July 2013
Now this is an entrance…
This grand, historical entrance once ushered clients into a bank, but today this doorway leads to the Pittsburgh Winery.
Owner and winemaker Tim Gaber began his winemaking career among friends in the cellar of an old firehouse, where the group made small batches using traditional methods. His passion led him to travel beyond Pittsburgh and collaborate with seasoned vintners in California. Having sharpened his winemaking skills at UC Davis, he returned to Pittsburgh to launch his own brand. Thus the beautiful bank building came to house something far more useful (we all bank online these days anyway, so let’s make a toast!).
Wednesday through Sunday, the Pittsburgh Winery is open for tastings and purchases, but the varieties are also available on restaurant menus all over the city, including a few of my favorites like Franktuary, The Porch at Schenley and BrGr.
In addition to a tasting room, the winery includes a basement events space. For planners and partyers, this is a welcome addition to the list of Pittsburgh spaces.
As an urban winery, Gaber is not tied to any particular vineyard. As a result, his priority is to source premium wine grapes from around the world, with his primary focus being California and South America. I sampled the Malbec and the Cabernet as part of the event I attended.
I have been a faithful Malbec drinker ever since I studied abroad in Argentina, which is famed for its wine country in Mendoza. This variety can be hit or miss and usually requires aerating. Perhaps I was a few swirls short, but Gaber’s Malbec fell short of my expectations. That being said, I enjoyed the smoothness of the cabernet, and I would recommend supporting the Pittsburgh Winery as it continues to grow and develop.
