Much to my surprise, I recently came across a feature article in the June edition of Good Sam’s Highway Magazine that featured Winona, Minnesota.  This town of about 30,000 people is the place I was born.  I was excited to learn that my old hometown was under going a complete renaissance, which included increased access to the arts and cultures of the local area.  Another fact that surprised me is that near Sugar Loaf, the lofty chuck of granite over looking Winona and the Mississippi River, a new vineyard was established.  I decided to research the rest of the state to learn more about its wine industry. 

Any one that has spent any time in Minnesota knows about the short growing seasons and the long winters. Infamous names in Minnesota wine growing lore include Louis Suelter, 1870 era German homesteader from Carver, Minnesota and A. W Latham, a Minneapolis transplant in 1865.  Both of these men spent considerable time and effort producing new types of growing grapes adapted to the climate of the state. 

Conditions as found in this state are not conducive to development of a substantial wine industry.  However, the University of Minnesota reported in 2008 that the wine industry’s total impact to the state’s economy was a little over 36 million dollars.  Employment was around 324 people with a labor income of around 10 million dollars.  Some would say “that ain’t hay”. 

Many grape varieties require special handling to protect them from the winter weather, including in some places burying the vines under soil for the season.  Research has developed several hybrid and other grape varieties that are cold hardy.  Grapes produced include Marquette, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Concord, Edelweiss, Delaware, La Crescent, La Crosse, St Croix and several others. 

There are approximately 30 wineries in the state of Minnesota.  Most are located within the lower Mississippi, Saint Croix and Cannon River Valleys in the southeast quadrant of the state.  Most of these wineries have websites one can visit to get specific information on their operations.  Wine crop harvest generally happens in September but will vary slightly depending on the variety. 

A recent addition to the wine scene in Minnesota is the Three Rivers Wine Trail.  This Trail was established to feature the Wine Haven, Northern, Saint Croix, Falconer and Cannon River Vineyards in the southeastern part of the state.  These vineyards are five of the oldest in the state.  There are several events planned at these wineries and at the same time, you can explore towns like Chisago City, Stillwater, Red Wing and Cannon Falls.

During my research, I ran across an article by Annie Baxter, Minnesota Public Radio, written June 25, 2006.  She stated, “It may come as a surprise that Minnesota even has vineyards, given a climate that can be fatal for wine grapes.  But a wine industry is emerging in a state that’s better known for producing corn and soybeans.”  Regardless of the current “growing pains” of the Minnesota wine industry, I believe its worth looking into.  Having been born in the state, I know Minnesota citizens will go out of their way to try any home grown product, including its wine.  

As I always say, buy your favorite wine, store it properly, serve it at the right temperature and enjoy it to the fullest. 

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, May 2010

Ideal Wine Coolers took advantage of a manufacturer’s close-out of a beer keg cooler that they have decided to drop from their line.  These beer dispensers are fully warranted by the manufacturer and are priced at only $429.99.  If you have ever wanted a cold draft beer after a hard day’s work, now is the time to treat yourself to this kegerator.  This beer tap cooler will hold from pony kegs to 1/4 kegs.  This Danby Kegerator is shipped via FEDEX or UPS direct to your front door.  Check out the specifications in the narrative below.

Our Danby Black 4.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Door Pony Keg Beer Cooler will cool your 1/4 beer keg with ease. The kegerator comes with a black cabinet with a stainless steel door. The molded worktop, black beer tower dispenser with chrome trim and the chrome guard rail give this keg cooler a professional look. Features that will add to the enjoyment of this beer keg cooler are 2 cantilever wire shelves, auto cycle defrost, reversible door hinges and included drip tray. This Danby Keg Cooler comes with a Co2 tank and all the necessary fittings to start serving cold draft beer immediately. The Co2 tank is shipped empty for safety reasons. You can fill your tanks locally at places like welding shops, fire extinguisher service centers, hospital gas suppliers and party stores. A full Co2 Tank will provide enough gas for about 5 to 7 kegs. You will be the envy of all your friends the first time they enjoy an ice cold draft beer at your home. Look no further for superior kegerators.

