Wisconsin's biggest outdoor winter wine fest returns to Parallel 44 in Kewaunee

KEWAUNEE - It may not seem like sipping on wine while listening to live music should be an outdoor activity in February, especially given the recent weather in Northeast Wisconsin, but Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery has made it a big deal with its Frozen Tundra Wine Fest, back by popular demand after a year's hiatus.

The winery claims Frozen Tundra, which takes place for the eighth time Saturday, Feb. 23, is the largest outdoor winter wine fest in Wisconsin. It's grown from attracting less than 1,000 people in its first year to about 2,000 in recent years. Those planning to attend must buy tickets and parking passes 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 more than 7,000 cold-hardy grape vines withstand minus-30 degree temperatures in the winter and rebound for growing grapes in summer.

Attendees should dress for the weather because all of the festival's events take place outside. Five samples of wine will be served in the festival tent, where guests can hear live music by Farewell Friday, a perennial festival favorite, and Rob Anthony. Attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass.

Winemaker Steve Johnson will lead tours of the vineyard and winery on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m., and wagon rides will be available from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Another fun part of the festival is the Tundra Winter Games, with teams competing in a Snow Ball Toss, Sled Pull and Bean Bag Toss (advance registration required). Guests also can meet a few alpacas, and fiber merchandise will be for sale.

Beverages will be served from an ice bar, and food from The Booyah Shed, Cheesy Love Cheesecakes and Krohn's Dairy Store will be for sale. For those looking to stock their wine racks, or just have a bottle or two handy at home, the winery will offer specials that are available only during the festival.

For those thinking of making this a weekend away from home, the winery partnered with Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot to offer a Frozen Tundra Wine Fest package that includes hotel accommodations, admission tickets and transportation to and from the winery.

Frozen Tundra Wine Fest runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Parallel 44, N2185 Sleepy Hollow Road, Kewaunee. Admission tickets are $18 and passes for parking in designated lots are $10 (no parking at the winery except for those with handicapped parking cards or plates; shuttles will run to and from the lots). For advance tickets or to sign up for the games, visit 44wineries.com/events/frozen-tundra-wine-fest. More information also is available by calling the winery at 920-388-4400.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Wisconsin's biggest outdoor winter wine fest returns to Parallel 44 in Kewaunee