The Pittsburgh Wine Festival, a week-long event of seminars and wine dinners and tastings, has been recognized as one of the 10 best wine festivals in America. The sixth annual festival will open May 3 with a festive dinner and live auction at the Carlton Restaurant.

The ever-expanding program of events will include wine dinners at 19 local restaurants as well as private home dinners. The week culminates May 8 with a tasting at Heinz Field where 216 wineries from around the world will pour samples.

Initiated five years ago, this sell-out event has raised more than $1.2 million for local charities. This year organizers hope to raise the bar to $3 million. Proceeds will benefit the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Magee-Womens Hospital Research Institute and Foundation. The VIP and Grand Tasting events draw more than 3,000 wine enthusiasts. Tickets can be purchased online (www.pittsburghwinefestival.com) or by phone (412-281-2681).

The VIP tasting is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 8. Tickets are $250. The Grand Tasting is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. May 8. Tickets are $125. The tastings are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Comcast. There will be an on-site PLCB store selling Chairman's Selection wines and wine accessories.