Happy Thanksgiving … Here comes the Snow!

The many leaves which have not yet fallen are now frosted with snow — our first of the year. The day before Thanksgiving when many are traveling to be with family and friends is not the day we would choose to remember how to drive on snow and ice … but it is.

May you and yours be safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving. Spend the say enjoying you family, friends, and your favorite wine with that turkey!

I’m thankful for so much this year, and in the mix is the wonderful reception that Make Mine Wine magazine … and this blog … have received.

Our beautiful — you’re going to love it — Holiday issue is at the printer and is our best yet. The new Heart of Iowa Wine trail will be detailed along with other interesting Central Iowa Wineries. We have great holiday wine and cheese recommendations, “how-tos” on a toast for your wall, dining in Kansas City, a winery in Stillwater, and so much more. Just in time for holiday shopping, you’ll find the list of the winners of the 1st ever Mid-American Wine Competition.

If you are already a subscriber, thank you! You will have your Fall/Holiday issue soon. If you have not yet subscribed, you can do so — and order gift subscriptions — at www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com.

 Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

Stall Crush of Holidays with Winery Fun

Do you feel like I do? This is the last “free” weekend before the crush of the holidays? Then, get out and have some fun in Midwest Wine Country.

This afternoon, Friday, November 16^th 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., you can visit with Bonnie Lucas of WHO Radio’s Van and Bonnie at Tassel Ridge Winery. While you’re there, sample the delicious peanut brittle made with Tassel Ridge Wine – and the delectable wine-flavored caramel sauce (I’m thinking …drizzle on bread pudding, or dip apples!). Of course, Tassel Ridge has so many goodies, so choose some for yourself or gifts. Also, they carry wonderful gourmet cheeses that pair so well with their wine. Tassel Ridge Winery is a great spot for holiday shopping!

Snus Hill Winery has two music events this weekend – the Jazz Quintet, Pro Musica, is playing tonight from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. you can enjoy the Jazz variety of the Bill Martin Group. I was at Snus Hill Winery this week – they have a great room for music and fun, and fine wine. When you’re there, ask Diane for her turkey gravy with Snus Hill wine recipe.

I was at Sugar Grove Vineyard and Gathering Pace last week. The Sugar Grove Grange Hall is beautifully decorated for the holidays, as I’m sure it has been for over 100 years. This long-time community gathering place is warm, inviting and gracious. The historic Grange sits on a hill with a breathtaking view to sunsets, vineyards and Iowa countryside. If you have tickets to tonight’s six-course wine dinner and concert (acoustic guitarist Gayla Drake Paul), you’re in for a treat. The next event – the Sugar Grove Holiday Wine Dinner will be December 15^th. Paul Micich and Dan Nickelson will entertain with jazz. Call early for reservations.

The entertainment continues this Sunday, the 18^th, at Little Swan Lake Winery with easy going music by Dave Rowley. The event is from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Enjoy the music and a delicious meal featuring Buffalo Lasagna.

The weather is beautiful, the wine is fine, and the fun is waiting at wineries throughout the Midwest! To find more winery events in Iowa, or throughout the Midwest, log on to www.makeminewinemagazine.com.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

Enjoy Women & Wine Lunchon at Summerset Winery

Ladies – are you looking for some fun — specifically wine, shopping and seminars with lunch on the side. Then Summerset Winery’s Women & Wine Luncheon is for you. The event is this Saturday, November 17th, so call your friends, and make your reservations today. The culinary and shopping experience includes:

• food & wine paring
• chocolate sampling
• mini spa stations
• wine tasting
• holiday shopping

Plus, you can get a free chair massage from Heartland Prairie Massage during the event. There will be delectable samples and these fabulous door prizes:

Tastefully Simple – Tastefully Simple gift pack
Silpada Designs – $25 gift certificate
Ultra Salon – Gift basket and gift certificate
Wine Bottle Creations – Wine bottle wind chime
The Pampered Chef – Large round stone with handles
Iowa Bed and Breakfast Guild – $100 B&B gift certificate
Heartland Prairie Massage – Free 1-hour massage
Pearls and More – Single strand fresh water pearl necklace
Gold, Fire & Glass – Jewelry gift
Honey Sweet Gourmet Foods – Gift certificate  

The holidays are coming and you know how hectic that will be, so treat yourself now to a relaxing and fun experience. Reservations are required. For more details, visit summersetwine.com. 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

(Now there’s a great holiday gift idea!)
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