Naperville to pop the cork on first Winter Wine Festival
Naperville's Winter Wine Festival aims to chase away the chill with the city's first international, high-end wine tasting.
The fest, for those 21 and older, runs 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre, Route 59 near I-88.
A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit DuPage PADS. The festival is presented by Calamos Wealth Management and coordinated by Vin Chicago and inPLAY EVENTS, organizers of the Naperville Wine Festival held at CityGate Centre in August.
"This event is designed to complement the summer event that has been so popular over the past 10 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 wineglass, festival guide and 24 sampling tickets for $60 in advance or $65 at the door, if space remains. Additional sampling tickets may be purchased on site. For event tickets call (847) 382-3270 or visit Vin Chicago, 2827 Aurora Ave., Naperville.
"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 cabarets and big red blends from Napa, Sonoma and California, plus terrific reds from Italy, Spain, France, South America and Australia, as well as a dozen whites, including Chardonnays, chenin blanc, riesling, pinot grigio and four sparklers from California and France.
"Attendees are really getting a big bang for their buck, with a world-class selection at extraordinary values," Matonte said. "I hope guests will be wowed, having found wines they desire and truly love, and I hope they have a lot of fun, because really, that's what wine is all about."
Guests can order any of the wines they taste for pick up at Vin Chicago
Among the featured wineries are Chateau Montelena, Round Pond, Chappellet "Pritchard Hill," Caymus "Special Select," Honig Napa Valley, Ken Wright and Schramsberg. Breakout sessions will be conducted throughout the afternoon featuring master sommeliers and leaders in the industry.
"We are thrilled to be recipients of this new winter event," said Carol Simler, Executive Director of DuPage PADS. "This assistance will help individuals and families we serve obtain housing, support services and employment. Our mission to end homelessness has been even more critical during this arctic winter.
"It is our hope that as attendees enjoy the Naperville Winter Wine Festival, they are warmed by knowing donations are helping participants at DuPage PADS find a home and a future," Simler said.
"We believe our events should support the community, it's part of our mission," Janess said. "We've found a very strong partner in DuPage PADS and we're proud to support their crucial work throughout the area with awareness and funds. That we can do that while treating people to what will be truly one of the best wine tastings ever presented in Naperville is especially gratifying."
For information on the Naperville Winter Wine Festival, visit napervillewinefestival.com or call (847) 382-3270.
If you go
What: Naperville Winter Wine Festival
When: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9
Where: Hotel Arista, 2139 City Gate Lane, Naperville
Details: Part of the proceeds go to DuPage PADS
Cost: $60 in advance, $65 at the door if available; includes wineglass and 24 samples
Info: (847) 382-3270 or napervillewinefestival.com