For the 2017 Cortile Courtyard of Italian Macchina there are some big plans in the works to make Sunday July 16th a MUST SEE event! The Cortile is very excited to announce "Wine on 9"

With the restoration of the Westinghouse Pond now complete, with the help of Cortile participants gracious donations and support to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for this restoration project, we now have the most opulent trackside viewing area of any of the car shows during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.  In conjunction with the 35th anniversary of the the PVGP we are very excited to announce that we will be taking full advantage of the newly renovated Pond area located on Turn 9 of the track.

Mazza Winery has partnered with the Cortile to host a private wine tasting during the PVGP Parade and opening ceremonies on Sunday July 16, 2017.  The VIP area is only open to registered Cortile Car Show participants and will kick off around 11am.  

The entire area is shaded within the tree lined track. It's one of the very best places to watch the vintage races cars jockey for position into the apex of Turn 9 and the execute passes on their way up to German Hill.

"Wine on 9" is the brainchild of Deb Schurko,of Pittsburgh Opera gala's fame. According to Deb, "This is really how we've got to use such a gorgeous place! It's so beautiful to begin with and what better place to sit back, savor some good wine and watch vintage racing! It's just the kind of classy thing that the Cortile has become known for!"

We could not agree more! 

On Friday evening July 15, you to arrive at the Clubhouse starting at 6pm and enjoy a preview of the Cortile Car show and meet some of the other car owners and sponsors on a one-on-one basis.  The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has many sites and sounds to absorb on Saturday and Sunday and our Preview Party gives you the opportunity to chat with other car owners and have some technical discussions about your cars.  Cortile Participants in the Preview Show will receive all of the materials they require for entry into the show grounds for the weekend on Friday evening.  

This event is also open to all Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix car show participants, the only requirement is that you must have a car registered at one of the weekend car shows. Space is limited, Pre-registration is a must. No drive up registration permitted. $45/person.

Jeff is the Great Grandson of George Schuster, driver of the American Thomas Flyer and winner of the 1908 New York to Paris Race.  For his victory, George was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame beside other racing greats including Andretti, Bugatti, Ferrari, and Shelby.
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Jeff will also be joining us on Saturday for more about the 1908 New York to Paris Race.  You can learn more about that HERE

We are very pleased to welcome Mazza Winery as a sponsor at the Cortile again this year!  Not only does Bob Mazza make some great wines right here in Pennsylvania but he's also a race driver!  Below you can read about the winery and at the bottom you can check out some video of Bob on the track!

The secret was a young German winemaker named Helmut Kranich, a graduate of the world-famous school of enology at Geisenheim who came to Mazza Vineyards from Henkle and Sekt Co., one of the largest wineries in Germany, known for its champagne.  At the age of 23, Kranich had the distinction of being one of the youngest winemakers in the eastern United States.

Mazza wines have evolved over the years. Gary Mosier, who from the beginning studied alongside Helmut, served as winemaker for many years, contributing his own signature wines. Many customers, especially those new to wine drinking, prefer the sweet, fruity taste that comes from the native Niagara, Concord and Catawba grapes.  Now that the health benefits of drinking red wine are well known, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chambourcin have also become popular selections.

Robert continued to expand the operation in North East after his brother, Frank, left the region in 1979 to help develop another winery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  He soon found that blending the ancient art of winemaking with the most modern techniques and equipment often brings exciting results.

Mazza’s wife and children regularly contribute new ideas to the family business.  While still in high school, Mario and Vanessa developed a private-label program, which provides customers with a unique way to commemorate special occasions.  Mario has now rejoined his father as the company’s general manager and Vice President after training abroad at the University of Adelaide in Australia in enology & viticulture, while Vanessa contributes as creative director.

In the early years, when unfavorable regulatory conditions and a slowing economy threatened to close down many wineries, Mazza pressed on.  He credits his wife, Kathie, for her encouragement and support.  “We were not willing to give up,” said Robert.  “We both wanted to succeed.”

And succeed they have.  Mazza wines have greeted the lips of presidents, toasted governors and christened ships, including a limited edition Vidal Blanc reserved for the U.S. Brig Niagara.  In addition, Mazza’s Niagara is the top selling Pennsylvania wine in the entire Pennsylvania state store system.  Mazza Vineyards continues to earn international recognition for its wines and is one of the largest producers of Pennsylvania-grown wine in the Commonwealth.​

Mazza Vineyards, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars / Five & 20 Spirits and the South Shore Wine Company are all part of Lake Erie Wine Country, formerly the Chautauqua - Lake Erie Wine Trail, which hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.