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Food|Breweries & Wineries

This Skyline Wine Cruise In Pittsburgh Is The Perfect Summer Adventure

Enjoy a wine tasting cruise in Pittsburgh with stunning skyline views, hors d’oeuvres, and themed wine selections.

Published May 14, 2018

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Cast your worries aside - even if just for a few hours - as you drink in a gorgeous Pittsburgh sunset and an assortment of eight wines aboard this wine cruise in Pittsburgh. The adults-only cruise promises sweeping views of the Pittsburgh skyline from downtown to Heinz Field and beyond. And, you'll enjoy a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres, good company, and delicious drinks.

Gather a group of friends together - or make it a date for two - for an unforgettable evening aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet's newest event: The wine tasting cruise.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

Once a month from June through November, the Gateway Clipper will set sail on a wine tasting adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. And, each cruise features a different theme.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

The first wine tasting cruise of the season, for example, sets sail on June 13, 2018 with the theme Old World versus New World Wines.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

Sample eight wines from such idyllic spots as Spain, California, Italy, France, and Australia.

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Trip Advisor/Srv Dutta

Pair your wine with hors d’oeuvres from the buffet. The season's buffet includes such delectable choices as grilled Italian sausage, baked mac and cheese, and seasonal fresh fruit.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

And, if you prefer something more than the featured wines, visit the full bar that boasts beer, wine, and pop.

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Flickr/Didriks

Of course, your wine tasting experience also comes with insight into the wine region - and the types of wine - featured. A wine expert will be on hand for each cruise.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

Other themes during the 2018 season include the Wines of Spain, Rose on the River, and the Wines of Italy. Passengers must be 21 or older and must provide valid ID upon boarding.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

Wine tasting cruises begin boarding at 5:54 p.m. and set sail from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., promising perfect views of a Pittsburgh sunset and the city skyline awash in shimmering lights.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

The Gateway Clipper Fleet sets sail at 350 W. Station Square Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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Facebook/Gateway Clipper Fleet

For more information, visit the official website here and the Facebook page here

Sample an assortment of unforgettable wines aboard this wine cruise in Pittsburgh. Then, if you're still in the mood for wine tasting, climb aboard this wine trolley that will take you to four fantastic wineries.

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Food|Breweries & Wineries

The Annual Lavender Festival Near Pittsburgh Belongs On Your Springtime Bucket List

Christian W. Klay Winery's annual Lavender Festival offers wine, food, live music, and lavender products near Pittsburgh.

Updated Mar 9, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Sip a little wine. Indulge in some delicious food, and relax to the sweet scent of lavender as live music fills the air. Can you think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the earliest days of summer? This lavender festival near Pittsburgh, about an hour and 15 minutes from downtown, promises an idyllic way to spend a few hours, so be sure to add it to your to-do list this June.

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Clear your calendar for Christian W. Klay Winery's annual Lavender Festival, set for Saturday, June 22, 2024.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

There's probably no sweeter - or relaxing - scent than that of lavender. Savor every sweet moment at this spring festival near Pittsburgh that celebrates this beautiful flower. (Well, the lavender festival in Pennsylvania is traditionally held at the very end of spring but happens to fall just a few days into summer in 2024.)

Celebrating its 17th year in 2024, the times for the lavender festival in Pennsylvania have not yet been announced. Keep an eye out on its website and Facebook page for updates.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

You'll find both the website and Facebook page linked at the end of the article.

The lavender festival in Pennsylvania typically includes a full menu of fun, including food trucks, and a variety of vendors.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

Past vendors have offered a little bit of everything - from fresh lavender and lavender products to arts and crafts. If you're searching for a unique gift or want to treat yourself, you're sure to find a few gems.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

Indulge in a bit of wine - a wine slushie, perhaps? - and spirits tasting, paired with a delicious snack from one of the food trucks.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

If you're looking for one of the best spring festivals near Pittsburgh, you've just hit paydirt. Don't forget to mark your calendar for June 22, 2024.

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The winery usually has plenty of seating, where you can relax, enjoy a bite, sip your wine, and listen to live music.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

Don't forget to stock up on your favorite wines from the winery during your visit.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

Learn more on the official website of Christian W. Klay Winery. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this winery near Pittsburgh for more.

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Facebook/Christian W. Klay Winery

Have you ever been to this lavender festival near Pittsburgh? Would you recommend it to others? Let us know in the comments! Spring's all about getting out there and exploring. When you've got a free day this spring, follow this day trip to the best flower fields near Pittsburgh. All that spring exploring means you'll need a pair of comfy walking shoes.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/road-trip-flowers-pgh/

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Food|Breweries & Wineries

Sip Wine Underground At The Enchanting Hartwood Wine Cave Near Pittsburgh

Hartwood Wine Cave near Pittsburgh offers a unique wine tasting experience with a cave-like ambiance and delicious small plates.

Published Oct 18, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Pittsburgh's constantly growing. New businesses and attractions pop up all of the time. That only means one thing. We always have new gems to discover, which means additions to our bucket list. Hartwood Wine Cave near Pittsburgh, for example, recently opened, and it's the perfect destination if you're up for a bit of wine sampling, paired with a delicious small plate. And the ambiance? It's definitely one-of-a-kind.

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Hartwood Wine Cave in Allison Park promises a unique adventure that includes delicious wine, scrumptious small plates, and a unique atmosphere.

A sign reading "Hartwood Wine Cave Now Open" in front of a charming building with outdoor seating and greenery.
Google/Samantha Sears

While you can sit outside on those sunsoaked Western Pennsylvania days, you'll probably at least want to check out the wine cave.

Bottles of wine displayed on a stone shelf, illuminated by soft lighting, showcasing various colors and labels.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

Go underground, where you'll feel as though you're in a real cave, complete with cave drawings and twinkling "stars" in the ceiling above.

A rustic bar area with rock-like walls, featuring two black stools and shelves displaying bottles.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

You'll find plenty of seating, too, and a chill vibe, making it easy to relax and to soak up the one-of-a-kind surroundings.

A rustic interior with stone walls and a starry ceiling, featuring natural rock formations and wooden accents.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

Browse the menu that's brimming with deliciousness from Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker.

A bottle of red wine with a glass, accompanied by a charcuterie platter of meats, cheeses, and grapes on a wooden table.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

Red, white, and rose wines are available by the glass or by the bottle. If you want to cool off, order the Rose Wine Slushie.

A wine bottle, glass, and a platter of assorted cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie on a table with a plant in the background.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

The menu also features cider, beer, and an assortment of cocktails. Gin & tonic, the margarita, and the Paradise Mojito are among your choices.

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A wooden table holds a glass of wine, a bottle, and a plate of snacks, beside a rustic wooden bench in a garden.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

Pair your drink with one of the wine cave's small plates - a cheese plate or a charcuterie plate, for example.

A bottle of Briar Valley Merlot wine next to a glass of red wine and a plate of snacks on a wooden table.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

You can't go wrong, either, with a helping of hummus or bread and oil.

A wooden platter with assorted cheeses, meats, grapes, olives, carrots, cucumbers, and dipping sauces.
Facebook/Hartwood Wine Cave

Visit the official website of Hartwood Wine Cave for days, hours, and more information. Or, go here for Facebook.

Sign for Hartwood Wine Cave, featuring illuminated letters against a stone backdrop.
Google/Mike Capsambelis

Have you been to Hartwood Wine Cave near Pittsburgh? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you prefer pouring your own wine, plan a visit to The Vault Taproom on the South Side.

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