A Wine Grows in Illinois

Fine wine in Illinois? Absolutely! Wines are being made in each of the 50 states these days and with all the buzz surrounding the concept of EAT LOCAL and DRINK LOCAL, its time to step up and investigate what wines are being produced in your own backyard.

If you live near Chicago, you are blessed with one of Illinois' largest wineries, complete with a luxurious bed and breakfast: Lynfred Winery. Just a short drive Northwest (minus traffic) from the Loop lies Lynfred Winery, in the town of Roselle. Lynfred has been producing award-winning wines since 1979 from both California and Illinois grown fruit.

On a recent visit, I had the pleasure of sampling a wide array of wines from Lynfred's line-up of over 50 selections.

2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey--ripe style, mango, peach, slight herbal notes, hint of sweetness on the finish, medium bodied.

2006 Semillon Reserve, Columbia Valley--smoky, pineapple, mango, peach, luscious and full, smooth texture, medium/full bodied.

2007 Fume Blanc, Monterey--aromatic, grassy, mango, lemon-lime, touch of oak, full and round, slight zest on the finish.

2006 Viognier, Lodi--ripe, tropical, mango, peach, luscious, hint of sweetness, round and smooth.

2007 Seyval Blanc, Illinois--like Riesling meets Sauvignon Blanc--big aromas of white grapefruit, gooseberry, herbal notes, lemon citrus, semi-sweet, refreshing.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi--jammy, white pepper, plum, black cherry, touch of toasted vanilla spice, medium bodied.

2005 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi--spicy wild berry, raspberry, silky texture, medium bodied.

2006 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley--ripe and jammy, plum, black cherry, white pepper, vanilla spice, silky, medium bodied.

2005 Petite Sirah Reserve, Lodi--dark and brooding, plum, cassis, raisin, leather, dark chocolate, velvety texture, full bodied.

NV Sparkling Cherry Wine--totally fun--tastes like sparkling cherry pie--tart cherry flavors with a touch of cinnamon spice. A perfect pairing on a holiday table for cherry pie.

Lynfred is located roughly 30 miles Northwest of Downtown Chicago, near Schaumburg.

15 S. Roselle Road
Roselle, IL 60172