Lynfred—a local winery

Illinois doesn’t necessarily come to mind when thinking of wine, especially Chicago. But nestled in the suburb of Roselle is Lynfred Winery, Illinois’ oldest and largest continuously operating bonded winery. Once I found out they were so close to home, I made my greatest effort to contact them about a sponsorship. To my surprise, my excitement was shared, and before I knew it a bottle of Lynfred Winery’s Vin De City Red, and Vin De City White were at my door, complete with an artistic rendering of Chicago’s skyline.

Debating on visiting the winery for a first hand tour, I decided that I would get much more out of a visit when it’s not 14 degrees outside with a wind chill of -10. So I hopped on their website and did a little research.

History

Opened in 1979 by Fred and Lynn Koehler, Lynfred Winery began in a restored historic residence housing an expansive cellar with 18 inch thick wall, capable of standing up to the harsh Illinois winters. 1985 brought home Lynfred’s first double gold chardonnay at the Reno Wine Competition. Ranging from classic red and white varietals, to fruit wines, such as plum, apricot, and blueberry, Lynfred has been taking home metals ever since. Expanding in 2002, Lynfred Winery now includes a tasting room, bed and breakfast, and gift shop, drawing in visitors from around the world.

The Wine

As we have seen, there are no set rules when it comes to wine making. While wineries such as Dr. Konstantin Frank believe in vinifera (pure) wine, for others, like Oriel it’s about location, scouting out the best wineries and wine makers. For Lynfred Winery it all boils down to taste. Selecting “the finest” grapes from California, Washinton, Michigan, and Illinois, Lynfred wine makers are able to produce the over 50 varietals, from the comfort of home. Now is that cheating? Some would probably say so, but if it tastes good, who cares. All wines are available for purchase on their website at www.lynfredwinery.com

Contact

Lynfred Winery is located at 15 S. Roselle Road in Roselle, IL and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7 days a week, with cellar tours conducted between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. January through October. Stranded in the city with out a car? The winery is a short mile walk from the Roselle stop of the Elgin bound Metra train.

The Featured Wines

Retailing for $10.00 a bottle, Vin De City Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Described as having aromas of cherries, vanilla, spice, and soft oak, the wine has a medium body, and an alcohol content of 12.5% Suggested as a perfect everyday wine, I will be pairing this wine with Swedish meatballs, wild rice, and green beans.

Also retailing for $10.00 a bottle, Vin De City White is a blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. With aromas of toasty apples and pears, and a medium body, this wine is recommended for veal, pork roast, and rosemary, but I think I will be pairing it with a heavier vegetarian dish.

Look back tomorrow for the first review, hopefully it will be a perfect pair!