Springfield, IL: Winter Wine Festival

Feb 1, 2013
6:00 pm until 10:00 pm

Illinois Winemakers Invite the Public to a Winter Wine Festival at Their Annual Conference & Trade Show
Dr. Ann Noble, inventor of The Wine Aroma Wheel to speak


The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) is holding its Annual Conference and Tradeshow at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on February 1- 2, 2013. Over 225 wine professionals from around the state will gather to learn the latest techniques for everything from Crop Estimation in the Vineyard and Managing Vineyards through Droughts to Wine Stability and New Varietals.

New this year, the public will get the opportunity to “look behind the curtain” of the wine-making industry by attending the Winter Wine Festival. The Festival kicks off Friday, February 1st at 6 p.m. Representatives from twenty Illinois wineries will pour samples and offer wines for sale by the glass, bottle and case.

To hone their wine tasting skills, each attendee will be given a handout explaining the distinct grape varietals in Illinois, their characteristics and flavor profiles to practice wine sensory analysis. Gourmet food tasting stations will be arranged based on the types of wines that pair well with each food item.  This will allow attendees to explore the ways in which food can heighten the wine-drinking experience.  The cost for the Winter Wine Festival, which includes 5 tasting tickets, is $25.

Speaking at the conference will be Dr. Ann Noble, creator of The Wine Aroma Wheel.  The unique tool is designed to enhance one's wine experience by helping people identify aromas and describe the complexity of flavor in red and white wines. (http://winearomawheel.com)

Wine aficionados can relax and spend the night at the Crowne Plaza using the Grape Growers discount by calling 217-529-7777 to reserve their room.

The IGGVA is offering a package deal which includes admission to the Wine Festival, complimentary breakfast at the Rosewood Restaurant’s “Great American Breakfast Buffet," and admittance to the Wine Lover’s Workshop on Saturday, February 2nd. 

The Wine Lover’s Workshop will offer educational sessions on the history of America’s first wine production region (the Midwest), growing grapes in your backyard, pairing wine with food and more. The cost for the package deal (excluding the hotel room) is $50 per person.

For more information, please contact the IGGVA at 217-726-8518 or by visiting
http://www.illinoiswine.com/conference.html  

Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/254072724723372/  

Wineries attending:

• Sleepy Creek Vineyard
• Pheasant Hollow Winery
• Alto Vineyards
• Lyn-Nita Vineyards
• Massbach Ridge Winery
• Mary Michelle Winery
• White Oak Vineyards
• Illinois River Winery
• Wild Blossom Winery & Meadery
• Blue Sky Vineyards
• Hill Prairie Winery
• Fox Valley Winery
• Shawnee Winery
• Galena Cellars
• Prairie State Winery
• Baxter's Vineyard
• August Hill Winery
• Willett's Winery & Cellar

Crowne Plaza Hotel
3000 S Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL
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