Monday, November 3, 2014

Grand River Valley Winemakers To Host Turkey Trot Event November 8 To Help Local Food Banks

The leaves are in turning to their autumn colors which means it's time to start thinking about the 7th Annual Grand River Valley Wine Region Turkey Trot,  a progressive food and wine event. Join Debonné Vineyards, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Laurello Vineyards,and St. Joseph Vineyards on Saturday, November 8, Noon to 5:00 PM for this drive yourself tour of wine tasting paired with small plates from your Thanksgiving meal.
All five participating wineries are within 10 minutes of each other making this a very convenient excursion for travelers. Each winery will feature a different part of the Thanksgiving meal and pair two wines that compliment it. In addition, recipes will be given out. The cost is only $5 per person at each winery and if you bring in a canned food item to each winery you will receive $1 off. These food items will be donated to the local food banks just in time for the holidays.
"Thanksgiving is a time to spend with families catching up on our busy lives. One sure way to keep the family at the table is to open up a good bottle of local wine and this year some wineries are featuring some new ones," says Cindy Lindberg, event coordinator and owner of Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant. "Grand River Cellars will be featuring their newly released Cabernet Franc Rose, a dry, blush wine that will pair wonderfully with turkey. St. Joseph Vineyard will be releasing their Fume Blanc and 2012 Shiraz." Whether you are tasting new releases or old time favorites, the purpose of the tasting is to take the guess work out of the wine and food pairing for the Thanksgiving meal.
"With the worst harvest in history behind us, now is the time that local wineries need local support,' says Kim Laurello, owner of Laurello Vineyards. "Last years' polar vortex put such a strain on the local grape producers here in the Grand River Valley cutting our typical yield down to one third the normal yield, we need to have consumer support to get us through these more difficult times." The Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley formed a group several years ago when they began to realize how quickly their wine region was growing. The Grand River Valley Wine Region is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the United States and has the quality wines to prove why. The majority of the wines produced at these member wineries come from local grapes that they have grown. Member wineries have achieved national and international recognition with award winning wines. These wineries must adhere to strict standards.
While visiting the area the group encourages travelers to take a mini-vacation and spend their weekend in wine country. There are lots of shops to visit and beautiful covered bridges to check out in the area. For those looking for other things to do in the area contact the Ashtabula County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (www.visitashtabulacounty.com) or the Lake County Conventions & Visitors Bureau (www.lakevisit.com).
The Turkey Trot is just one of a series of events The Winegrowers of the Grand River Valley host each year. Other events include the ever-popular Ice Wine Festival and the Cask Tasting.
For more information about the Turkey Trot call 440-466-3485 or go to www.wggrv.com  
Turkey Trot Menu: Debonne Vineyards - Roasted Turkey Sliders, Ferrante Winery & Ristorante - Roasted Butternut Squash & Cranberry Couscous, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant – Bourbon-Walnut Sweet Potato Mash, Laurello Vineyards - Turkey Pesto & Polenta Appetizer, St. Joseph Vineyards - Walnut Cranberry Stuffing.
Photo Credit: rkramer62 via Compfight cc






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