Winter may be on the wane, but Naperville Winter Wine festival aims to chase away the chill with Naperville’s first international, high-end wine tasting to be held 1 to 4:30PM on Sun., Mar. 9 at Hotel Arista, 2139 CityGate Lane.
Presented by Calamos Wealth Management, a portion of the proceeds benefit DuPage PADS.
“This event is designed to complement the summer event that has been so popular over the past ten years,” said organizer Scott Janess. “By using the ballroom space of the Hotel Arista, the event is limited to 300, so this is a unique opportunity to taste some of the finest reds, whites and sparkling wines from the finest glassware in the finest hotel facility outside of downtown Chicago. The hors d’oeuvres, the music and the demonstrations will all be first class.”
Guests will receive a Riedel wine glass, festival guide and 24 sampling tickets for $60 in advance and $65 at the door, if tickets remain. Additional sampling tickets may be purchased on site.
“We are hand selecting every wine we’re pouring,” said Mike Matonte, Advanced Sommelier and Manager of Vin Chicago. “We’ve developed a spread of wines that will dazzle and impress in their range and diversity. There will be a mix of 100 high quality, high profile typically winter wines, many of which are rated 90 points or greater by wine publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar. Some will be familiar, and many will be new discoveries.”
Vin Chicago has chosen a wide array of red wines, including many Cabs and big red blends from Napa, Sonoma and California, plus reds from Italy, Spain, France, South America, Australia, as well as a dozen whites, including Chardonnays, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio and four sparklers from California and France.
Among the featured wineries are Chateau Montelena, Round Pond, Chappellet “Pritchard Hill,” Caymus “Special Select,” Honig Napa Valley, Ken Wright and Schramsberg. Break-out sessions will be conducted throughout the afternoon featuring master sommeliers and leaders in the industry.
For more info, visit www.napervillewinefestival.com or call (847) 382-3270.
Update May 4: Become educated about wines & foods they complement
The Hotel Arista will provide a selection of hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines, including Lamb Meatballs with Piquillo Aioli, Aranchini with Tomato Vinaigrette, Braised Short Ribs with Potato Chip and Horseradish Cream, an assortment of Artisanal Cheeses, Seasonal Fruits, Housemade Jam, Toasted Nuts & English Crackers, as well as Antipasto with assorted Cured Meats & Cheeses, Olives, Artichokes, Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled Vegetables, Grapes & Toasted Crostini.
Guests can order any of the wines they taste for pick up at Vin Chicago at an average of 15 percent under the average retail, with an additional 10 percent off the case price.
According to Matonte, more than 60 percent of the wines being tasted have officially earned scores of 90 points or greater by wine publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar.
“The other 40 percent will probably earn the same soon!” Matonte added in a follow-up news release.
Tickets to the ages 21 and over event are $60 in advance and $65 at the door, if tickets remain. Additional sampling tickets may be purchased onsite. Wine sampling ends at 4PM.
For event tickets call 847-382-3270 or visit Vin Chicago at 2827 Aurora Avenue in Naperville.
For more information on the Naperville Winter Wine Festival, visit www.napervillewinefestival.com or call (847) 382-3270.
