January News

Chocolate is for Lovers Weekend

The Wineries Along The Vines & Wines Trail in Northeast Ohio

February 3rd, 4th, 10th, & 11th, 2012

Visit wineries along the Vines & Wines trail in Northeast Ohio on this self-driving holiday trail! This is a 2 weekend event(Fridays & Saturdays).
*Fridays and Saturdays; Noon - 6pm*

Tickets include wine samples and light appetizers at each winery! You'll also collect chocolate candies from each winery along your way-- a perfect way to fill a candy dish you will receive at a designated winery. The tickets are good for all 4 days. And don't forget your Schott Zwiesel wine glass-- everybody gets one!

Tickets for this event are $45 for a couple and $35 for a single.
**You Must have advance reservations**

Call 800-227-6972 or visit http://ohiowines.org/

Vineyard Update

Seasonably Warmer Temperatures Cause Early Ice Wine Harvest at Ferrante Winery

Contact: Nick Ferrante

Phone: 440-622-3957 or 440-466-8466

Email: nick@ferrantewinery.com

The cold of Northeastern Ohio brings out a charming spirit at Ferrante Winery, as this is the perfect season for Ice wine grapes.  Ferrante Winery picked its 2011 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine early Sunday morning, (December 11^th, 2011).  Early arrival and preparation paid off as the temperature dipped to 10 degrees. Equipped with its mechanical harvester, Ferrante Winery started picking at 5am and finished at 7am.

Ice wine grapes are normally harvested in late December or January; however this year Mother Nature isn’t following the typical protocol.  “This December has been seasonably warmer than years passed and with an expected pattern of warmer weather, we needed to take the opportunity to harvest our Vidal Blanc Ice Wine grape when possible,” explains Wine Maker Nicholas Ferrante. 

Generally, grapes contain a higher amount of water than sugars, so once the temperature drops below freezing point, the water in the grapes becomes frozen.  This concentrates the sugars and when pressed, produces a pure flavor with natural sweetness.  Twelve tons of Vidal were picked and pressed averaging 35 brix. This wine will be fermented to 15% residual sugar and bottled in the spring of 2012. 

Vidal Blanc Ice Wine is a dessert wine with rich aromas of apricot and orange blossoms with flavors of honey and ripe melon.  A wonderful after dinner treat! 

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Grand River Valley’s annual Ice Wine Festival.  This year the festival will be March 3^rd, 10^th, & 17^th from noon to 5pm at participating wineries in the Grand River Valley.  The festival will include award winning Ice Wine samples, delectable appetizers, great festivities and so much more!  Visit www.FerranteWinery.com for additional details.

In the News...It's all about the ICE WINE!

http://blog.lakevisit.com/the-colder-the-better-at-least-for-ice-wine-grapes/

http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2011/12/14/life/doc4ee8ffbca01f8034617744.txt

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/the-gimme-guide/Content?oid=2768972

Recipe of the Month

Ferrante's Cabernet Franc Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup Ferrante’s Grand River Valley Cabernet Franc Wine
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix the Cabernet Franc Wine and Cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve, approximately 2 hours.  Serve with fresh vegetable, or crackers and a glad of Ferrante’s Cabernet Franc Wine.  

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming exciting events!

Grand River Valley's Ice Wine Festival

Saturdays March 3rd & 10th & 17th, noon-5 p.m.

Join Ferrante Winery, Debonné Vineyards, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards & St. Joseph Vineyards for Ohio's 9th Annual Ice Wine Festival, a progressive tasting of the ice wine produced in the Grand River Valley.

Each winery will provide a sample of their ice wines along with a complimentary appetizer. Enjoy a featured event at each establishment.

Wine N Bloom

May 4th & 5th and May 11th, & 12th

May is the month for Wine n Bloom Weekends. The wineries along the wines and vines trail in Northeastern Ohio invite you for wine samplings and appetizers. At each stop you will pick up a gift item to help celebrate the glories of spring.

For tickets and more information please contact Ohio Wine Producers Association at 800-227-6972

Medical Friends of Ohio Program

Medical personal work  hard to maintain the health of those in the communities they serve, so Ferrante's is giving back! 

We are offering a special discount to our medical friends on Wednesday, and Thursday starting November 3rd 2011 - April 15, 2012. 

Purchase two dinner entrees and receive a complimentary appetizer.  Value up to $8 on
Wed.&  Thur. valid through April 15th 2012.

All you have to do is show your Medical Id and receive this special offer!

Special Event Information

Looking For The Perfect Place To Host Your Special Event? 

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante Is The Place For You!

We Specialize in Birthday Parties, Bridal/Baby Showers, Retirement Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, or just the perfect setting for your family get-together!    Contact A Member Of Our Event Coordinating Team for More Information!

  * Mention This Newsletter When Booking Your Party & Receive A Special "Host Gift"!! 

Parties Book Fast So Call Today!

January Hours

Wine Sales:
Monday through Thursday: 10-5pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 1-6pm

Restaurant:
Monday through Thursday: CLOSED

Friday & Saturday: Noon-10pm
Sunday: 1-6pm

For A Full List Of Our Hours Visit Our Link... http://ferrantewinery.com/map.htm