KEWAUNEE – Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery is debuting an exclusive, limited, blended red wine Saturday at its Kewaunee and Door County locations during its weekend-long holiday event.

Gustoso, which means "tasty" in Italian, is described by the winery as an "off-dry red (that) offers several layers of flavors from cherry to blackberry." It adds that the flavors are "balanced with a racy acidity that will compliment many foods."

The wine is made from a blend of Marquette and Frontenac grapes grown on four different vineyards on the Wisconsin Ledge, including the vineyards at Parallel 44 and its sister Door 44 Winery in Sturgeon Bay.

Gustoso is an exclusive release for Vintner’s Choice Club members at Parallel and Door 44. The club offers members first access to new releases and member-only wines, discounts on purchases and shipping, free sampling, custom recipe pairings with each release, invitations to exclusive parties and events, and more.

Steve Johnson, Parallel 44 co-owner and winemaker, said he usually makes four limited-edition wines for club members each year, all focused on using grapes from Wisconsin. He noted there is no membership fee and visitors to either winery can join on the spot and purchase a bottle of Gustoso. 

"It's kinda fun for members to be the first to try something," Johnson said.

Johnson said some Vintner's Choice wines are released to the public if they haven't sold out of their limited run after a certain time, usually about six months. On the other hand, a Vintner's Choice wine can go into regular production if it proves especially popular, such as a deep rosé Johnson made for the club last year. 

The release comes during the wineries' final Christmas at the Winery weekend of the season. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, visitors can sample the wineries' award-winning wines from locally grown grapes, learn about food pairings, listen to live music and shop with special holiday discounts.

Parallel 44 is at N2185 Sleepy Hollow Road, Kewaunee; Door 44 is at 5464 Door County P on the north side of Sturgeon Bay. For more information, call 920-388-4400 or visit 44wineries.com.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or [email protected]

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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee winery releases new red blend wine at holiday event Dec. 7