Pittsburgh’s wine scene is growing — and it's worth exploring! — thanks to a passionate network of local importers, sommeliers, and educators making sure everyone has something exciting to sip.
Discover the Burgh’s Jeremy Jones and culinary educator Kanika Rautji (aka @theindiansomm) recommend starting with what you know. Love the sweet stuff? Tell your somm or waiter. Interested in something fruity or light? Share that, too.
“If I'm engaging with people who are attending my classes or hire me for an event, I'll always ask them what they (like or) dislike about a wine … Why did they enjoy it?” Rautji says. And there’s no need to be stuffy about it. “If I can guide you to something that becomes your new favorite in the moment or breaks your preconceived notions about a flavor, I consider that a success.”
So where should you get a glass in Pittsburgh?
Allegheny Wine Mixer is perfect for both newbie sippers and practiced connoisseurs. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🧀 Casual & Creative Wine Bars
📍Lawrenceville
A true Pittsburgh original with funky decor, rotating global wines, and a knowledgeable, approachable staff. Great for both nerdy deep-dives and laid-back hangs.
📍Bloomfield
A low-key, neighborhood favorite to try classic varietals direct from Italy. Bring your own food or order in while you chat with owners Jim and Robin, who are never shy with the tastings.
📍Lawrenceville
Stylish, cozy, and modern with an emphasis on great selections by the glass. Perfect for after-work drinks or weekend date nights. Your favorite somm sips here.
📍East Liberty
Technically a beer hall, but the wine list is sneakily excellent. Great natural and Old World selections, plus Alpine-style snacks and beautiful ambiance.
📍Strip District
Multi-level food and drink space with a dedicated wine bar. Great flights, regular wine events, and perfect for groups who want variety.
📍Allegheny West
Argentinian-owned and operated, this small winery offers estate-grown wines from Mendoza in a warm, welcoming tasting room. Don’t skip the delicious small plates!
📍Downtown
Cap off your night in the Cultural District with sips and sweets on Penn Avenue. The menu has an extensive wine selection, perfect to pair with a fancy treat like lemon ricotta doughnuts with black pepper and rosemary pastry cream.
A few rows of grapes planted by Richard Ripepi in 1987 has grown into a thriving family-owned winery south of the city, operated today by his daughter, Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
✨ Upscale Wine Experiences
📍Rankin
A restored church turned fine dining and wine destination. Beautiful ambiance, extensive bottle list, and a speakeasy-style lounge below. Fit for a fancy night out.
📍Belle Vernon
A jaw-droppingly beautiful estate with a castle-like, mansion setting. Perfect for weddings, tastings, or just sipping wine in a stunning space.
📍Downtown
Offers a diverse list with half-pours so you can sip as much as you dare. Perfect for discovering new favorites and pairing with Spanish and Mediterranean tapas.
📍Gibsonia
Just a short drive from the city, Narcisi offers full-on wine country vibes with Italian varietals, a restaurant, and summer concerts. Their sweet peach is a local favorite.
📍Monongahela
Look for wine-focused cocktails, delicious vendors, and summertime events at this hillside, family-owned destination. Perfect for a down-to-earth group hang and totally worth the drive.
Palate Partners hosts casual $15 tasting classes every other week. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🍇 Boutique Bottle Shops to Learn About Wine
📍Lawrenceville
Home to tastings, classes, and wine education. Come for a one-off event or dive into deeper study. Owners Deb & Mike are friendly, accessible, funny, and so full of knowledge — and they always have a new recommendation up their sleeves.
📍Lawrenceville
Tiny but mighty. This boutique shop inside Lawrenceville Market House specializes in natural wines and rare finds. Check out their regular free tasting events and ticketed wine classes.
😢 Nine O'Clock Wines announced on July 7 that it will be closing the first week of September. Stop by and support them before summer's end!
📍Squirrel Hill
A sleek bottle shop with thoughtfully curated offerings and a chill vibe. Perfect for browsing and, during special events, sipping a sample or four.
📍Shadyside
A newer addition with a focus on fun, funky wines and small producer gems. Great service and a cool, unpretentious vibe.
Try something new and order a skin contact wine at Apteka, recently nominated again by the James Beard Foundation. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🍷 Restaurants with Excellent Wine Programs
📍Bloomfield
Once a month, this cozy neighborhood bar and restaurant hosts a wine-tasting event with visiting experts. It’s an evening of “big fun” and lively chats with owner Grainne.
📍Lawrenceville
Ever tried draft wine? Owner Franco offers authentic Italian food and traditional European service in a swanky, fine dining atmosphere.
📍South Side
A longtime staple of Pittsburgh’s wine-and-dine scene. Southern Italian cuisine with a deep, thoughtful list of Mediterranean wines.
📍Bloomfield
A haven for natural wine with a highly celebrated, fully vegan Eastern European menu. Wines here are curated to match bold flavors and curious palates.
📍Downtown
Argentine cuisine and an impressive South American-heavy wine list. Ideal for pairing a rich Malbec with fire-grilled meats.
📍North Side
New American cuisine and a modern wine program that hits all the right notes — global variety, quality pours, and food-first pairings.
📍Lawrenceville
James Beard-nominated Spanish tapas with a strong Iberian wine list to match. Pairing options are spot-on — don’t miss the sherry.
📍North Side
Seasonal menu with a sharp wine list that includes lesser-known gems. Staff are well-trained and enthusiastic about helping you find your match.
Wanna learn more? Check out themed classes and private events from The Indian Somm — designed to educate without intimidation. Her upcoming wine passport and pairing classes are a must for anyone curious about wine!
