Prairie du Sac
With harvest done and winemaking in full swing, Wollersheim Winery is set to celebrate an the 2009 vintage with two different events this November. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the public is invited to enjoy the first taste of the new harvest with the release of Wollersheim Ruby Nouveau 2009. The next Saturday, Nov. 28, return to the historic winery to experience old-world charm while preparing for Christmas.
A tradition that began in Wollersheim winemaker Philippe Coquard’s home region of Beaujolais, France, it is on this day, Nov. 21, that the first taste of the new vintage, nouveau wine, is released.
Wollersheim Ruby Nouveau, which became available Nov. 19 at the winery and in many Wisconsin stores and restaurants, is Wisconsin’s version of a Beaujolais nouveau. Made from Foch grapes grown at the Wollersheim hillside vineyards in Prairie du Sac, this wine follows the traditional winemaking techniques Coquard grew up with of whole berry fermentation. It is a fruity and dry grape wine with a brilliant ruby red color and fruit aromas reminiscent of blueberries, blackcaps or Bing cherries. Ruby Nouveau is a good choice during the holiday season pairing well with turkey and other festive foods.
On Nov. 21, the public is invited to Wollersheim Winery to enjoy a French tradition with a Wisconsin twist. The Ruby Nouveau Tasting event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. upstairs in the winery’s Sugarloaf and Vineyard rooms.
The Ruby Nouveau event includes wine and cheese tasting of Ruby Nouveau 2009 and other Wollersheim wines such as Chardonnay, Prairie Fumè, White Riesling and Blushing Rose paired with an array of specialty Wisconsin cheeses.
Cheese experts from Roth Käse will be on hand to share samples and talk about their specialty cheeses.
In lieu of the winery’s regular tour, a special self-guided “wine journey” featuring details on the history and making of Ruby Nouveau is offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at no charge.
Another November event is A Vintage Christmas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, offering a chance to taste wine with festive foods, find unique gifts and gain holiday entertaining tips. Plus Christmas carolers will share sounds of the season. The wine tasting will include Wollersheim wines such as Domaine du Sac, Chardonnay, Prairie Fumè, Prairie Blush, River Gold and warmed Cedarburg Spice wine specifically paired with holiday recipes such as the winery’s homemade stuffing made with Domaine du Sac.
Special Wisconsin guests also sharing in the winery’s celebration will be Cheryl O’Brien, 62nd Alice in Dairyland who will showcase Something Special from Wisconsin holiday gift ideas, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board will share suggestions on putting together a specialty cheese platter for the holidays, and Wisconsin Christmas Tree Growers Association’s Cheryl Nicholson will demonstrate decorating ideas for using extra boughs trimmed off a real Wisconsin Christmas tree.
Visitors will find that perfect wine gift for any wine enthusiast.
In lieu of regular winery tours, guests can take a self-guided strolling tour upstairs between the Sugarloaf and Vineyard rooms.
The winery will provide a picturesque indoor and outdoor photo location plus someone to take a Christmas card photo so bring the family and a camera.
In celebration of 20 years of Prairie Fumè, Wollersheim Winery is holding a Christmas tree ornament contest. The public is invited to design an ornament that pays tribute to Prairie Fumè and bring it to hang on the winery Christmas tree. Ornaments must be received by Nov. 28. Visit www.wollersheim.com/ornament_guidelines.asp for complete ornament guidelines.
The winery has also created its own Prairie Fumè bottle anniversary ornament that will be sold at the winery beginning Nov. 20 as a benefit for the Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry.
There is no charge for wine tasting or special tours. Wollersheim Winery is located just 25 miles northwest of Madison, overlooking the Wisconsin River near Prairie du Sac. For more event details, visit www.wollersheim.com or call 800-847-9463.
