2014 iPick iStomp iDrink dates set

The dates for 2014's iPick iStomp iDrink harvest events have been set. We're looking for 400+ volunteers to help us harvest grapes for this years crush.  If you are interested in volunteering, plese click on the date below that works for you to sign up.

Saturday, August 23
Saturday, August 30
Saturday, September 6
Saturday, September 13

New this year, all registrations must be done online.  There is also a $10 registration fee per person.

Participants must be at least 15 years of age to participate in the pick. Those under the age of 21 will receive a non-alcoholic drink with lunch and will not be eligible for a complimentary bottle of wine at the end of the event and it is non-transferable.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON HARVEST DAY:

We begin at 7am at Brickyard Hill Vineyard (six miles from Fireside Winery - SW of Marengo).

We will start with a brief training on how to harvest the grapes and what to pick and what to drop.  Then we'll turn groups out in to the vineyard to pick.  Feel free to take breaks as needed. Fireside will provide water and light snacks in the vineyard.

Harvesting grapes will take place until around 12pm (depending on how quickly the grapes needed for that day are harvested.)

After harvest, everyone will return to the winery to relax with lunch and a complimentary glass of wine*.  To cool off your weary feet, take a plunge in the grape stomp for a bit.  Before heading for home, be sure to pick up your 2014 vintage iPick t-shirt and your well earned, complimentary bottle of wine**.

WHAT TO BRING:

Dress in layers (its often cold at the start and hot at the end)
Bug Spray
Sunscreen and Hat
Water & Snacks (Fireside provides some too)
Gloves if you prefer (Fireside provides buckets and clippers)

Harvest events will take place rain or shine.  Registration fees will only be returned if Fireside Winery cancels the event in advance due to poor harvest conditions.

*must be 21 years or older
**excludes Marquette; must be of legal drinking age

Help Wanted

We are looking to fill a few openings at the Winery. 

The first is a new full-time key holder position.  The job will require working 3 Saturdays a month and 2 Sundays per month along with some week days for a total of 30-40 hours per week. 

We are also hiring part-time staff to work weekends and possibly some week days.  Hours vary.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualities:

• great customer service skills
• enjoy working with a variety of people (both on the Fireside team and with customers)
• ability to multitask (assisting customers, kitchen prep, inventory, etc)
• computer savvy - knowledge of MS Word and Excel and not afraid to learn Fireside's Point of Sale system

If you are interested in applying for either position, please complete the job application posted on this blog and submit to Brittany Blunk at brittany@firesidewinery.com

Upgrade to The Retreat at Fireside Winery

The Retreat at Fireside Winery

Last week we made some changes to The Retreat that we think our guests will really enjoy.  Before we had a small sitting room on the main level that had a couch and chair inside. Based on some guest feedback, we moved this furniture to the main Dining Room (which had plenty of room) and added a queen sized bed and end table to the old sitting room. Now this rent-able residence now has four private bedrooms - each with a queen sized bed.

To see inside the Retreat play the video below.  The upgraded room photos are also below.   We encourage you to take a look.  

If you are interested in booking The Retreat, please contact the Winery at 319-662-4222 or email theretreat@firesidewinery.com.  A brochure with current rates can be found at the bottom of this blog.

Vines to Wine Walk Saturday, August 9

We are trying a new event this year called Vines to Wine which we hope you'll enjoy.  In previous years, we've been asked to coordinate a walk in the vineyard since its so lovely. We liked the idea but wanted a way to involve the Winery too so we come up with the idea for a walk from our vineyard, Brickyard Hill all the way back to Fireside Winery.  Marengo Memorial Hospital agreed to partner with us on this event and so now the walk is a fundraiser for their foundation.

The walk will take place on Saturday, August 9th.  Registration is from 7:30 8:45am at Fireside Winery. After registering, participants will be bused over to Brickyard Hill Vineyard to start the walk at 9am.  The six mile walk will wind along rural, country roads in Iowa County.  Expect some slight hills and loose gravel during the walk. There will be a break station half way with refreshments and restroom.

Once back at the winery, we encourage you to take a break with a glass of wine and enjoy live music by Jordan Bergren who will be playing from 11-2pm. The 1st Lutheran Church, Conroy, will be serving up a lunch at the winery for any interested as well.

Registration Details
Participants who sign up by July 28th will be guaranteed a Walk Tshirt.  

Advanced Registration is $20 (Cash or Check Only)  The registration form is located below.
Online Advanced Registration is $22 Click here for Online Registration.
Walk Day Registration is $28

We hope you'll join us for our inaugural walk.

Vines to Wine Registration Form

Be Here To Win

To reward our frequent visitors, we have started a monthly drawing program. On every visit, each guest may enter their name in our monthly drawing.  The lucky winner will receive something special from Fireside Winery.  The drawings will take place on the first of every month.

This summer's prizes will consist of 4 tickets to an upcoming event or reserved parking and table for 4 during a Footloose Friday Night or Sunday "Unplugged" music event in that month.

The prizes for this summer are:

May 1 Drawing - 4 tickets to Summer Uncorked on May 25 or reserved parking and table for 4 during a music event in May

June 1 Drawing - 4 tickets to Sangria Sunset on June 21 or reserved parking and table for 4 during a music event in June

July 1 Drawing - 4 tickets to Firefly a Glow'n Party on July 12 or reserved parking and table for 4 during a music event in July

August 1 Drawing - 4 tickets to 
Annual Harvest Party on August 31 or reserved parking and table for 4 during a music event in August

Fireside Winery's 2014 Music Schedule

We have a lot of great music lined up for this spring and summer.  We hope you'll be able to enjoy some afternoons or evenings with us, listening to the great music and while spending time relaxing with family and friends.  In case you haven't picked up your copy of the events at the winery, you can print this version on your own.  We hope to see you soon!