5 wineries uncork ice wine for festival

Staff report

MADISON

The 12th annual Ice Wine Festival will be Saturday and March 14 and 21 at five wineries in the Grand River Valley wine-growing region, south of Geneva.

Participating are Debonne Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards and St. Joseph Vineyards.

Adding to the fun are special events at the individual wineries, including wine dinners featuring local meats, cheeses and vegetables, ice carving, dog sledding, food demonstrations and several artisans. Winemakers will be on hand. Check the website of each winery for details.

“This year is especially exciting for us here at Debonne Vineyards,” said Tony Debevc, president. “Our 2013 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine garnered the top award at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, being recognized as the sweepstakes winner for Best Dessert Wine.”

Art Pietrzyk, owner of St. Joseph Vineyards, said ice wine can be produced only in areas such as the Grand River Valley. The grapes are left on the vines at the end of the traditional harvest season. After winter arrives and the grapes are frozen and the temperature reaches 17 degrees, the grapes are picked and pressed immediately before they have a chance to thaw.

The result is a rare and sweet wine.

Ice Wine Festival-goers can start the tour at any winery.

Each winery will provide a sample of their wines, an ice-wine glass, and a complimentary appetizer. The event begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m. The cost is $6 per person at each winery. In an effort to help the local food banks, the wineries are encouraging everyone to bring in canned food items for which they will receive $1 off at each location.

For information, call 440-466-3485 or go to wggrv.com.