Winter Wine Festival Showcasing International, High-End Wines to Benefit DuPage PADS

-- It may be a few weeks before the winter weather warms up, but the Naperville Winter Wine Festival aims to chase away the chill with the city’s first international, high-end wine tasting, to be held on Sunday, March 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the luxurious Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre. The Winter Wine Festival is presented by Calamos Wealth Management and coordinated by Vin Chicago and InPlay Events. InPlay Events is the organizer of the annual Naperville Wine Festival held at CityGate Centre each August. A portion of the proceeds from the Winter Wine Festival benefit DuPage PADS.

“This event is designed to complement the summer wine festival that has been so popular in the Naperville area,” says organizer Scott Janess. “By hosting the festival in the Hotel Arista ballroom, we have created a very unique and exclusive opportunity to taste some of the finest reds, whites and sparkling wines in one of the most elite hotels in the Chicago area.  The glassware, hors d’oeuvres, music and demonstrations will all be first class.”

Guests will receive a Reidel wine glass, festival guide and 24 sampling tickets, each redeemable for approximately one ounce of wine. Complimentary break-out sessions will also be conducted throughout the afternoon, featuring master sommeliers and leaders in the industry.

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 4:00 p.m. For event tickets call 847-382-3270 or visit Vin Chicago at 2827 Aurora Avenue in Naperville.

“We are hand selecting every wine we are pouring,” says 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 Cabernets and red blends, from California, Italy, Spain, France, South America and Australia. A dozen white wines, including Chardonnays, Chenin Blancs, Rieslings and Pinot Grigios, from California and France will also be available for tasting at the event.

Among the featured wineries are Chateau Montelena, Round Pond, Chappellet “Pritchard Hill,”  Caymus “Special Select,” Honig Napa Valley, Ken Wright and Schramsberg. Guests can order any of the wines they taste at unprecedented prices for pick up at Vin Chicago.

“Attendees are really getting a big bang for their buck, with a world class selection at extraordinary values,” says Matonte.  “I hope guests will find wines they truly love, and I hope they have a lot of fun, because really, that’s what wine is all about.” 

Carol Simler, Executive Director of DuPage PADS, said, “We are thrilled to be the charitable partners of this new winter event. 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.”

“We believe our wine festivals should support the community. It is part of our mission,” says Janess. “We’ve found a strong partner in DuPage PADS, and we’re proud to support their crucial work throughout the county.  Being able to do that while treating people to one of the best wine tastings in the country is especially gratifying.” 

For more information on the Naperville Winter Wine Festival, visit www.napervillewinefestival.com or call 847-382-3270.