FEATURES:

* Pony Sized Kegs
* Black Cabinet with Stainless Steel Door
* Auto Cycle Defrost
* 5 Pound Co2 Tank with Hardware Included (tank needs charging)
* Scratch Resistant Top
* Reversible Door Hinge
* Chrome guard rail included
* Black/chrome Beer Tower Dispenser
* 2 Cantilever Wire Shelves
* Drip Tray included

CAPACITY:
* Pony Sized Kegs
* Co2 Tank: 5 Pounds under 1800 PSI

DIMENSIONS:
* Kegerator: Width 20 3/4 Inches x Depth 21 8/16 Inches x Height 33 Inches
* Co2 Tank: 5.5 Inches Diameter x 18.25 Inches Tall

SHIPPING UPS:
* Calculated Based on Weight & Zip Code

IN STOCK; READY FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPPING. ONCE IN A LIFETIME CLOSE-OUT PRICING!!
LIMITED STOCK ON THIS CLOSEOUT ITEM: BUY IT TODAY

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY:
* 18 months parts and labor

EXTENDED WARRANTIES:
* Available For Purchase On This Product
* For More Information Go To the “Warranty” Page Tab

Check out our selection of free-standing and undercounter wine coolers

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers

Many of our customers at Ideal Wine Coolers hail from the great state of Florida.  I was curious what Florida’s wine industry was all about.  Interestingly, Florida ranks third in wine consumption with New York and California holding the top two spots. However, the wine growing industry in Florida is not a significant state contributor to the local economy, but the wineries are gaining a growing reputation for their wine production.  Another fact that eluded me was that Florida is home to the Original American wine.  

 Wine was first made in Florida 300 hundred years before California became a state.  Early Spanish and French explorers discovered native grown Muscadine grapes growing in the wild.  Around 1565, colonists started producing the Original American Wine from the native grapes largely as sacramental wine for religious purposes.  The tropical climate in Florida and the presence of many grapevine diseases made wine growing problematic for many years.  In the 1930’s, hybrid grapes suited for the Florida climate were developed by University of Florida researchers.  It was not until the 1980’s that Florida could even claim a wine growing industry of any note. 

There are fewer than 30 wineries and vineyards in the state.  These few industry leaders can be found scattered throughout the state from the Florida Panhandle to the Homestead area south of Miami.  Primarily because of the growing season differences, the grape harvests begin in May and end in September, which is much earlier than places like Pennsylvania.  Most of the wineries can be found in the “out-of-the-way” places of the state and are centered near small, delightful country communities.  Visiting these small, friendly towns could be a highlight of a wine tour trip in the state and certainly enhance the understanding of early American history. 

Muscadine wines cannot be found anywhere else in the world and are considered a Southern specialty.  The research and development of new hybrids will surely enhance the varieties of grapes grown in Florida.  Some of the key grapes grown are Stover, Blanc du Bois, Swanee, Noble, Muscadine, and Miss Blanc.  I have no doubts that development of more varieties and hybrids will ultimately serve to increase the future choices for Florida wine drinkers.  Florida is also a state that allows shipping of wines across its borders with minimal requirements.  It may be worth your time to check out the possibility if you cannot travel there. 

On June 24 and 25 this year, the Florida International Wine Challenge will hold its sixth annual competition at the Palms Hotel in Miami Beach.  The 2010 Wine Challenge is touted to be the biggest in history.  This event has given out awards to wineries and vineyards from all over the world.  This year event organizers will be offering an educational package that is sure to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of the event. 

Many people wonder why the Florida wine industry does not achieve more notoriety.  Many of the wines made there have won numerous national and international awards.  Perhaps, it is because many of us still look at Florida where the oranges are grown and where Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades and Disney World are located.  I recommend, when next in Florida, that you find one of the small town wineries or wine venders and try a bottle of homegrown wine.  Remember, as I always say find a wine you enjoy, store it properly until you use it, serve it at just the right temperature and enjoy it. 

