Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area.
Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon
$38.95 / 750ml bottle. Crafted with devotion, our Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon is a harmonious blend of medium tannins and rich, deep flavors. The journey of its creation begins with a cold soak, extracting the vibrant essence of cherry and plum, elegantly intertwined with sophisticated hints of dark chocolate. This meticulous process is followed by aging in French Oak barrels, which imparts a nuanced medium oak character, complementing the wine’s medium-full body, medium-high tannins, and medium acidity to perfection.
Geneva Winery
2N100 Brundige Rd., Elburn, IL 60119
426 S. 3rd Street, Geneva, IL 60134
5 N. River Street, Batavia, IL 60510
Musician Jon Bon Jo2021 Tempranillo
Lynfred Winery is celebrating the arrival of autumn with a nod to Spain’s most iconic grape. For October, the winery has selected its 2021 Tempranillo as Wine of the Month, offering wine lovers a chance to experience an Old World classic with a distinctly Lynfred expression.
Tempranillo, whose name is derived from the Spanish word temprano—meaning “early”—is famous for ripening sooner than many traditional varieties. It is also the backbone of legendary wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. At Lynfred, the 2021 vintage was crafted from 90% Tempranillo grown in the Clarksburg AVA of California, complemented by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine was then aged for 24 months in American oak, allowing its bold flavors to deepen and integrate with notes of vanilla and spice.
The result is a full-bodied red that pours a deep ruby hue and opens with aromas of cherry, dried tomato, and cedar, layered with hints of tobacco, figs, and black tea. On the palate, flavors of cherry, dark plum, and dark chocolate mingle with black pepper and anise. The finish is elegant and complex, defined by round tannins that linger gracefully.
Food lovers will find the Tempranillo to be a versatile pairing partner. Whether served alongside paella, tapas, charcuterie, polenta, or even pizza, this wine enhances both traditional Spanish cuisine and everyday favorites.
For nearly half a century, Lynfred Winery has championed bringing the world’s most celebrated grape varieties to the Midwest, blending international tradition with a warm, local touch. With the release of the 2021 Tempranillo, aged two years in oak, the winery continues its mission to showcase classic varietals while honoring its own unique winemaking style.
Wine enthusiasts can discover this special release throughout the month of October at Lynfred Winery in Roselle and its tasting room locations in Wheeling and Highland Park. Available at www.lynfredwinery.com $27
Lynfred Winery
15 S. Roselle Rd.
Roselle, IL 60172
Aurora
Hints of plum and blackberry followed by fresh herbs are found in this lovely example of Cabernet Franc. A rich but elegant wine, we recommend pairing this with roasted or grilled lamb, beef, or veal.
Up North Wine Tasting Room
9 N. Second Street
Geneva IL 60134
Cerise Brûlée
This melomel pours a deep garnet red, with rich aromas of roasted honey and dark Cherry. On the palate, lush cherry fruit meets layers of caramel, toffee, and subtle cocoa from the caramelized honey. 14% abv / semi-sweet / $22 – 200ml.
Foxes Den Meadery
101 S. Bridge Street
Yorkville, IL 60560
