Pennsylvania to Celebrate Wine Week 2011 with Regional Festivals

Events Planned in Pittsburgh, Hershey and Philadelphia

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wine Week 2011 will be celebrated with festivals in Pittsburgh, Hershey and Philadelphia starting Thursday, May 5, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said today. Each event will feature more than 600 wines and 125 vintners.

"We're excited to be a part of this annual tradition, which offers a unique experience to our guests and brings together wine lovers ranging from novices to experienced connoisseurs," said Liquor Control Board Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton. "Each festival will offer tasting opportunities and exclusive product releases."  

Each venue will feature a PA Wine & Spirits store, which will offer showcase wines along with special VIP and Grand Tasting Segments. These events will allow visitors to sample wines, meet winemakers and enjoy a variety of foods.

Festival guests will be able to sample wines available only through special order in PA Wine and Spirits Stores and may place orders for pick-up at their local stores.  

On Thursday, May 5, the Ninth Annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival takes place at Heinz Field.  The VIP tasting runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the Grand Tasting follows from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.pittsburghwinefestival.com.  

This year's event will also include exclusive wine dinners in select restaurants featuring tastings led by various winemakers. Proceeds from the festival benefit Discovery and Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

On Friday, May 6, the Fourth Annual Wine Festival in Hershey will take place at the Giant Center.  The VIP tasting runs from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the Grand Tasting follows from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at www.winefestivalinhershey.com. Proceeds will benefit the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

On Saturday, May 7, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown will host to the 10th Annual Philadelphia Wine Festival.  The VIP tasting is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the Grand Tasting follows from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.philadelphiawinefestival.com. Proceeds benefit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  

Media contacts:  Stacey Witalec or Stacy Kriedeman, 717-783-8864  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board