For 2017, the wine-tasting line-up is an outstanding array of unique entries. Six total wines will be offered, two reds and four whites. Illinois based wineries have always been strongly represented in the Oktoberfest wine-tasting line-up and this year is no exception. Wine-tasting gets underway at 1pm immediately following the Willkommen Ceremony. Generous tasting samples of each wine are a dollar. If you find something you particularly like, full glasses are available for four dollars each. This year’s complete listing includes:
Black & Blue – (Pheasant Hollow Winery, Whittington, IL) Signature semi-sweet wine. Ultra-rich blackberry-blueberry flavor. Winner of National Commercial Wine of the USA for 2002.
19 Crimes – (Treasury Wine Estates, Australia) There were 19 different offenses that could cause a criminal to become a “colonist” in Australia. Treasury Wine Estates has created a line of wines celebrating those criminals. This is a hearty dry red wine with remarkable balance,aromas, flavor and length.
Rex-Goliath Moscato – (Rex-Goliath Winery, Madera, CA) A bright, crisp and decadent white. This selection is well balanced with just the right acidity combined with floral aromas that bloom into deliciously sweet flavors of peach and apricot.
Grafton Apple Crisp – (Grafton Winery, Grafton, IL) Hints of green apple, soft acidity and fruity aroma combine to make this crisp sweet white wine a best seller.
Alisia Pinot Grigio – (Astoria Winery, Veneto, Italy) This Italian white features a bright golden straw color. Inviting aromas and flavors of peach cobbler, honeydew, and apple sauce with a silky, fruity-yet-dry medium body and a long, tangy, lemon curd and nut accented finish. A delicious and balanced pinot grigio.
Wiener Dog White – (Alto Vineyard, Alto Pass, IL) Proprietor’s blend of Vignoles, Villard, Vidal Blanc, and Chardonel pays homage to one of Alto Pass Vineyard’s first greeters: Lucy the Dachshund. Easy to drink with a melon aroma and mango and pear flavors. Sutter Home White Zinfandel – (Sutter Home Winery, St. Helena, CA) A semi-sweet wine with