Von Stiehl Winery - Algoma, Wisconsin

The 2011 Wet Whistle Wine Festival was held last Friday and Saturday at our Algoma, Wisconsin Winery. The weather was glorious - sunny, and neither too hot nor too cool. Thanks to everyone who helped make the festival happen, and to all who came.

Festival goers heard some great music and tasted some fantastic Wisconsin Wine. They went underground and toured our historic, limestone caverns, and then went to our new production facility, "Over There", and sampled some of our higher end wines, poured by members of the Schmiling family. A lucky few festival goers had the opportunity to participate in our Grape Stomp; it's always fascinating to see what the stomp brings out in people. Competition is fierce, but so is the fun.

Throughout the Wet Whistle Wine Festival, people mingled with friends and meandered through the Art Fair. They ate and danced and celebrated the harvest of our Wisconsin Wine. We're already looking forward to next year.

1. Squish grapes with your feet. You never know, you may be one of the lucky few chosen to participate in our annual Grape Stomp. When else will you have the opportunity to turn grapes into grape juice with your feet?

2. Drink von Stiehl Wisconsin Wine. While you can do this any day of the week at home or in the tasting room of our Algoma, Wisconsin Winery, here is your chance to do it in a festive setting.

3. Live music. Dance to it, sit and listen, or enjoy it in the background as you explore the festival. Featuring: Men in Suits, The Groove Hogs, and Michael's Saints.

4. Wine and Cheese Pairing Flights on our terrace. Two of the best things in life, together again.

5. Fine Art Show: Browse or purchase. Friday and Saturday.

Call good friends, old friends, sisters, brothers, parents. Bring everyone you know and love to von Stiehl for a weekend of good wine and good times. September 16 from 3 to 7 p.m., and September 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The $10 price of admission benefits the Community Improvements of Algoma.

Mark your calendars. The 2011 Wet Whistle Wine Fest takes place September 16 and 17 at Von Stiehl, our Algoma, Wisconsin Winery.

2011 is the 10th anniversary of the Wet Whistle Wine Fest, and we expect it to be more fun than ever. We'll start celebrating at 3 p.m. on Friday (until 7 p.m.), and again at 10 a.m. on Saturday (until 6 p.m.). We're looking forward to:

• Live Music
• Fine Art Show
• Heritage Foods
• Grape Stomp

This could be your year to win the Grape Stomp and take home a case of von Stiehl wine. We draw names right before each Stomp. If your name is called (and you're at least 21 years of age), and you woo the crowd, you just might win the grand prize. Plus, it's fun.

No Wet Whistle Wine Fest would be complete without our Wisconsin wines, and we'll be pouring a great variety of it. On Friday night, we'll offer unique wine and cheese flights on the terrace. On Saturday, our winemaker and his family will pour select vintages in our new facility; this tasting is complimentary with the purchase of a $10 Riedel stemless glass.

Read on for the music line-up:

• Men in Suits: Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.
• Michael's Saints: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
• Groove Hogs: Saturday from 1:30 to 5: 30 p.m.

This may be one of your last chances to see the Groove Hogs, since they officially disbanded last year. They'll be at Wet Whistle Wine Fest simply because they love the venue and the crowd. We're honored and we can't wait to hear them play.

Dance to the music, watch the Grape Stomp or stomp grapes yourself. Visit with friends and drink Wisconsin Wine. The Wet Whistle Wine Fest is all about relaxing, having fun, and celebrating the crush. Hope to see you at von Stiehl in Algoma, Wisconsin on September 16 and 17, 2011.