How many sips does it take to make it around the vineyard?

Logo 30 SipsThat’s a good question and while we’ve never actually tried it, we’re guessing 30. Which leads us to a very special tasting event taking place at Vino in the Valley on Saturday June 1, from 4-6pm.

You see, we’ve added 9 new wines and 6 new craft-style beers to the menu at Vino in the Valley this season. That’s a lot, and with such a new and expanded list of selections, it seemed logical to have an event that would allow you to sample them (and the rest of our wines and beers, too!).
 
During the “Around Vino in the Valley in 30 Sips” event, our distributors will be on hand to offer samples (yep, you guessed it, 30 of them) of select wines and beers, make recommendations based on your tastes, and answer your questions, too.

Simply purchase your tasting card at the bar ($5 gets you 10 tastings) and then head out to visit our distributors, who will have tables set up throughout the grounds. Feel free to be leisurely; there’s no hurry… Meander around the vineyard, enjoy a guided vineyard tour by tractor-drawn wagon, visit the gift-shop and farmer’s market vendors, or engage in a round of ladder golf.

Bring your group of fun friends; because wine and beer tasting is serious business, you know (ha!). And plan to stay for dinner! This is one very special tasting, and you won’t want to miss it!

Re-Opens on May 9, 2013!

IMG_6373It’s true what they say about us Wisconsin/Minnesota folk…we deserve our Springs!  Ol’ Man Winter is taking his own sweet time moving out this winter which makes us even more excited for the day that Vino in the Valley re-opens!

Opening weekend: Thursday – Sunday, May 9-12, 2013!

We hope to see you!

Our Amazing Gift Certificate Sale is On!

We know the sooner you finish your holiday shopping, the sooner you can enjoy the season (and your wine)! That’s motivation enough for us to make your gift-giving as easy as possible this year.  

Vino in the Valley gift cards make great gifts, and now for a limited time when you purchase $100 in gift cards you receive an additional $25 gift card FREE!  

Just a bit of fine print (come on…you know a deal this good is going to come with a few strings attached)…

  • Good for phone orders placed by calling 715-639-6677 (mention this offer when you call). Please leave your name, mailing address, phone number and credit card information when you call.
  • Take advantage of this special opportunity in the Vino in the Valley Gift Shop during business hours (see our holiday hours here).

Last minute gift certificates are still available at the following locations; however, this special offer does not apply:

Cubby’s Hollywood Video, Ellsworth, WI
Voila! Media Group, River Falls, WI
Team Oil, Spring Valley, WI

Why not give the gift of an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime…Good Vino, Good View and Good Vibes! We can’t imagine a more perfect gift.

Join us for our Christmas Weekends!

If you happened to join us last year for our Christmas weekends, you know it’s purely magical; kind of like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting! If you’ve yet to experience a country Christmas “Vino-style”, you must check it out for yourself… And bring the whole family!

We’ve wrapped up the pavilion for the festivities and our heaters keep things nice and warm.  Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides around the vineyard (Saturdays only), visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or sit by the fire and sing along with local choirs as they perform all the traditional Christmas songs! We will be serving up our famous brick oven Pizzas and Italian Nachos, along with hot Chili to enjoy by the fire, and our Baked Potato Bar.  Oh, and how can we forget the wine?  Yes, the wine will be flowing (as will the hot cocoa for the kids).  And the kiddos will also have to check out our “Cookie Decoration Station”!

Choose your family’s fresh cut Christmas tree provided by Rush River Tree Farm in our Farmer’s Market and visit our gift shop where you can pick up a few bottles (or a case) of your favorite Vino in the Valley wines for hostess gifts and your personal holiday enjoyment.  And don’t forget to bring your gift list and get a few presents handled.  The gift shop is fully stocked with merchandise and you can never go wrong with a Vino Gift Certificate.

Plan your Christmas outing with family and friends this December for Christmas at Vino in the Valley!

Special Hours Friday, November 23 10am – 6pm!

Open weekends November 23 – December 23.
Saturdays 12pm – 7pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm
Open weekends at 10am for tree sales!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Vino in the Valley During the Last Weekend of our Regular Season

Wow folks, we can’t believe it’s already that time of year.  Yes, after this weekend we’ll be putting the pasta pots and sauté pans away for the 2012 season. If you just thought to yourself, “Wait! I didn’t get my fill of Vino in the Valley yet!” then you’re in luck!  We would love to invite you to visit us during this last weekend of the regular season!  

There are 5 reasons why we think you should come down and spend some time with us on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28!  Here the list David Letterman style…

  1. As mentioned above, this will be your last opportunity to enjoy our delicious pastas, appetizers, and salads until we open in May for the 2013 season.  That’s six whole months from now!
  2. We’ve wrapped most of the pavilion and have the heaters ready to go.  As you know, we can keep things pretty toasty in the pavilion.
  3. The bonfires will be going and there’s nothing like enjoying a crisp fall day and a glass of wine in front of one!  
  4. This weekend is your last opportunity to use your Vino in the Valley Living Social coupon.  Don’t worry, we don’t judge procrastinators. (NOTE: Per the offer’s terms, one Living Social deal per table).  
  5. And finally, the Reis Belgians will be here giving horse-drawn rides throughout the vineyard and down to the Rush River.

