America has always celebrated the ‘PIONEER SPIRIT’ of the people that have made our country great. Like so many of the first settler’s of this new country there has always been a calling for a select few to take the advice of Horace Greeley and “Go West Young Man”. This month we celebrate the pioneer spirit of one of Pittsburgh’s own, Gary Eberle.

Gary Eberle grew up in Moon Township and attended Penn State University where he excelled in both academics and athletics playing for Penn State under Coach Joe Paterno. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, Gary began pursuing a graduate degree in cellular genetics at LSU. It was here that the passion for fine wine and knowledge came together resulting in a move to California and attendance at University of California at Davis.

Gary was particularly interested in the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and in 1979 he produced the first vintage to carry his name. Thirty years later we can appreciate the efforts of his hard work and winemaking passion.

Eberle Winery continues to thrive, remaining one of the most honored in California. The Pioneer Spirit.

The Paso Robles AVA ( American Viticultural Area) is one of the finest red wine areas in California. To guide us through the evening samples we welcome our good friend Mike Gonze from Dreadnought Wines. A pioneer in his own right, Mike is the President of Dreadnought Wines where he has been educating and serving the Pittsburgh wine
community since 1986. Please join us on Friday, April 9th as we celebrate the ‘PIONEER SPIRIT’ with a great line-up from Eberle Winery presented by Mike Gonze .

Reserve your place for $20.00 per person for members. Guests are welcome at $23.00 per person.
Reservations are due by Monday, April 5th.

DO NOT CONTACT Dreadnought Wines or Palate Partners to participate.  Print and mail the following:

Heritage Valley Health System

A Toast To Your Health

A Wine & Culinary Celebration

Saturday, April 10, 7:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport.

Benefits the cardiology funds at Heritage Valley Beaver Foundation & Heritage Valley Sewickly Foundation.

The bi-annual evening event offers tastings of premium wines and spirits, gourmet foods prepared by area chefs, specialty wine vendors, and a silent auction. Alex Sebastian, owner of the Wooden Angel Restaurant and noted wine connoisseur, started the event in 1990. As one of the largest wine events in the tri-state area, it attracts over 600+ wine lovers. Don't miss this one!

Click Here For Registration Info.

Or call 412-749-7050

Do not contact Palate Partners.

First and Third Friday "Wine-Knows" at Dreadnought Wines and Palate Partners.

April 16th

How many times have you stood in a State Store, staring at shelves of wine bottles, wondering ‘will I like it after I buy it?’

For many years Palate Partners and Dreadnought Wines in Pittsburgh's Strip District have been giving wine lovers the opportunity to learn about specialty wines before buying them at their First and Third Friday "Wine-Knows" at their store at 2013 Penn Avenue.

Folks gather to learn about three red and three white wines, carefully selected by owner Mike Gonze, complimented by breads and fine cheeses, and to enjoy the company of other Oenophiliacs.

The wines for this evening:

Monte Volpe Primo Bianco - California
Bodegas del Desierto 25/5 Chardonnay - Argentina
Ca' di Pietra Melrose Pinot Prosecco NV - Italy

Sylvester Merlot - California
Norman "Buzzard Tree" Zinfandel - California
Ramon Roqueta Reserva Tempranillo Cabernet 2004 - Spain

Mike Gonze has taught classes for Community College of Allegheny County for over twenty years and created their wine education curriculum.  Along with presenting seminars for the local Chapters of the American Wine Society, and the AWS National Conference, Mike frequently presents custom wine seminars for local corporations like Bayer, American Express and First Tier Bank. He is an active member of the Society of Wine Educators and has attended their conferences in Oregon, Seattle and Vancouver. Mike is a frequent visitor to wineries in the US, has visited wineries in the Loire Valley and the Southern Rhone regions of France, Italy and regularly attends tastings sponsored by importers, distributors, the Culinary Institute of America, and boutique wineries. Mike maintains a personal wine cellar with over 1000 bottles specializing in lesser known wines from the US and around the world.

Needless to say, Mike knows his wines. And he loves bringing that knowledge to Pittsburghers.

After receiving an education about the Wines represented by Dreadnought, patrons can order the wines they like, and pick them up two business days later (as required by state law).

