\n \;
\n\n Illinois Winemakers I
nvite the Public to a Winter Wine Festival at Their Annual Conference &
\; Trade Show
\n Dr. Ann Noble\, inventor of The Wine Aroma Wh
eel to speak
\n
\n
\n The Illinois Grape Growers and
Vintners Association (IGGVA) is holding its Annual Conference and Tradesho
w at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on February 1- 2\, 2013. Over 225 win
e professionals from around the state will gather to learn the latest tech
niques for everything from Crop Estimation in the Vineyard and Managing Vi
neyards through Droughts to Wine Stability and New Varietals.
\n
\n New this year\, the public will get the opportunity to &ldquo\;look b
ehind the curtain&rdquo\; of the wine-making industry by attending the Win
ter 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.
\n
\n To hone th
eir wine tasting skills\, each attendee will be given a handout explaining
the distinct grape varietals in Illinois\, their characteristics and flav
or profiles to practice wine sensory analysis. Gourmet food tasting statio
ns will be arranged based on the types of wines that pair well with each f
ood item. \; This will allow attendees to explore the ways in which fo
od can heighten the wine-drinking experience. \; The cost for the Wint
er Wine Festival\, which includes 5 tasting tickets\, is $25.
\n
\n Speaking at the conference will be Dr. Ann Noble\, creator of The Win
e Aroma Wheel. \; The unique tool is designed to enhance one'\;s wi
ne experience by helping people identify aromas and describe the complexit
y of flavor in red and white wines. (http://winearomawheel.com)
\n \n 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.
\n
\n The IGGVA is offering a package deal which includes
admission to the Wine Festival\, complimentary breakfast at the Rosewood
Restaurant&rsquo\;s &ldquo\;Great American Breakfast Buffet\,"\; and a
dmittance to the Wine Lover&rsquo\;s Workshop on Saturday\, February 2nd.&
nbsp\;
\n
\n The Wine Lover&rsquo\;s Workshop will offer educat
ional sessions on the history of America&rsquo\;s first wine production re
gion (the Midwest)\, growing grapes in your backyard\, pairing wine with f
ood and more. The cost for the package deal (excluding the hotel room) is
$50 per person.
\n
\n For more information\, please contact the
IGGVA at 217-726-8518 or by visiting
\n http://www.illinoiswine.com/conference.html
\;
\n
\n Facebook event page:
\n https://www.facebook.com/events/254
072724723372/ \;
\n
\n Wineries attending: