What is Wine Day?

Wine Day is an educational and fun program that provides all the information you need about wine, wine appreciation and the great winemaking area of Niagara County. During four morning sessions, you’ll learn about a variety of wine-related topics. In the afternoon (or any time at your leisure), you are encouraged to put this knowledge to use at the wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. (Visits to the wineries are on your own and at your convenience.)

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who has an interest in wine!

Why should I register?

1st - This program will sell out - Dont' Miss out!

Registration fee is only $35

All registered participants receive:

• Four educational “Uncork Your Mind” topics
• An “Uncork a Natural Wonder” Wine Day t-shirt
• Personalized Wine Day glass
• 10 percent discount card from Niagara Wine Trail
• An opportunity for our GRAND PRIZE** (a $500 value)

Where is Wine Day?

Wine Day will be held at Niagara University, St. Vincent’s Hall, Room 407. After the program, maps and directions will be provided to all to visit the wine trails and participate in wine tasting at the wineries. Preregistration is required because this event will sell out.

Note: There will be no wine tasting or pouring during the educational lectures. All the wine tasting will be done at the vineyards on the trail. Be sure to bring your complimentary wine glass and all the wineries are open on Saturday afternoons.

9-9:30 a.m.        Welcome and registration

9:30-10 a.m.      What makes a great food and wine pairing?

Some people just seem to be made for each other, just like certain foods seem to beg for certain wines. The reason is the same for both wine and people: chemistry. With some basic knowledge of wine chemistry, you can learn how to find your food’s soul mate, understand why opposites attract, and discover how to spice up your relationship with wine. A little enological savvy may not make you an overnight sommelier, but it just might make you the most knowledgeable wine lover at your next dinner party. Lecturer: Kurt Guba, assistant winemaker, Freedom Run Winery.

10-10:30 a.m.    Wine-tasting techniques

You are at a tasting room and the server pours a small amount of wine in your glass. Now what? Discover the secrets and techniques of wine tasting. We will explore and learn the four elements of wine tasting — appearance, aroma, taste and conclusion — that all professional tasters use to rate and understand the wines of the world. You’ll amaze your friends with your wine knowledge and have fun learning about wine. Lecturer: Michael J. VonHeckler, certified wine judge, diploma in wines and spirits, winemaker, founder and managing partner of Warm Lake Estate.

10:30-11 a.m.    Break. Visit information tables for the Niagara Wine Trail

11-11:30 a.m.    Wine varieties and what makes them different?

What really makes a great wine and what’s the difference? Learn more about and discuss the various grapes used in winemaking. Educate yourself about the local territory, the climate, soil, and growing conditions, and their influence on winemaking practices and taste. Also, get a brief overview of various families of grapes in our region so you can become familiar with the rest of the “bunch.” Lecturers: Duncan and Robin Ross, owners of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards.

11:30 a.m.-noon The Niagara Escarpment and what makes us unique for winemaking?

Did you know that you live in the region titled “The Niagara Escarpment American Viticultural Area” and what makes it unique? Learn the “terroir” and geology of one of the newest world-recognized AVAs, approved by the U.S. Department of Treasury in October 2005. The Niagara Escarpment, an age-old exposed limestone bluff, combines with Lake Ontario to form a unique microclimate suitable to the production of world-class wines. We will explore and learn the attributes of what makes this the fastest growing wine region in the United States and what makes it so unique. Lecturer: Michael J. VonHeckler, certified wine judge, diploma in wines and spirits, winemaker, founder and managing partner of Warm Lake Estate.

Noon     Participants depart to visit wine trails on their own.

Wine “BUNCH” card and an opportunity for a grand prize. Visit all 12 wineries anytime between Aug. 2 and Sept 6, 2008, with your special wine “BUNCH” card. Get your wine “BUNCH” card punched by the winery and submit it to the Office of Continuing and Community Education by Sept. 12, 2008, to be eligible for the grand prize valued at $500.

Winner must be a registered participant of Niagara Wine Day, Aug. 2, 2008, Wine “BUNCH” cards will be distributed only on this day. Grand-prize drawing will be held on Sept. 19, 2008, and the winner will be notified that day. Coordination of the grand prize will be strictly through the winner and Village Wine Tours rules and regulations will apply.

**GRAND PRIZE - The Village Wine Tours will coordinate a chauffeured limousine service for six people, which includes five hours of personalized service and visits to four wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Coordinated and brought to you in cooperation with the Niagara Wine Trail and Village Wine Tours, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092.

Package includes:

• Chauffeured limousine service for five hours

• Visit to four wineries

• Narrated tour at one winery

• Complimentary tastings at all wineries

• A delicious lunch

• Complimentary snack basket complete with wine

Register today - 286-8181 or online