20 wines, paired with empanadas from the Empanada Company and Argentinian tapas. Highlights include the single-vineyard Malbec and the distinctive Torrontés, a white wine exclusive to Argentina.
In the heart of the Strip District at 2031 Penn Ave., R Wine Cellar invites guests to an underground tasting room. The outdoor bar entices passersby with samples, adding to the Strip District's vibrant energy. The Russell family's winery supports local businesses by sourcing specialty cakes from My Sweet Lilly and rare cheeses from Penn Mac.
Weekend brunches, fueled by mimosas, are a popular draw. Notable wines include the Fiona Peach Chardonnay, perfect for brunch, and the bold Carmenere, aged in whiskey barrels for a robust flavor. The winery's name pays homage to both the Russell family and Pittsburgh's local culture.
Pittsburgh Winery, located at 2809 Penn Ave. in the Strip District, embodies the essence of "local." The space features reclaimed materials from around the city, including bleachers from co-owner Tim Gaber's high school and a bar made from church doors. The winery also supports local bands, craft brews, and food from nearby.
The wines, sourced from top vineyards, offer a range of flavors. California grapes provide fruit-forward and jammy notes, while Chilean grapes deliver spicier, earthier profiles. Co-owner Cole Rapso aims to find a wine for everyone, often converting skeptics of dry wine into satisfied customers.
Situated at 108 19th St. in the Strip District, Courtyard Winery offers a cozy, wood-filled tasting room next to the Olive Tap. Specializing in wines from Pennsylvania's Lake Erie AVA, the winery presents a variety of crisp whites, robust reds, and sweet blends. A standout is the Saperavi, an ancient Georgian grape thriving in Erie, producing a dry-style wine with deep red color, mouthwatering acidity, and velvety tannins.
