By Kristy Locklin
Take a boozy stroll through the Strip District with Marta Napoleone Mazzoni.
The host of the award-winning podcast, Marta On The Move, recently launched Pittsburgh’s Original Libations Tour to shine a light on local craft distilleries. The next outing is June 23.
“The idea has always been in the back of my mind,” she says. “We have hosted so many dinner parties, happy hours, blind tastings and game nights that this just seemed like a very cool thing to do to showcase Pittsburgh’s growing alcohol industry and also meet new like-minded friends in the process.”
The two-hour walkabouts, held on rain or shine on various Sundays throughout the year, include three to four stops with tastings, snacks, a chocolate pairing, games and history lessons at each location. Tours include a straight liquor excursion or one that mixes wine and beer in with the spirits.
Participating businesses include Maggie’s Farm Rum, Pittsburgh Winery, East End Brewing, Kingfly Spirits and Wigle Whiskey and more.
Mazzoni and her husband, Phillip, both Pittsburgh natives, will serve as guides. They’ve already had plenty of practice as cocktail docents. They run two Airbnb’s in the area and regularly take guests on tours.
“Pittsburgh isn’t always considered to be a walking town. It has many hills and valleys,” she says. “The best way to absorb a place around you is on your two feet. We found the perfect place to do that in the nucleus of the city.”
Each event can accommodate six to 12 guests, who will be informed of the starting point once they purchase their tickets online. Private bookings also are available. If demand is high enough, the Mazzonis have a stable of equally entertaining and informed friends who will serve as additional tour guides.
