Winery flourishes in the western suburbs


(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Wine country is calling and it’s closer than you think.

Founded by Fred and Lynn Koehler in 1979, Lynfred Winery began as a labor of love and is now the oldest and largest family winery in Illinois.

“I think what surprises most people when they come to Lynfred Winery is that great wine can be made even here in the Chicago suburbs, because great wine can be made anywhere,” said Christina Anderson-Heller, marketing director at Lynfred Winery.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Roselle is a beautiful craftsman style home that was built back in 1912. As you travel up the cobblestone drive, it feels as though you’re transported to Napa Valley.

Towers with turrets are covered in ivy, and outdoor patios and porches offer an intimate atmosphere.

“When you walk in, it’s oak everywhere,” added Anderson-Heller. “And it even has, on the bar, oak carvings of the wine making process.”

That’s a fitting architectural detail, because just beneath the floorboards lies an entire wine production facility. From barrel, to bottle, to glass, this urban winery does everything but grow the grapes.

“We bring all the grapes to us from California, Washington, Michigan, Southern Illinois and even Chile,” said Anderson-Heller.

Whether you’re looking for wine by the glass, by the flight or by the tasting, there’s something for novices and aspiring sommeliers alike.

“We have the craziest array of wines, being that we have everything from your standard Merlots and Chardonnays and Cabernets. But then we have port wines, fruit wines, sparkling wines. We make over 80 different varieties of wine, more than any winery under one brand in the U.S.”

Wine bottles on assembly line

Some of the wine being produced at Lynfred Winery.

Photo credit Rachel Pierson

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