It isn't every day that you see people elated when they hear 100 barrels at Engine House 25 Wines in Lawrenceville have been 86'd.
“I've been blessed to be able to do so many things that tie me to Pittsburgh,” said former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, with his wife, Lindsey. “Hopefully, it will be something that appeals to people's taste buds and appeals to their palate and they'll like it.”
On Jan. 13, 150 guests were schedule to arrive in two shifts to Table 86 by Hines Ward and Vines Wine Bar in Seven Fields to raise a glass in honor of the official uncorking of his # 86 Sonoma Cabernet. Fifty percent of the evening's profits went to Ward's charity, The Helping Hands Foundation.
Rumor had it that a white wine will be debuting within the next month, while reviews of the red swayed heavily on the side of loving it. Tasters included restaurant owner Howard Shiller, June Reynolds, Shari Barnes, Gary Brown, Elizabeth Meyer, Ken and Sharon Kamicker, Melissa and Jesse Calvert, and Dalilah Santini.
All things considered, though, it wasn't too much of a stretch to guess what had been the main draw for ticket holders.
“Well, Hines — but the wine is an added bonus,” admittedBrianna Baum and her husband, Nickolas, who traveled from Latrobe for the tasting.
Elsewhere, Gia Tsavalos showed off an impressive display of devotion with the Steelers emblem shaved into the back of her head, “I'm trying to represent Mr. Hines,” she said, laughing.
Engine House ownerDuane Rieder kept glasses half full with samples of the cabernet that had been aged for more than two years in French oak barrels.
Naturally, this inspired an astute summation of the evening's events.
“What happens at Table 86 stays at Table 86,” said Ward's agent,Andrew Ree.
Kate Benz is a Tribune-Review contributing writer. Send Fanfare notices to Fanfare@tribweb.com.
