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

September 3rd

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.

Uncorked this evening:

Yellow Cellars Cape White 2008 - South Africa  $11.79
Classic Chenin Blanc aromas of ripe guava and melon infused with delicate spice. Zingy tropical fruit and crisp acidity make for a lively and lasting palate.

Rock River Chardonnay 2008 - California  $11.29
Rock River Chardonnay expresses distinctive apple/pear fruit character, along with subtle oak notes and refreshing acidity to keep it bright.

Yorkville Cellars Eleanor of Aquitaine 2007 - California  $25.49
Made from Randle Hill Vineyard certified organic grapes.  A blend of Semillon (56%) and Sauvignon Blanc (44%), a wine made in the classic tradition of the Graves style Bordeaux Blanc.  Laser sharp, yet nicely textured with aromas of citrus and generous tangerine fruit. Lime zest and a keen mineral flavor linger in the finish.

Pittsburgh 'Redd Up Red' Cabernet NV - California  $11.29
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.

Cuvee Stephi Pinot Noir 2009 - France  $17.29
This wine is very aromatic with a beautiful nose of wild berries and a touch of pepper.  Very crisp and jammy mouthfeel with a nice smooth spicy finish.  Stephi is best served slightly chilled with grilled meats, Indian or Cajun cuisine, or simply between friends.

Eberle Full Boar Red NV - California  $17.99
The best kept secret in the Passage of the Oaks! Predominantly Cabernet, the non-vintage Full Boar Red gets its versatile characteristics from splashes of Sangiovese, Barbera and Tempranillo. There is a smoky character to it that is rather unique and quite memorable.  Definitely the wildest country wine your table’s ever seen.  March 2010 Wine of the Month Selection!

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

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

September 17th

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).

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

With the fall approaching, The Elbow Room will return to it's monthly wine tasting series!

We all enjoy a glass of wine now and again, but have you ever wondered where your vino physically came from? We hear about the grapes but how are they different from the red seedless on special at Giant Eagle?

Join Deb Martillaro from Palate Partners in the Strip District and Katie Vojtko from the Elbow Room as we not only talk about the origin and making of wine, but also examine and taste actual Merlot and Chardonnay grapes from California.

As always, the cost is $20/person - which includes the grapes, wine, and small bites. Reservations are not required, but requested. Please email Katie at (E-mail) or call the ELBOW ROOM at 412-441-5222

5744 1/2 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Do NOT Contact Dreadnought Wines or Palate Partners to RSVP.  Contact The Elbow Room.

Warhol Museum Good Friday Wine Appreciations

September 24th

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!

Saturday Quickie
September 25, 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!

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

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

October 1st

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).

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