KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) – Parallel 44 Winery will host their 7th annual Frozen Tundra Wine Fest Saturday in Kewaunee.
“When we thought about doing this event for the first time, we never thought it would as large as its getting,” said Maria Milano, Parallel 44 Winery co-owner. “I can’t believe 7 years has flown by already.”
The winery is located outside of Kewaunee, between Green Bay and Door County.
Milano says the event showcases the winery’s snow-covered vineyard with its cold-hardy grape vines and signature line of Frozen Tundra wines.
“Wines from both of our wineries, Parallel 44 and Door 44, will be available,” Milano says. “They’ll be about 18 different wines that people can choose from.”
There will be tours of the vineyard with the winemaker, wagon rides, live music under a tent, food available for purchase, and bonfires. Attendees will also get a commemorative wine glass to mark the occasion.
NOT-SO-FROZEN TUNDRA
The forecast projection for Saturday is mostly sunny with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Milano says, believe it or not, that could be problematic.
“Our ice bar will probably have some issues and the ground will be a bit soggier than we hoped for, this is the warmest it’s been,” Milano says. “We haven’t had a full ice bar in a number of years, so this will be an interesting thing.”
Paired with the possible melted matter, pre-sale for tickets to the 2016 Frozen Tundra Wine Fest have also never been hotter.
“We’ve already pre-sold more tickets than people that attended last year,” Milano explains. “I think it’s probably going to be our biggest event and I’m sure the weather probably has something to do with it.”
According to Milano, last year’s event drew nearly 1,800 people.
DORMANT BEAUTY
You might believe that going out into the vineyard this time of year won’t bear a lot of fruit, so to speak, in terms of aesthetics. Milano says think again.
“Most people think of the vineyard when it’s leafy and green, but when vines go into dormancy it’s still a beautiful scene,” Milano contends. “It’s just different. Again, it’s what makes these grapes special when they’re in dormancy, they can handle our cold winters.”
Wagon rides will take you around the property, but Milano says those looking to see the process from ground to glass can still do so.
“We’ll take people into the vineyards and talk about what’s going on there,” says Milano. “Then we’ll also take them back into the production area so they will have the opportunity to see the full process.”
The 7th Annual Frozen Tundra Wine Fest runs from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, N2185 Sleepy Hollow Road in Kewaunee. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or online.
