[3] The festival is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board,[4] which maintains an on-site wine shop.

[2] The first event was held in 2003,[6] amid some questioning whether a "beer city" like Pittsburgh could sustain a wine festival.

[7] It is now well established, however, and the festival receives generally positive reviews from wine critics.

[11] Its success inspired the Pittsburgh Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival.

[13] By the fourth year, in 2007, the festival had raised over $400,000 for charity.