Wollersheim Winery is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Prairie Fume's creation during the winery's Prairie Fume Picnic Days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20 and 21.

Families of all ages are invited to kick off the summer at the winery during the picnic days.

According to a press release submitted by the Winery, the event offers wine tasting, live music, and a closer look at the making of Prairie Fumé and a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Guests can bring a picnic lunch, picnic blanket or chairs, and possibly an umbrella. The Winery will have wine, other beverages, and a selection of snack items to purchase. Guests are asked to not bring grills or carry-in beverages and to leave pets at home.

Along with the Prairie Fumé, Wollersheim will feature their newly released Prairie Sunburst Red and Prairie Blush.

History of Prairie Fume

The idea for Prairie Fumé was born in the fall of 1988 when winemaker Philippe Coquard with his wife Julie and 4-month-old daughter Celine were dining out in Madison.

According to the press release, while enjoying a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc it hit Coquard that they needed to make such a style of wine.

It was winemaking season, and he quickly studied and tried a new method of winemaking in the next few days; stopping the fermentation before completion so that some natural sweetness from the grapes remained.

In the spring of 1989, Prairie Fumé was bottled, introduced and released. According to the press release, it was well received and sold out in no time. It quickly gained national recognition earning four gold medals in wine competition right out of the gate.

For more information about the winery, visit www.wollersheim.com.

— Eagle staff