September 29 & 30 event features dancing, grape stomping and local artists in action

GALENA, Ill. - Celebrating the fruits of their labor, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery and the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance are busy preparing for their upcoming Fall Harvest & Art Festival. The third annual two-day event will take place at Galena Cellars Vineyard, 4746 N. Ford Rd., Galena on Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30, with activities spanning from noon until 6 p.m. both days.

Nestled in the vineyard clearing will be tents of area artists, each demonstrating their talents. Artist wares will range from watercolors to pottery, textile arts to gourd art and baskets. "We think this partnership will create a great weekend for everyone. Our artists participate in our shop 'Hello Galena!', as well as in galleries, museums and art fairs throughout the year, but to be able to exhibit and sell in such a beautiful setting is a real treat," said Toni Klingler, manager of Hello Galena! artist co-op in Galena.

"In addition to showcasing the amazing work of our local artists, we have a full weekend of fun for the entire family: pumpkin painting (with volunteers from the Galena Art & Recreation Center), horse-drawn wagon rides and grape stomping," said Rob Steger, events manager for Galena Cellars.

Three-headed Monster Catering will offer their delicious barbequed sandwiches. And, of course, there is always the opportunity to sample wine, explore "tasting" through all of your senses and tour the vineyard.

Visitors are also invited to "kick up their heels and have a little fun" as the vineyard barrel room comes to life with music - rags, waltzes and hoe downs - with more local talent, the Fever River String Band on Saturday afternoon. Jordan Danielson performs Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission to the event is free. Vineyard tours are $5 each and include a wine appreciation overview. Galena Cellars will also be offering wine tasting and a keepsake glass for an additional fee.

For further event information, visit www.galenacellars.com/harvest.htm or call 815.777.3235. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

Sandra Principe paints at Galena Cellars' Fall Harvest & Art Festival. Last year, a variety of art was offered for sale as attendees enjoyed a beautiful fall day at the vineyard. Photo courtesy of John Gallegos.

Christine (Chris) Lawlor-White was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association at their recent three-day annual conference held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. More than 250 growers, vintners, and enthusiasts from all across Illinois gathered to learn new techniques from experts from as far as Texas and California. The event culminated with a six-course gourmet food and wine pairing dinner and awards ceremony.

Lawlor-White, winemaker and co-owner at Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, received her formal degree in enology and viticulture from Fresno State University. She graduated in 1976 as one of the first women in the United States to earn a degree in enology.  She opened her first winery in McGregor, Iowa, in 1976 where she produced 500 gallons of Cherry Wine. Two years later, she moved to Lacrosse, Wisconsin, expanding her operations. In 1985, she found her home in Galena, Illinois and opened Galena Cellars with her parents and brother, Scott.

Chris is currently responsible for crafting more than 40 varieties and 60,000 gallons of wine annually. She is an expert in not only the science of winemaking but also the art of blending varietals to make distinctive wines. One of her greatest contributions to Illinois Wine Industry is her role in promoting the quality and acceptance of Illinois Wine in the state and nationally. She was honored three times as IGGVA's "Winemaker of the Year"–in 2001, 2006 and 2007.

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, established in 1992, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners.  The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to more than 90 today. During this time, the acreage devoted to grape production has grown at a tremendous rate, and today Illinois is consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states.  Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $319 million annually. The wineries that span Illinois have also brought with them a host of charming bed and breakfasts and local craft businesses. The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association predicts continued growth in the coming years as more visitors discover the genuine culture of Illinois Wine Country.

Galena Cellars Vineyard, in rural Galena, Illinois, is home to 22 different specialty grapes, many of which are hybrids developed by universities throughout the country in an effort to create a vine and grape with the hardiness needed to grow in this region. The vineyard is open to the public April through November for tours, tastings and special events. Galena Cellars also offers tasting rooms, wine patios and gift shops in downtown Galena and Geneva, Illinois.

French-inspired Nouveau wine tradition becomes a 26-year tradition in Galena, Illinois

GALENA, Ill. - "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!" Simply translated, "Wine lovers: get ready, get set, go!" The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, and the opportunity to be the first to sample the new, shortly fermented wine, previewing the current year's fall harvest.

In France, this tradition began well over a century ago. In Galena, Illinois, it kicked off at the hands of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in 1985. Today, it's grown to be a full-blown community celebration inviting epicureans of all levels to enjoy all things wine.

The weekend officially kicks off Friday, November 19 at 2:30 pm when the familiar "clip clop" of horse hooves will be heard throughout Galena's downtown. On board the horse-drawn wagons sporting revelers is a celebrated guest that will have the entire town in merriment all weekend?Galena Cellars' 2010 Nouveau wine.

Local restaurants embrace the celebration, offering traditional Nouveau-inspired luncheons and wine tastings, live music and receptions. Throughout the weekend, wine lovers can also enjoy vineyard tours (Galena boasts three area vineyards), winemaker dinners, wine-inspired pampering such as spa and shopping specials and lodging packages.

New to this years' celebration is a Grand Tasting offering a sampling of more than 200 wines. A great value at only $30 per person ($35 at the door), the Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, November 20 from 3:30-6 pm at Galena's Convention Center (900 Galena Square Drive).

Advanced tickets purchase (recommended), as well as a complete list of weekend happenings and offerings are available online at www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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