Bowling, Bocce and Wine

If thinking of Edina’s conjures images of only bocce and bowling, add some upscale beverages and tasty nibbles to the list. 

Pinstripes reminds us that their third B is bistro, offering Italian/American food and wine. On Friday, October 14, Pinstripes presents its first-ever Wine Festival.

Pinstripes manager Jessica Johnson assures us that while the establishment offers its fair share of games and fun, they keep a close eye on quality food and drink as well.

“We’re definitely all about wine here at Pinstripes,” Johnson said. “We’re all about great wine and great food.”

The event is being presented as a wine tasting, featuring 15 different wines, each with food pairings. The wines offered will be a selection of those already available at Pinstripes alongside some new bottles brought in by the establishment’s wine reps. The Pinstripes chef is hard at work preparing tasting samples to perfectly complement each libation. 

Edina’s Pinstripes is one of three locations (the other two are in Illinois), and all three will be hosting wine tasting events on the same night. While it’s the first of its kind at the locations, Johnson said Pinstripes hopes to make this an annual event. Early indicators predict the event will be a success. Johnson said more than 100 tickets have already been sold. As long as they don’t sell out beforehand, Pinstripes plans to have tickets available for purchase through the day of the event.

Guests can feel good about their ticket purchases as well, since the event also has a focus on charity. Tickets are $50 per person, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local nonprofit Hockey Dreams. The Hockey Dreams Foundation provides youth and college scholarship opportunities to aspiring hockey players in the Midwest. 

Hope McBain, fundraising director for Hockey Dreams, said the Wine Festival will offer a great opportunity for the two-year-old foundation to increase awareness. 

“We’re just really excited to be involved in the event,” McBain said. “We’re a new charity so this is a good way to get our name out there.”  

The Wine Festival will be held on the main floor of Pinstripes, in the bowling, bocce and private rooms. A more casual affair than some wine tastings, guests will be able to bowl and play bocce while sampling the wine and food, encouraging a fun and playful evening.  

If You Go: 

What: Pinstripes Wine Festival 

When: 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14

Where:

Cost: $50 per person