BEVERLY — Here's an idea that will keep your partner from whining on Valentine's Day.
Bev Art Brewer & Wine Maker Supply in Beverly will host "The Wine Making Experience" at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel.
The event at 540 N. Michigan Ave. will also include a gourmet meal prepared by the Marriott's executive chefs. But the main attraction is the chance for couples to create their own, unique wine, according to Gregory Fischer, owner of Bev Art and Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery.
Fischer, a Lakeview resident, will host the event, describing how chardonnay, Riesling, pinot noir and merlot are made from varietal juice and grapes. A grape-stomping contest will follow with prizes for the best stompers.
After a brief tutorial, the couples will create a signature wine, which will be transferred to fermenting vats and stored under the watchful eye of professional wine makers at Bev Art's facility at 10033 S. Western Ave. on the far Southwest Side.
Ten weeks later, couples return to bottle their wine. The wine ages in the bottle, or it can be enjoyed young.
The evening costs $199 per couple, which includes the wine-making experience, dinner and a bottling session.
Supplies and varietal juice range from $79.95 to $195 — enough to produce 25 to 30 bottles of wine. The bottles themselves cost $19.95 per case including corks and shrinks. Clean, used bottles can also be brought in on the bottling date.
Custom labels are also available. For more information, visit the Bev Art website, call 773-233-7579 or email BevArt@BevArt.com.
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