Pittsburgh wine lovers can meet and greet each other at these regular "Wine-Knows" twice monthly, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Palate Partners/Dreadnought Wines store at 2013 Penn Avenue in the Strip District. The events are open to the public at the cost of only $12.00 per person and no RSVP is necessary. For more information, call (412) 391-8502

At Rania's Kitchen:

SPRING WINE TASTING
FROM DREADNOUGHT WINES AND
PALATE PARTNERS
Thursday, April 22
7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
With Mike Gonze
Fee: $55.00

Tonight, Pittsburgh’s premier wine tasting guru is going to share his vast experience and knowledge of wines with us, all while Rania plies us with food! What a win-win situation! This class will feature wines that will complement spring and summer recipes for you upcoming warm weather entertaining. Mike is going to focus on the effects that soils have on wines and how these wines end up pairing with different foods. He plans on bringing French and California Chardonnay, Italian and California San Giovese as well as a very special dessert wine. Rania is planning on pairing these wines with Shrimp and Lobster Cakes with a basil sauce, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts, Smoked Duck Confit Crepes with a spicy Raspberry Sauce; Filet of Beef Kabobs with a Mediterranean Relish, and Chocolate Ganache Torte with Fresh Raspberries to go with the dessert wine. Although we don’t demo the dishes that are being paired tonight, we will provide you with a few recipes...we just want you to relax, eat, sip and sniff.

Hurry and call us at 412-531-2222 to ensure your spot at the wine bar! (Contact Rania's NOT Palate Partners to RSVP)

Click Here For Rania's Site.

We will be hosting a private gathering in our store for the Association of Bridal Consultants.  They'll be discussing their business while enjoying ours.  We can do the same for you. Contact Marianne at (412) 391-8502 to inquire.

Warhol Museum Good Friday Wine Appreciations

April 30th

Andy and his whacky pals are waiting for your company! It's time for our monthly wine appreciation at The Andy Warhol Museum.

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Join The Warhol, Dreadnought Wines and Big Burrito on the last Friday of every month for ongoing Good Fridays wine appreciations. Socialize in the company of Andy Warhol’s famous celebrity portraits and experience four unique wines along with cheeses, fruits and other ideal wine accompaniments.

For more information or reservations email (Click the word) or call (412) 361-3272 Ext. 214

(walk-ins are welcome)

$20.00 per person, includes admission to the Museum!

Wines for this evening:

Graziano Chenin Blanc 2007 - California
This is the first vintage of their Chenin Blanc, Mendocino produced under the Graziano label. The wine was made in a dry European style with crisp clean aromas and flavors of pears, apples and minerals. Its body is full and rich but well-balanced by good mouth-watering acidity.
April 2010 Wine Of The Month Selection

Wooloomooloo Chardonnay 2008 - Australia
Not just a silly name, this Chardonnay has just the right touch of oak and butter for a smooth, luscious sipper. Enjoy by the pool or with some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ramon Roqueta Ull de Llebre Tempranillo 2007 - Spain
Soft and approachable Tempranillo from the historic, family-run Bodegas Roqueta in the Catalunyan Pyrenees. Selected grapes. Maceration 15 days and aging 3 months in oak barrels that confer complexity to the notes of wild fruits and liquorice typical of the variety

Pittsburgh Redd Up Red Cabernet NV - California
Complex yet well-balanced with layers of flavors of berries and cherries.  Aged in oak barrels for 14 months. Well suited to complement roasted red pepper soup, rare steak salad with parmesan cheese crisps, roasted sliced duck breast and flourless chocolate cake.

Dreadnought Wines will be joining forces with the good folks at Lidia's in the Strip District to host Paolo Benegiamo from L'Astore Masseria in Italy for a top notch wine dinner.

Wednesday, May 5 - 7:00 PM

The full menu for this event:

Reception Wine – L’Astoria Massaro Salento Rosato

First Course – Burrata Cheese, Broccoli Rabe, Paolo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil - L’Astoria Krita – IGT Salento Bianco (white)
Second Course – Nettle and Cauliflower Ravioli, Beech Mushrooms, Canestrato - L’Astore Masseria Filimei 2007 – (red)
Third Course – Heritage Pork Porterhouse Roasted with Onions and Pears, Potatoes “in Techia” - L’Astore Masseria Jema Primitivo 2007 (red)
Fourth Course - Dense Dark Chocolate Cake, Amarena Cherries - L’Astore Masseria Salento 2006  (red)

The cost for the evening is $89.00 per person, and is all inclusive.

Prepaid RSVPs are necessary, and space is very limited!

(412) 391-1709

Pittsburgh Wine Festival
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Heinz Field East and West Club Lounges
VIP Tasting 5:00-7:00 PM
Grand Tasting 7:00-9:00 PM

The Festival returns for its 8th spectacular year this coming May 1-6, 2010. This year will feature exclusive wine dinners in select restaurants with winemakers and educators leading the tastings. We will again partner with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for private dinners with exclusive chefs and winemakers to raise money for Discovery and Innovation at UPMC. So far we have partnered with UPMC to help raise 7.25 million dollars over our long and productive partnership. We hope to further raise the bar this year. Finally, the VIP and Grand Tasting event at Heinz Field on Thursday, May 6th will again be the must-attend wine event of the year. Hundreds of wineries will be represented as will many educators and winemakers who will be on hand to help round out your knowledge of the art of winemaking, tasting and appreciation.