Yes, we’re looking forward to our last Fall Family Weekend this weekend!  Hope to see you!

P.S. Keep your eye on our Facebook page for details regarding Christmas at Vino in the Valley! Featuring our famous brick oven Pizza’s and Italian Nachos, along with baked potato bar and hot Chili to enjoy by the fire. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, local choirs performing traditional Christmas songs. Choose your family’s fresh cut Christmas tree. It’s a little like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting. Beginning Friday, November 23 and running each weekend up until Christmas, be sure to reserve a weekend on your calendar to spend with us!

Pavilion Ready for Cooler Temps

Don’t think because the weather has turned cooler that you still can’t enjoy Vino in the Valley!  Most of the pavilion has been wrapped to keep the cooler temps out (and rain!) and the warmer temps in.  Looking forward to another Fall Family Weekend this weekend!  Hope to see you!

Announcement: Closed this Evening, October 4

Due to falling temps, clouds, and wind today we will NOT be open this evening. A perfect evening for you to put those feet up and relax in front of the fireplace at home…rest up cause we’re sure you’ll want come down to Vino this weekend! We will be open regular hours tomorrow (and will have the NW side of the pavilion wrapped to keep the wind out), Saturday from 12-10pm for Fall Festival, and Sunday from 12-6pm.

Our Favorite Day of the Year: Fall Festival/Customer Appreciation

We would also like to extend a formal invitation to you and your friends to join us for our upcoming customer appreciation day!  Join us this Saturday, October 6, for Fall Festival: Swirl, Sip, Savor!  We’ve planned a big event for you this year, full of activities, food, artisan vendors, and prizes!  And best of all, it’s dedicated to you – our customers. 

Slight Schedule Change this Saturday, September 29…

We’ll be celebrating a bit of history this Saturday as the last wedding will be held at Vino in the Valley (Unless Larry ever gets married! Ha!). And, we don’t think it could be any more fitting that this event be in honor of two of our very own! Sending out a great big early congrats to Jenna and Shawn! The ceremony will take place at 2:30 on the lawn west of the pavilion. Bella Sera Patio Bar will still open at 1:00, but the pavilion will not open until 3:30 to allow the staff to rearrange and prepare for the public. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing everyone!

Plan a Trip to Western Wisconsin

When planning your “end of summer getaway” this year you don’t need to go far to take pleasure in beautiful sights, sounds, and food!  A trip close to home that the entire family will enjoy is just the ticket!  Vino in the Valley is honored to be a part of Western Wisconsin Taste & Tours, and is proud to showcase our fellow members in this month’s edition!  How about combining your next visit to Vino in the Valley with a stop to one or all of these wonderful businesses…

Explore the underground world of stalactites and stalagmites at Crystal Cave in Spring Valley. You can discover the wonders of Crystal Cave on their one-hour tour and learn about the history, geology, and bats of Wisconsin’s longest cave!  There’s a lot to do above ground too: gem panning, hiking, picnicking, and shopping in their educational gift shop. There’s always something new to see at Crystal Cave and you are guaranteed an adventure that is truly under this world!

Sailer’s Meats in Elmwood has been servicing Western Wisconsin since 1923 (five generations of professional meat processors).  Often their meats are featured on our menu.  They offer a full line of retail cuts along with many award winning sausages, including brats, wieners, summer sausage, bologna, snack stix & strips. Sailer’s also carries many smoked and cured products, including award winning smoked beef, bacon and smoked ham.

Don’t miss stopping in at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, also known as the Cheese Curd Capital of WI, for their famous fresh cheddar cheese curds.  Pick them up warm and squeaky-fresh 7 days a week at 11am!  Their retail store also carries a vast selection of flavored curds and specialty cheese, as well as meats, crackers, souvenirs, unique kitchenware and gift items. For the latest in events and specials be sure to ‘like’ them on Facebook!

At Flat Pennies Ice Cream, Hwy 35 in Bay City, you’ll find food so good it can stop a train, literally. It’s not uncommon for the crews of passing Burlington Northern Sante Fe trains to stop along the tracks for a BBQ Hot Beef Sandwich and ice cream treat. With so many options along their route, you know Flat Pennies has to be good.  We’ve been featuring their Turtle Ice Cream Cakes here at Vino all season, and they’ve been a hit!  The kids will love exploring their authentic SooLine Caboose (#27) before continuing on your travels! They have a fun Facebook page you’ll want to follow, too!

So plan your own Western Wisconsin Taste and Tour this fall, and after exploring all the beautiful scenery and sights, end your day with dinner at Vino in Valley along the beautiful Rush River in Maiden Rock.