Kewaunee winery is hosting Midwest's largest outdoor winter wine festival

KEWAUNEE – February in Wisconsin might not seem like the time or place for an outdoor wine festival, but that's never stopped thousands of people from heading to Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery for its annual Frozen Tundra Wine Fest, taking place this year Feb. 25.

It's a chance to beat the winter blahs by gathering around a bonfire, sipping on wine and eating from food trucks, touring the vineyard and winery, playing games and listening to live music in what the winery claims is the largest outdoor winter wine fest in the Midwest. It's grown from attracting fewer than 1,000 people in its first year to about 2,000 in recent years. Those planning to attend must buy tickets in advance.

The event showcases not just Parallel 44's signature line of Frozen Tundra white, rose and red wines but also the vineyard, where its more than 7,000 cold-hardy grape vines can withstand minus-30 degree temperatures in the winter and rebound for growing grapes in summer.

Those planning to attend should dress for the weather, including waterproof boots, because all of the festival's events take place outside, with no tents this year. Guests will receive a commemorative wine glass and can drink from it by buying wine by the glass or bottle. Winemaker Steve Johnson will lead tours of the vineyard and winery at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Attendees also can play outdoor winter games and buy food from area food trucks. Providing the music is Farewell Friday, a perennial festival favorite. Prize drawings will be held.

Frozen Tundra Wine Fest runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Parallel 44, N2185 Sleepy Hollow Road, Kewaunee. Admission tickets are $10. Advance ticket purchases are required and admission is limited; for advance tickets, visit 44wineries.com/events/frozen-tundra-wine-fest-2023 and click on the "Get Your Tickets Today" tab. More information also is available by calling the winery at 920-388-4400.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

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This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee winery is hosting Midwest's largest outdoor winter wine festival