Most people around the country have to travel halfway across the United States to Napa Valley simply to sample the best wines, but not if you live in Chicago. Unfortunately, not a lot of people know that they have their very own ‘Wine Country’ right in their backyard and, today, our Chicago ground transportation specialists are looking to change that. We have compiled a list of some of the best wineries in and around the Windy City for your enjoyment, especially since the festive season is finally upon us.
However, before we proceed to explore our options, we want to encourage you to employ our Chicago limo service for all your transportation needs on your wine tour. Let our experienced and knowledgeable chauffeurs handle all the driving and navigation for you as you visit any, or all, of these outstanding wineries, take in the scenery, and restock your wine collection. Additionally, with us, you can simply relax and sample all the different wines at your disposal with the full knowledge that a trained professional is behind the wheel, ready to transfer you and your companions safely to the comfort of your homes. Now, without further ado, let us explore the best winery options in the Illinois Wine Country has to offer.
Fox Valley Winery
The Fox Valley Winery is located in Oswego, Illinois, and is open to the public every day between 10 am and 10 pm. Fox Valley prides itself in focusing more on quality as opposed to quantity and, true to this, their small-batch wines have won over 100 local and international awards since the start of the millennium. Just west of Chicago, this winery offers daily tasting sessions and events, including wine classes and live music entertainment. This, coupled with the winery’s extended opening hours, makes Fox Valley a perfect weekend road trip destination when visitors get to enjoy food pairings that keep changing according to season and local availability.
Valentino Vineyards and Winery
Valentino Vineyards and Winery is located in Long Grove along Aptakisic Road, only 45 minutes from Chicago. The winery is only open to the public between 12 pm and 5 pm on Saturdays/Sundays and between 5pm and 7 pm on Fridays. Valentino produces over 20 types of wine and has over 25 varieties of grapevines. Visitors get to sample their award-winning wines, tour their beautiful vineyards, and learn more about the wine-making process. If you want to experience a wine appreciation seminar with the staff, however, you are encouraged to call ahead in order to receive further details on their scheduling.
Lynfred Winery
Head over to Roselle Road in Roselle, only 30 minutes from Chicago for the Lynfred experience; the winery is open to the public every day between 10 am and 7 pm. Most people fall in love with this winery almost instantly and choose to become members. Members receive an assortment of wines every month, which also gives them an excuse to visit this beautiful establishment. The wine lineup changes every month so you never really know what to expect, which makes for a delightful surprise and gives you something to look forward to.