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, May 2010

My Manager’s Pick for the month of May is the Danby 35 Bottle Free Standing Locking Wine Cooler.  This wine cooler is also unique in the fact that the top is designed to add to your existing counter space.  Most wine coolers do not have the option of using the top, because they lack the needed design features.  We have priced this wine cooler at $219.00 more than 22 percent off our regular price of $284.00.   We have plenty instock and can ship the day after your order is submitted.

Our Danby Black 35 Bottle Stainless Trim Worktop Locking Slim Wine Cooler is for serious collectors in freestanding applications when a locking glass door is needed. The temperature cooling range is from 42.8 degrees F. to 57.2 degrees F. The cabinet has a sleek black finish and stainless steel metal door trim with a recessed handle. This wine cooler is less than 20 inches wide making it slim enough to fit anywhere in your home. The tempered glass locking door on this wine cooler promotes better insulation and UV protection for your finest wines and has reversible hinges. The black interior features sturdy wire metal shelving that will tenderly cradle your best vintages. This wine cooler features a scratch resistant work top, an excellent place to store wine accessories. The interior light and quiet, operations make owning this wine cooler a pleasure and a pointed addition to your home decor. Look no further for superior wine storage.

FEATURES:
* Free-standing Design
* Programmable Temperature Range of 42.4 to 57.2 degrees F.
* External Digital Thermostat
* 6 Full Width Wire Shelves
* Tempered Glass Door w/Stainless Steel Trim
* Scratch Resistant Work Top
* Reversible door hinges
* Integrated Lock with Key
* Recessed Side Mount Door Handle

CAPACITY:
* 35 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width 17 11/16 Inches x Depth 19 6/16 Inches x Height 33 6/16 Inches

SHIPPING UPS:
* Calculated Based on Weight & Zip Code

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY:
* 24 months parts and labor

READY FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT

EXTENDED WARRANTIES:
* Available For Purchase On This Product
* For More Information Go To the “Warranty” Page Tab

Check out our selection of free-standing and undercounter wine coolers

Author: Ronald Senn, VP Ideal Wine Coolers

In elementary school when learning U.S. geography, Pennsylvania always “threw me for a loop” when trying to spell it.  I kept forgetting the “y”.  The state is infamous as the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed.  In December 1878, Pennsylvania became the second state to join the new union of American states, just five days after Delaware.  The state ranks sixth in population and thirty-third in total area when compared to the other states.  In agricultural production, Pennsylvania ranks nineteenth overall, but ranks first in mushroom production, third in Christmas tree production and, surprisingly, seventh in the nation in wine making. 

The state has over 100 wineries covering over 14,000 acres.  The wine industry contributes over 2 billion dollars to the state’s economy.  Approximately 230 distinct growers produce nearly 400,000 cases of wine annually.  The Pennsylvania wine industry accounts for over 10,500 jobs.  The wine industry is relatively young, but is growing fast and gaining recognition for its quality wines.  The grape crop harvest typically starts in late August and ends in the middle of October. 

The wine industry originated in the southeast and northwest portions of the state.  Today, wineries are scattered throughout the state.  The majority of wine production is in the eastern part of the state within a polygon defined by drawing a line from Williamsport east to Scranton, then southeast to Newtown, then southwest to Eddystone, then west to Orrtanna, and then north back to Williamsport.  In August 2009, Jennifer Eckinger, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Winery Association, in an interview with Joel Berg, The Patriot News, said, “There’s actually a winery within a 45 minute drive anywhere in the state . . .” 

The primary Pennsylvania varietals that can be found includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Catawba, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Reisling, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Virnoles.   One of the strengths of the Pennsylvania wine industry is the diversity of the grapes grown.  Many of the wine makers have received awards and other recognitions for their quality vintages.  Most of the wine growing operations are family-owned and offer a special brand of hospitality should you opt to tour them. 

