FINE WINE

Uncork a good time at these 10 wineries in the Neighborhood Tourist region

By Kelley White Photos by Kelly Vanderploeg Photograph Provided by Lynfred Winery and Goat & Vine

Famed Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei reportedly once said, “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” Throughout the historic and lush Fox River Valley area, there is plenty of sunshine to savor. Find the perfect spot to connect and unwind at these eight distinct local wineries. While each location offers its own unique atmosphere, specialties and knowledge, they all share the most important commonality — a great selection of wine.

¢ FOX VALLEY WINERY 5600 U.S. Route 34, Oswego 630-554-0404 www.foxvalleywinery.com An award-winning winery located in the Fox River Valley with a boutique and welcoming ambiance, Fox Valley Winery offers a variety of specialty wines sure to delight even the most discerning palate. Try the fan favorite sweet red labeled Corruption or bestselling Seyval Blanc. Be sure to check their website and social media pages as their new building at 59 S. Main St. is nearing completion. ¢ GALENA CELLARS’ GENEVA TASTING ROOM 477 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-9463 www.galenacellars.com

Here you’ll find a charming tasting room and distinctive gift shop tucked in the middle of Geneva’s historic district. Partake in your favorite wines among good company around the oak bar, or relax in the sunshine on the spacious outdoor patio. When the days grow colder, experience warmth in one of the cozy patio igloos. ¢ GENEVA WINE CELLARS 227 S. Third St., Geneva 630-232-8888 www.genevawinecellars.com Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room boasts a boutique bottle shop that employs sommeliers to make wine selections for guests. Virtual wine experiences, live patio music and dedication to educating customers in all things wine sets this venue apart. Be sure to take part in the new flight program featuring three 2-ounce glasses of exclusive weekend wines for just $15.

THESE ORCHARDS OFFER WINE, TOO

Apples are delicious in so many forms, whether you prefer cobbler, pie, cider, donuts — you name it. Jonamac Orchard and Kuipers Family Farm took their offerings a step further and now offer fruit wine. Jonamac Orchard’s Cider House, which is located behind the store and bakery, offers 10+ wines for you to enjoy on the patio. You can find caramel apple, Honeycrisp, an orchard blend and more, along with two slushy flavors and a variety of hard ciders. Choose four wines for a flight, best enjoyed on the patio with a view of the very apples that went into your wine. Kuipers is celebrating its 20th year this year — raise a toast to this longstanding family farm with a glass of wine or hard cider. New this year are two flavors of hard cider shandy — blackberry and ginger-orange, offered in addition to oak cherry, peach sparkling and red wines. Visit this Maple Park orchard and pumpkin patch for a day of fun, capped off by a cool drink. Head to www.jonamacorchard. com/cider-house and www. kuipersfamilyfarm.com to learn more! ¢ GOAT & VINE RESTAURANT AND WINERY 195 Remington Blvd., Bolingbrook 630-634-0333 www.goatandvinewinery.com A distinctive winery that selects only the best sources for their label, Goat & Vine offers a wine club delivering a monthly membership and personal rewards. Immerse yourself in the restaurant’s romantic atmosphere and indulge in irresistible fare such as crisp salads, meats and creamy pastas. Choose from their White, Black and Premier label wines and take your taste buds on an incredibly delicious journey.

¢ LYNFRED WINERY 15 S. Roselle Road, Roselle 630-529-9463 www.lynfredwinery.com Lynfred is an established, award-winning winery that lends warmth and invitation through old world charm and rich surroundings. Indulge in the exclusive chocolate-covered wine, a chocolate-dipped wine bottle meant to be enjoyed while sipping on its contents. Visit in person for advice on the perfect wine pairing suggestion for your favorite meal or cheese selection. The Roselle location also offers a mix of savory and sweet fresh bread, available on weekends.

¢ PRAIRIE STATE WINERY 222 W. Main St., Genoa 815-784-4540 www.prairiestatewinery.com The 16th established winery in Illinois, Prairie State Winery was founded by a pair of former schoolteachers and has been honored with several awards — including four Governor’s Cups, awarded to the best wines made from Illinois-grown fruit. Become a valued customer and get to know the personable staff at Prairie State while enjoying delicious wines and a seasonal menu in their beautiful patio garden.

¢ SABLE CREEK WINERY 14912 S. Eastern Ave., Plainfield 815-214-9463 www.sablecreekwinery.com This winery is home to a variety of quality wines sourced straight from the best. Visit Sable Creek to take part in an array of activities like wine bingo, trivia, live music and more. Satisfy a sweet (like the s’mores board) or salty (like the standard charcuterie board, with meats and cheeses) craving with one of several available charcuterie trays, or purchase a kit to create your very own wine slushy!

¢ WATERMAN WINERY 11582 Waterman Road, Waterman 815-264-3268 www.watermanwinery.com This 12-acre, family-run winery and vineyard specializes in handcrafted wines centralized around a century-old farm. Partake in a weekend wine tasting or self-guided tour, and gain an appreciation for locally sourced vintages while enjoying rural quiet and fresh air. Waterman Winery offers a selection of wines for purchase at local stores in Waterman, DeKalb and Sycamore.

Jarrett Prairie Center Natural History Museum 7993 7993 Nor North th RiverRiver Road, Byron, IL

Enjoy these free activities: Explore 4Explore 4,000 ,000 square fsquare feet eet of of interactive interactive exhibits Learn about prairie ecology in our immersive indoor theater Design Design your your own own farm farm at our plow exhibit Have Have a s a seat eat on on our our huge huge deck deck to to take take in in the the seasons seasons of of the the prairie

JOIN US NOVEMBER 6 30TH ANNUAL GIFT SHOW