VIP TASTING EVENT 5-7 PM
The VIP Tasting Event at the Pittsburgh Wine Festival is the must-attend wine tasting event of the year. Whether you are a serious wine collector or or a serious student of the grape, all of the elements are put into play. The VIP Tasting features special and reserve wines from all winery attendees that will be unavailable during the Grand Tasting. Only 500 guests will have the privilege of taking in the special wines, entertainment and food that is offered from 5-7 PM. We've extended the VIP Event by a 1/2 hour this year so guests may take advantage of the smaller crowd and extra time to talk to winery representatives and winemakers about their craft. VIP guests are welcome to stay for the duration of the event.

GRAND TASTING EVENT 7-9 PM
One of the largest wine events in the country, the Pittsburgh Wine Festival Grand Tasting will attract about 2500 wineconnoisseursfrom Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland andwill have the opportunity to sample wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Australia, Germany, Chile, New Zealand, as well as California, Pennsylvania and the Pacific Northwest.Food and entertainment will keep guests occupied in between wine sampling. Whether you are new to the wine world or a veteran who's looking to expand his palate this event will provide you with everything you're looking for.

Dreadnought Wines will be present with Paolo Benegiamo of Italy's L'Astore Masseria Wines.

Do NOT contact Dreadnought for information or registration.

Click Here For The Wine Festival Directly.

First and Third Friday "Wine-Knows" at Dreadnought Wines and Palate Partners.

May 7th - Special Guest - Paolo Benegiamo, Owner of L'Astore Masseria Winery in Puglia, Italy!

How many times have you stood in a State Store, staring at shelves of wine bottles, wondering ‘will I like it after I buy it?’

For many years Palate Partners and Dreadnought Wines in Pittsburgh's Strip District have been giving wine lovers the opportunity to learn about specialty wines before buying them at their First and Third Friday "Wine-Knows" at their store at 2013 Penn Avenue.

Folks gather to learn about three red and three white wines, carefully selected by owner Mike Gonze, complimented by breads and fine cheeses, and to enjoy the company of other Oenophiliacs.

Mike Gonze has taught classes for Community College of Allegheny County for over twenty years and created their wine education curriculum.  Along with presenting seminars for the local Chapters of the American Wine Society, and the AWS National Conference, Mike frequently presents custom wine seminars for local corporations like Bayer, American Express and First Tier Bank. He is an active member of the Society of Wine Educators and has attended their conferences in Oregon, Seattle and Vancouver. Mike is a frequent visitor to wineries in the US, has visited wineries in the Loire Valley and the Southern Rhone regions of France, Italy and regularly attends tastings sponsored by importers, distributors, the Culinary Institute of America, and boutique wineries. Mike maintains a personal wine cellar with over 1000 bottles specializing in lesser known wines from the US and around the world.

Needless to say, Mike knows his wines. And he loves bringing that knowledge to Pittsburghers.

After receiving an education about the Wines represented by Dreadnought, patrons can order the wines they like, and pick them up two business days later (as required by state law).

Paolo Benegiamo, a dentist by profession, owns a beautiful estate which he runs with the gentle assistance of his father, Achilles. Paolo's grandfather had been a grape grower and wine producer, so in the 1990's he started planting vineyards in a revival of an old family tradition. Masseria L'Astore's first production was 1995. The estate also produces organic olive oil from its oldest trees.

A few months ago, a select group was treated to a visit and a tasting of Paolo's wines at Dreadnought, and the L'Astore Masseria Jema Primitivo was featured as one of Dreadnought’s February 2010 Wine Of The Month selections.

This is precisely the type of hands-on boutique winery that Dreadnought likes to represent. Smaller, family owned, and lovingly tended.

Pittsburgh wine lovers can meet and greet each other at these regular "Wine-Knows" twice monthly, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Palate Partners/Dreadnought Wines store at 2013 Penn Avenue in the Strip District. The events are open to the public at the cost of only $12.00 per person and no RSVP is necessary. For more information, call (412) 391-8502

We've done several wine and food pairing events at Cafe Des Amis in Sewickley, and this evening is for a private group from a Sewickley organization.  We can do the same thing for your organization or company!

Call Marianne at (412) 391-8502 to inquire.

Saturday Quickie
May 8, 1:30 – 2:30 PM

On that average Saturday shopping trip to the Strip, did you ever wish you could be doing ANYTHING else while your friends or partner shopped? Palate Partners is proud to offer – the Saturday Quickie! A mini-wine class involving tasting and discussing four wines in an hour with wine expert Mike Gonze. Come See, Swirl, Smell, and Sip on a Saturday afternoon, taste a cheese selection from “Dear Heart” at PA Macaroni, and enjoy four wines in AN HOUR!  You’ll want to go home and cook all the goodies you’ve purchased in the Strip with the new wine knowledge you’ve picked up!

Mother's day is tomorrow - treat Mom to a quickie!

$20.00 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502