WINE | Illinois tastings

The public is invited to the Winter Wine Festival at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Friday and Saturday, Feb.

1-2. Friday admission includes five tasting tickets to sample Illinois wines, with specially paired culinary delights. Saturday starts with complimentary breakfast, and then proceeds to a wine lover’s workshop from 9 a.m. to noon. Topics include an introduction to regional grapes and wines, backyard grape growing and a wine and food pairing exercise. To join the entire Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association conference, visit www.illinoiswine.com for details.