Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wollersheim Winery Open House Emphasizes Wisconsin Pride

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Wollersheim Winery Open House Emphasizes Wisconsin Pride
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/19/2008

Wollersheim Winery, located 25 miles northwest of Madison, is holding its annual Open House on March 1 and 2 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors are invited to expand their knowledge of winemaking while enjoying the winery's rich history and award-winning wines proudly made in Wisconsin. A unique blend of activities both days includes grapevine pruning demos, cooking with wine demos, winemaker presentations, self-guided tours, and of course wine tasting.

A new release this season, Prairie Red can be tasted along with its other 'Prairie family' counterparts, such as Prairie Fume and Prairie Blush. The Prairie Red is a dry, grapey estate-grown wine which pairs well with light meats or spicy foods.

Each day commences with a 'Growing Grapes in Wisconsin' talk accompanied by a Grapevine Pruning Demonstration set in the vineyard. Attendees can also take an excursion through some of the winery's oldest vines learning pruning techniques for home grapevines as Winemaker Philippe and Vineyard Manager Bruce share what they have learned about pruning grapes in Wisconsin. This demonstration is offered on Saturday at 10:15 am and 2:30 pm and again on Sunday at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

And you can gain some cooking with wine tips and enjoy a taste as guest chef, Paul Short, MATC Culinary Arts Chef Instructor, features Wollersheim's Prairie Fume wine during cooking demonstrations held at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday and 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm on Sunday.

In place of regular guided tours, visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour and explore the fermentation room and underground aging cellars, plus other wine production areas not generally open to the public. Winery staff will be on hand to answer questions.