Massbach Ridge Winery to host Pre-Harvest Festival

From press release

MASSBACH, Ill.—View the fruits of their labor at Massbach Ridge Winery at a Pre-Harvest Open House from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22. Share in the celebration of a bountiful harvest, while enjoying the tastes of the wines already in bottles.

The Pre-Harvest Festival will allow guests to see a close-up of the abundant grapes grown on each vine as well as enjoy a tour led by winemaker Peggy Harmston. The equipment used for wine production will be showcased during the explanation of the fermentation and bottling processes used at Massbach Ridge.

For a truly relaxing experience, visitors will enjoy wines from the three tasting stations set up along the wine patio and vineyard. The tastes will include the vineyard’s three award-winning wines along with samples of locally-produced cheeses and chocolates chosen to complement the tastes. There’s just a $5 tasting fee.

Another pleasure of the day is the scenic atmosphere, which visitors are encouraged to enjoy with a glass of their favorite variety purchased following the tasting. Cheese, crackers and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase during the event.

Harvest is one of our favorite times of the year because it means the end of another wonderful growing season,

said winemaker and owner Peggy Harmston.
Beauty comes in many different forms in Massbach. Whether it is to view the ripened fruit on the vine or enjoy the fellowship over a glass of wine, we hope visitors come to Massbach soon.

The tasting room and winery are situated on the 18 acres of this family-owned and operated vineyard, which takes pride in producing its own quality wines from grapes grown in their own vineyard. The tasting room and wine patio are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See the Web site at www.MassbachRidge.com for more information about events, directions and other winery news, or contact them by phone at (815) 291-6700.

From the Aug. 19-25, 2009 issue