Published: November 14, 2008 01:34 pm      

Huber’s set to celebrate recent grape harvest

Winery to release Pop’s Reserve during international celebration

For one day of the year, wineries around the world come together to celebrate the end of harvest with the release of a special wine.

Locally, Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards is participating, throwing a three-day celebration with free chili and a taste of Pop’s Reserve. It is only released on that day and sold until supplies run dry.

This is the ninth year Huber’s participated in the celebration. However, Nouveau Day — as it is called — officially started in 1951 in France with the drink Beaujolais Nouveau.

“It’s a French tradition, but not French style,” Ted Huber, winemaker, said of Pop’s Reserve and the release party.

“We’re carrying on international tradition, but we try to make it our own, that feels like us,” said Dana Huber, who does public relations for the winery.

Ted said Nouveau stands for new wine, since the original one that started the tradition was made from the most recently harvested grapes. So, Huber’s also takes the final grapes of the season, quickly ferments them and bottles it up to be released on the big day. What’s different is that Huber’s version is sweeter than the French Beaujolais Nouveau, Ted said.

Normally, Huber’s only celebrates on Nouveau Day. However, September’s wind storm damaged the Plantation Hall. Construction on that isn’t scheduled to be complete until April. So, Huber’s is setting up a large, heated tent to help accommodate all who come and adding two more days to help spread out the crowds.

Dana said it’s an event for the whole community. Last year, she said about 1,000 people joined in on the celebration.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to thank the community and customers for their support,” Dana said.

“Having a good time, that’s what it’s all about,” Ted added.

Mike Turner, of New Albany, said he’s not sure if he can make the party but knows he’ll be back before Pop’s runs out.

“I’ll come back when it’s out to purchase some,” he said. “I like it. It’s one of my favorites.”

Dana said depending on customer feedback, the event may continue to last more than a day in the future.



Pop's Reserve release

• WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and Nov. 22

• WHERE: Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards

• DETAILS: Free tasting of Pop’s Reserve, as well as free chili, will be available. Pop’s Reserve will also be available to buy until supplies run out for $10.99 a bottle. The wine will not be sold before Thursday.

Why Pop's Reserve

• Ted Huber’s grandmother, Marcella, enjoyed the old family recipe called Pop’s Reserve (named after Ted’s great-grandfather), but wanted something lighter for year-round. So, she developed a new recipe, modeled after Pop’s and named after herself — Sweet Marcella. However, Marcella continued to make Pop’s around the holidays as an annual treat.