Tasty Tuesday: Wineries on the Lake County Libation Trail
By: Jonathan Jones 11/10/2020
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” said literary libationer Ernest Hemingway.
Lake County provides you with the most vibrant vinos on this side of the Mississippi.
Make sure this November, you note your attendance at one of these maker’s facilities via outdoor sipping and/or carryout or curbside pickup. During Lake County Libation Trail Month, sippers have the opportunity to win a free overnight stay at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort for two with late checkout, a $50 food and beverage credit at Wright’s Brew & Bistro and a sample pack of Five Eyes Honey Ale, made with the honey produced at the resort, and brewed by Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. Continue here to learn more.
To enter, patrons will text “CHEERS” to 224-706-1133. Let's explore, this tasty Tuesday: wineries on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Four generations of Glunz’s have operated a business in libationing. The Glunz family landed in the states in 1879 and opened a wine, beer and spirit store on Wells and Division Streets in the present-day Old Town neighborhood in 1888. In 1992, the third-generation descendants began creating small-batch fortified wines and the rest is history. Not only does the family own a winery and tasting room in Grayslake, but also in wine country in Paso Robles, California, where they grow much of the drinkables. The award-winning winery is known for its Mission Angelica (red dessert wine), De La Costa Sangria and its Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel.
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake.
Illinois’s eldest winery is Lynfred, who just celebrated 40 years in operation. A hobby that turned into a full-fledged business was founded by Fred E. Koehler, who’s also known as the father of the Illinois wine industry. The Lake County vino tasting room has been earning awards and national recognition since 1985. Lynfred has four locations: Roselle, Wheeling, Wheaton and Naperville. The Wheeling room has been open since 2008 and is known for favorites like Fred’s Red, Vin de City White, and a ton of other electric flavors.
Lynfred Winery Wheeling, 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
The award-winning winemakers grow and produce their berries and wines on the Long Grove estate. Boasting over 20 different grapevines that produce more than 20 vinos, Valentino’s Vineyard creates all of their libations in French and American oak barrels. Throughout the year Lake County maker conducts wine tastings, vineyard tours and seminars. Some of the Long Grove winery’s staple offerings include Valentino’s Signature Red 2004 and 2016 and their Seyval Blanc 2015.
Valentino Vineyards Inc., 5175 Aptakisic Rd., Long Grove.
The Lake County Libation Trail winery Vigneto del Bino Vineyard and Winery offers nine different types of wines at their scenic establishment. The winery sits on one acre of a 10-acre property surrounded by 2,300 grapevines. The Trombino family planted their first vine in 2009, and they haven’t looked back. The winery resides in Antioch and features exceptional vinos like Bino’s BLend (semi-dry red table wine), the Sequoit Red (red table wine), the Kaleidoscope (semi-sweet white table wine) and others. Salud to vino!
Vigneto del Bino Vineyard & Winery, 42150 N. Crawford Rd., Antioch.
For past Tasty Tuesdays, continue here. For more about the Lake County Libation Trail/Check-in Challenge, click here. Cheers, Lake County!
