Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association - 2900 Greenbriar Rd. Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 726-8518
www.illinoiswine.com

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Celebrate the Holidays with Locally Crafted Wines - 2007.11.15

FOR DISTRIBUTION
November 15, 2007


CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH LOCALLY CRAFTED WINES
Eat, drink and shop locally at more than 70 Illinois wineries this season

CHICAGO –This winter, visitors to Illinois wineries will not only have a memorable experience, but can do their part to support local products and businesses by purchasing award-winning, handcrafted wines and gifts. The possibilities are endless for a made-in-Illinois holiday this year: impress guests and serve an award-winning Illinois wine at a holiday party, give gift baskets filled with Illinois-made products, and learn about pairing an Illinois-crafted, seasonal varietal with traditional holiday food.

From holiday open houses and festivals to distinctive gift ideas and seasonal wines, Illinois wineries offer something for everyone who wants to eat and shop locally. For more information, visit www.illinoiswine.com.

Northern Region
Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Burr Ridge
•Having recently opened its second location in Burr Ridge, Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant provides its customers a unique opportunity to sample and purchase its brand-new sparkling wine, made exclusively at the Burr Ridge location. The four bubbly varietals currently available, including raspberry and almond, are excellent choices for serving during holiday gatherings. The fully stocked gift store offers chocolate-dipped wine bottles, customized gift baskets, wine glasses and elegant decanters.

510 Village Center Dr.
Burr Ridge, IL
P: 630-887-0123
www.coopershawkwinery.com

Fox Valley Winery, Oswego
•Do your holiday shopping at any of Fox Valley Winery’s three locations in Northern Illinois, where the staff will happily assist in creating custom gift baskets filled with beautiful wine accessories, seasonal home decorations and, of course, award-winning Illinois wines.

5600 W. Route 34
Oswego, IL
P: 630-554-0404
www.foxvalleywinery.com

Lynfred Winery, Roselle
•Illinois’ largest winery has once again produced exceptional seasonal wines that are great for serving at holiday parties or buying as gifts for friends, colleagues and family members. Limited-time varietals include Christmas white and red, cranberry wine and glögg, a traditional Scandinavian drink made with port wine, cloves, oranges, cinnamon and a blend of spices.

15 S. Roselle Rd.
Roselle, IL
P: 630-529-WINE
www.lynfredwinery.com

Prairie State Winery, Genoa
•Located on Genoa’s charming Main Street, Prairie State Winery offers a variety of seasonal gifts. Enjoy a tasting of locally made wine while shopping for homemade fudge and wine, including both fruit and traditional red and white varietals.

217 W. Main St.
Genoa, IL
P: 815-784-4540
www.prairiestatewinery.com

Central Region
Kickapoo Creek Winery, Edwards
•Stop into the Kickapoo Creek Wine Tasting Room for seasonal home decorations and custom made gift baskets. After shopping, enjoy lunch in the tasting Room on Saturday and Sundays until 3 p.m. The winery will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve Party where guests can toast to the new year and dance to the sounds of the Flying D’rito Brothers.

Mon. Dec. 31 (7 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)
$40/person

6605 N. Smith Rd.
Edwards, IL
P: 309-495-WINE
www.kickapoocreekwinery.com

Baxter’s Winery, Nauvoo
•Learn to cook some of the season’s most popular dishes by a top Midwest chef at the Liz Clark Cooking School. Named the “Julia Child of the Midwest” by the Chicago Tribune, Clark will teach burgeoning chefs during Friday evening dinner parties and Sunday afternoon workshops held at Illinois’ oldest winery, Baxter’s Vineyard. Upcoming classes will focus on holiday recipes and entertaining tips, and include a chocolate workshop, food and wine basket 101 and traditional French holiday breads and dishes.

2010 E. Parley St.
Nauvoo, IL
P: 217-453-2528
www.nauvoowinery.com

South Central Region
White Owl Winery, Birds
•V.A.M.P. Murder Mysteries: Enjoy a live theatrical performance of the original play, “Murder Under the Mistletoe,” one of White Owl Winery’s popular V.A.M.P Murder Mysteries. This hilarious “whodunit” will be accompanied by delectable hors d’oeuvres, a wine tasting and full
buffet dinner.

Friday, Dec. 14 – Saturday, Dec. 15
Friday, Dec 21 – Saturday Dec. 22
(5:30 – 9:30 p.m.)

122 A Birds Rd.
Birds, IL
P: 618-928-2898
www.whiteowlwinery.com

Southern Region
Shawnee Wine Trail
•Kick off the holiday season when the nine member wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail host open house celebrations over Thanksgiving weekend. Each winery will serve complimentary hors d'oeuvres and mulled wine, lead winery tours, and offer wine tastings throughout the weekend, allowing visitors to experience varietals from a range of vintners.

Open House: Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 26 (Regular hours according to each winery)

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
P: 618-893-2623
www.shawneewinetrail.com

About Illinois Wine
Featuring more than 70 wineries and approximately 300 grape growers across the state, the Illinois wine industry produces 500,000 gallons of wine per year and creates an annual economic impact of more than $250 million. From friendly vintners and affordable prices to unique varietals and award-winning wines, Illinois provides a sophisticated, yet approachable, wine country experience. For more information, please visit www.illinoiswine.com.

About Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners.

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