Vintage Fixed Racing

Vintage Fixed Racing

A Look at This Season With Grape Expectations

Perfect Pairings

September 19, 2007 – as published in the Beacon News and Naperville Sun

By Bill Garlough

Autumn is the time of year when grape growers all over the world lovingly harvest their crops and celebrate their bounty.

However, the recent adverse weather could put a damper on much of the merriment. Our world's shifting weather patterns have made it challenging for grape growers across the globe. Locally, with the recent rainstorms and flooding, I was concerned about its impact on Illinois wine production.

Harvest forecast

Overseas, it has been very difficult for grape growers. France experienced a cold, wet summer and had widespread attacks of vine mildew, translating into lower production this year.

South Africa and Argentina also have repeated poor harvests. Parts of Australia have suffered from a very hot, dry growing season and fires. The resultant ash will dominate their grape juice with notes of smoke and bacon.

On the other hand, California experienced ideal growing conditions. Grapes love warm, sunny summer days, cool nights and light rain. Winemakers check the grapes pH, acidity and brix (the amount of sugar, which is available to convert to alcohol) levels. When right, the growers rush to pick the crops before any heavy fall rains occur. Grape growers prefer a drier, warm summer as it creates some vine stress (resulting in better wine) and allows a grower to add, through irrigation, the amount of water the crop needs. You can always add water, but cannot take it away.

Locally, our Illinois winemakers had a more challenging year. Kori Faltz of the Fox Valley Winery reported the early summer provided weather the grapes love. The heavy rains in August adversely affected the grape pH, acidity and brix, so more time was needed on the vine to hopefully restore the grapes to the proper levels. The recent Labor Day sun helped. Assuming some fall sunshine, our wet August will delay the harvest and only affect the winemaker's production schedule.

Andres Basso, the Director of Winemaking at Lynfred Winery of Roselle informed me they source some grapes in Illinois and Michigan, but the majority of grapes come from California and Washington. Given the West Coast's good harvest conditions, they are confident in the quality of their 2007 vintage.

Wine festivals

This past weekend, there were three separate festivals celebrating the fall harvest. The Naperville Wine festival was held at the Naper Settlement. Your entrance ticket included a souvenir wine glass and 10 tastings from more than 200 wine selections. Geneva celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Festival of the Vine. Twenty local restaurants offered their signature dishes along with 14 wines to sample. Local merchants offered Festival specials and horse drawn carriage rides were available. The Fox Valley Winery offered grapes in large vats for stomping, and participants received a complimentary shirt with space for their grape stained footprints. One of the state's largest wine festivals was held at Starved Rock State Park. This festival featured wines from 20 award-winning Illinois wineries. Both days featured Illinois grape seminars.

There's still time to enjoy this fall tradition. Coming up, there are two local wine festivals that are well worth checking out:

• Harvest Fest When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Held at the Faltz Family Vineyards, 2714 N. 4251st Road, Sheridan.

Who: Fox Valley Winery

What: This fun day includes vineyard tours, wine tastings, a vintage baseball game, grape stomp and grape spitting contests and musical entertainment.

For more information: www.foxvalleywinery.com.

• Lynfred's Annual Oktoberfest, Pig Roast and Grape Stomp

When: 3 to 9 p.m. Sept. 29 and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 30

Where: 15 S. Roselle Road, Roselle.

Who: Lynfred Winery.

What: Lots of wine, food and fun are guaranteed at this annual event. Activities for the whole family with German sing-a-longs, grape spitting, grape stomping, cork tossing and barrel races! Plentiful food with roasted pig, warm German potato salad and all the fixings plus bratwurst and "heavenly" sweet corn. Tasty desserts are also available.

For more information: www.lynfredwinery.com.

For more from Bill Garlough's Perfect Pairings visit My Chef.,

About the Author

Bill Garlough is a Level 1 Master Sommelier and an owner of My Chef Catering in Naperville, the winner of the U.S. Chamber's 2007 Small Business of the Year award. Bill can be reached at My Chef or wineparings@mychef.com

	Gran Turismo 4 Sale Price: $9.99
	Are you searching for a driving game that offers more than just breakneck speed? Look no further than Gran Turismo 4. The most recent installment in this amazingly popular racing game brings realistic driving to a whole new level...

	Corbeau Classic Bucket Black Vinyl Sale Price: $299.00
	Classic Bucket Black Vinyl - The Classic seat is ideal for classic and vintage style automobiles. Vertical stitching enhances the vintage look of the Corbeau Classic Bucket. Corbeau is known for making the most comfortable seats in the world.

	Schwinn Intersection Freewheel Single Speed Road Bike (700c Wheels) Sale Price: $299.99
	The Schwinn Intersection Freewheel single-speed Road Bike offers classic style and a smooth ride with an aluminum frame, drop handlebars, and a steel road fork. Equipped with a freewheel 16-tooth single-speed drivetrain, the Intersection is simple to maintain and fun to ride...

