Prairie Fire offers commendable wine selection
By Laura Wallack & Elle Haller
As part of an initiative to the Wisconsin Union dining facilities, the new coffeehouse and wine bar Prairie Firefeatures an extensive wine collection that includes several local favorites. And with new wine tasting Mini Courses and extended hours of operation beginning this fall, there are plenty of opportunities to experience this new Union spot.
With selections from Australia to Wisconsin, Prairie Fire has created a global dining menu. In addition to Prairie Fire’s many international wines, Botham Winery of Wisconsin supplies several varieties so guests can get a taste of something bottled much closer to home.
Located just 30 miles west of Madison, Botham winery got involved with Prairie Fire through suggestions from students, faculty and Wisconsin Union members. Vice president and director of marketing Sarah Botham prides Botham Winery on its deep roots in the culture and history of Wisconsin. The recently named Wisconsin Family Business of the Year has grown and produced their internationally renowned and regionally distinctive wines for more than 20 years.
Botham described the Botham winery selections featured at Union South’s Prairie Fire as well fitting. “The selections Latitude 43 and Badger Blush seemed like obvious choices for their wonderful character and extraordinary quality,” said Botham. Both wines are named after Madison, one its geographic location and the other its athletic mascot.
The wines have received positive feedback following their features at Prairie Fire and have gained a strong following on campus among students, staff and general Union South visitors. Botham said she couldn’t be happier with her Badger fans. “We are quite pleased and proud that our wines are being represented in this and other on-campus venues,” said Botham. “Peter Botham is one of many alumni in four generations of the Botham family who have attended this great university. We are proud Badgers and proud to share our products with all who visit Madison or call it home.”
International and specialty wines and beers are selected based on tastings, state approval, price value and quality. According to manager Julia Madsen, the current favorite traditional wines are the crisp and refreshing organic Riesling and textural grapefruit and fig Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc.
Yet, with so many unique wine choices, it can be difficult for guests to know everything about the wines served at Prairie Fire. This fall, Mini Courses will be featuring a wine tasting tour of featured wines. The “Wednesday Wine” Mini Courses series will begin on Oct. 19th and showcase Argentinean wines. The course will feature stories about the wine’s history and advice on how to enjoy each wine’s unique flavors. The courses will also pair the featured wines with light appetizers created by the Union dining services.
However, the commitment to maintain local tastes and feature Wisconsin favorites remains an important part of the Wisconsin Union’s mission. Mini Course directors are considering providing wine tasting courses to learn more about the local wine varieties as well. But for now, the interesting local selections and opportunities for learning show that Prairie Fire offers a truly unique wine tasting experience.
Prairie Fire Fall Semester Hours (Sept. 2 to Dec. 15)
Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to Midnight
Holidays: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Prairie Fire also proudly serves Wollersheim wines, another Wisconsin favorite. For more information on their wines and winery history, visit their website.
Botham Vineyards & Winery is also a strong supporter of UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) and UW-Madison student National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). Sarah Botham is a faculty associate in CALS, department of Life Sciences Communication and the faculty advisor for UW-Madison student NAMA.