Touring Pennsylvania wineries can be fun endeavor to partake.  Plan your trip carefully before hitting the road.  If you do not like crowds and want a more one-on-one experience, tour during the week rather than the weekends.  Prepare yourself by learning as much as you can about the wineries you plan to visit by visiting their respective websites.  Do not forget to stop occasionally to “smell the roses” and experience the local cultures, museums, historical markers, restaurants, etc.  Manage your tour trip to get all the enjoyment you can and not let the trip become an onus to having fun. 

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers

Ideal Wine Coolers is pleased to provide two products with  customer appreciation, extra low pricing.  Both of these products are manufactured by one of our quality suppliers, the Danby Company.  You can also review our complete line of Danby Wine Coolers and Danby Kegerators and Beverage Coolers.

Our Danby Black 35 Bottle Stainless Trim Worktop Locking Slim Wine Cooler is for serious collectors in freestanding applications when a locking glass door is needed. The temperature cooling range is from 42.8 degrees F. to 57.2 degrees F. The cabinet has a sleek black finish and stainless steel metal door trim with a recessed handle. This wine cooler is less than 20 inches wide making it slim enough to fit anywhere in your home. The tempered glass locking door on this wine cooler promotes better insulation and UV protection for your finest wines and has reversible hinges. The black interior features sturdy wire metal shelving that will tenderly cradle your best vintages. This wine cooler features a scratch resistant work top, an excellent place to store wine accessories. The interior light and quiet, operations make owning this wine cooler a pleasure and a pointed addition to your home decor. Look no further for superior wine storage.

FEATURES:
* Free-standing Design
* Programmable Temperature Range of 42.4 to 57.2 degrees F.
* External Digital Thermostat
* 6 Full Width Wire Shelves
* Tempered Glass Door w/Stainless Steel Trim
* Scratch Resistant Work Top
* Reversible door hinges
* Integrated Lock with Key
* Recessed Side Mount Door Handle

CAPACITY:
* 35 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width 17 11/16 Inches x Depth 19 6/16 Inches x Height 33 6/16 Inches

REGULAR PRICE:  $284.00       CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PRICE $219.00      SAVINGS OVER 22%

SKU # DWC3509BLS

Our Danby Black 4.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Door Pony Keg Beer Cooler will cool your 1/4 beer keg with ease. The kegerator comes with a black cabinet with a stainless steel door. The molded worktop, black beer tower dispenser with chrome trim and the chrome guard rail give this keg cooler a professional look. Features that will add to the enjoyment of this beer keg cooler are 2 cantilever wire shelves, auto cycle defrost, reversible door hinges and included drip tray. This Danby Keg Cooler comes with a Co2 tank and all the necessary fittings to start serving cold draft beer immediately. The Co2 tank is shipped empty for safety reasons. You can fill your tanks locally at places like welding shops, fire extinguisher service centers, hospital gas suppliers and party stores. A full Co2 Tank will provide enough gas for about 5 to 7 kegs. You will be the envy of all your friends the first time they enjoy an ice cold draft beer at your home. Look no further for superior kegerators.

FEATURES:

* Pony Sized Kegs
* Black Cabinet with Stainless Steel Door
* Auto Cycle Defrost
* 5 Pound Co2 Tank with Hardware Included (tank needs charging)
* Scratch Resistant Top
* Reversible Door Hinge
* Chrome guard rail included
* Black/chrome Beer Tower Dispenser
* 2 Cantilever Wire Shelves
* Drip Tray included

CAPACITY:
* Pony Sized Kegs
* Co2 Tank: 5 Pounds under 1800 PSI

DIMENSIONS:
* Kegerator: Width 20 3/4 Inches x Depth 21 8/16 Inches x Height 33 Inches
* Co2 Tank: 5.5 Inches Diameter x 18.25 Inches Tall

REGULAR PRICE:  $637.00       CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PRICE $430.00      SAVINGS OVER 32%

SKU # DKC445BLS

We also have several Vinotemp Sale Items and are proud of the new products we have added.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, May 2010