Wollersheim plans Port Celebration

The dreary chill of Wisconsin's winter may be hovering, but Wollersheim Winery's Port Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 28, is sure to warm the spirits. This annual complimentary event heats things up with a special self-guided tour, wine tastings, food, music and more.

These sipping wines are available for tasting and purchasing, which includes the White Port and red Port.

This year, Wollersheim's Tawny Port will be available for purchase. After aging in oak barrels for five years, the Tawny Port 2007 has developed a smooth, silky profile.

The plethora of Port pours on from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with:

• Tours & Tasting - In lieu of the regular tour, take a stroll behind the scenes and learn how Port wines are made. Enjoy a taste of the red Port, white Port, and a few other wines along the way as visitors wind around from the modern fermentation facilities to the historic stone wine cellars where the Port ages in barrels. Plus, view Winemaker Philippe's custom-painted Port Harley motorcycle and the Brandy pot still.

• Winemaker Talks - Hear from winemaker Philippe, plus ask questions about the wines or winery, as he shares insight on making Port wines. Talks are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

• Wine & Food - The Port wines and other Wollersheim wines are available to purchase and enjoy by the glass. A Port plate combination that complements the Ports with flavorful Wisconsin-made Asiago cheese, chocolate truffles, freshly baked bread, almonds, and apricots is also available to purchase.

• Live Music - Warm up with live jazz instrumentation played by Enfuego upstairs in the original winery building.

• Photo Contest - Wollersheim kicks off its second annual "Pose with Port" photo contest on Facebook. This year, visitors at the Port celebration will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite photo at a designated area along the self-guided tour route where the photos will be displayed. Those interested can enter the contest before Jan. 27 by visiting Wollersheim's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WollersheimWinery.

For more information about Wollersheim Winery Port wines or the upcoming Port Celebration on Jan. 28, call 608-643-6515 or visit www.wollersheim.com.

The Annual Port Celebration is open to the public and admission is free. This event is separate from the Mighty Oak Tawny Port Fundraiser.