Tour De France Stage One Vintage Blue Bike

$380.95

The Tour De France Stage One Vintage Bike features a light alloy frame with simple features to keep it light and easy to maintain. The Vintage Bike includes double walled alloy rims with 700c road tires and a fixed gear. The Vader saddle and bullhorn-style handlebars keep riders comfortable while alloy road pedals and toe clips allow for easier braking. The Stage One Vintage bicycle is perfect for trips around the neighborhood or the park!

Tour De France Stage One Vintage Red Bike

$380.95

The Tour De France Stage One Vintage Bike features a light alloy frame with simple features to keep it light and easy to maintain. The Vintage Bike includes double walled alloy rims with 700c road tires and a fixed gear. The Vader saddle and bullhorn-style handlebars keep riders comfortable while alloy road pedals and toe clips allow for easier braking. The Stage One Vintage bicycle is perfect for trips around the neighborhood or the park!

Ventura ASA Racing Bicycle Seat

$19.95

The Ventura ASA Racing Bicycle Seat is ideal for mountain biking or racing. This comfortable bike saddle includes air shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride. Seat clamp not included.

SEGA Grid Racing Game

$11399.95

Get on the Grid and ready to race with the incredible SEGA Grid Racing Arcade Game. Drive some of the world’s fastest and most legendary cars such as the Pagani Zonda, the Bugatti Veyron and the Aston Martin DBR9. Iconic racetracks include Donington Park, Spa Francorchamps and Okutama. You can also race down the narrow streets of San Francisco, Milan and Detroit in an attempt to open the secret track! Among the most innovative racing games on the market, Grid offers unparalleled cabinet feature lighting and detailed car damage for more realistic game play. The 32'' HD LCD screen offers a variety of road views and is enhanced by the force feedback steering and powerful 2.1 sound system. Choose from different race modes including a Championship mode and link up to 6 players for a true tournament of skill! Bring the arcade home like never before with the incredible SEGA Grid Racing Game!

M-Wave Racing Bike Pedals

$62.95

The M-Wave Racing Bike Pedals features a durable machined alloy construction with a sealed cro-moly axle. This bicycle pedal includes a large pedaling area for greater control. The Racing Bike Pedal features a reflector for added safety and is suitable for use with LOOK biking cleats. You'll receive 2 pedals.

Nicktoons Nitro Racing Arcade Game

$7289.95

Bring your favorite Nicktoons into your home game room for a racing game the whole family will love! SpongeBob is back in racing form and this time he brought some new friends along! The Nicktoons Nitro Racing Arcade Game puts you in the driver seat as you take on seven Nick-themed racing tracks. Select from seven Nicktoon characters including SpongeBob, Danny Phantom, Jimmy Neutron, Timmy, Zim and Aang as you zip around their various homeworlds, pick up assorted power-ups and fight your way to first place! Beat all six tracks to unlock the mystery driver and bonus track! Detailed 3-D rendered environments and high-definition graphics bring you right into the action. The Nicktoons Nitro game features a colorful cabinet with Nickelodeon-designed graphics and is linkable up to 6 player positions! Perfect for adults and children alike, the Nicktoons Nitro Racing Arcade Game makes an ideal addition to your next game night, hang out or party!

NASCAR Arcade Racing Game (Standard)

$9799.95

EA Sports and Global VR team up to give you this NASCAR Arcade Racing game. Choose your favorite driver and compete on legendary tracks like Texas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Crag Canyon and more. Force feedback steering and a six speaker audio system respond to track and race conditions to give you the feeling you're actually there. NASCAR Arcade Racing game features a dynamic difficulty system that adjusts to your skill level and makes an evenly-matched challenge for beginners and pros alike. If you've been dying to experience the rumble of a NASCAR speedway, here's your chance.

NASCAR Arcade Racing Game (Deluxe)

$12799.95

EA Sports and Global VR team up to give you this NASCAR Arcade Racing game. Choose your favorite driver and compete on legendary tracks like Texas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Crag Canyon and more. Force feedback steering and a six speaker audio system respond to track and race conditions to give you the feeling you're actually there. NASCAR Arcade Racing game features a dynamic difficulty system that adjusts to your skill level and makes an evenly-matched challenge for beginners and pros alike. If you've been dying to experience the rumble of a NASCAR speedway, here's your chance.

Spalding Roughneck Gorilla Fixed Basketball Rim

$136.95

The Spalding Roughneck Gorilla Fixed Basketball Rim is meant for aggressive play. This tough rim includes 5/8'' diameter brace rods and a nylon net for added strength. The continuous ram horn net system makes net installation hassle-free! The Roughneck Gorilla rim is electrostatically powder coated and comes back by Spalding's unconditional lifetime warranty. Make it a slam dunk with this superior Spalding goal.

Spalding Super Goal Fixed Basketball Rim

$105.95

The Spalding Super Goal Fixed Basketball Rim is for playground use. This sturdy rim features single ring configuration and 1/2'' diameter brace rods for added strength. The continuous ram horn net system makes for hassle-free installation. The Super Goal includes a nylon net and features the strength of electrostatic powder coating. This quality goal comes backed by the manufacturer's guarantee. Make it a slam dunk with Spalding.

Scratchbuilt Oliver 88 Racing Tractor (second try starting)