Ten years ago, my husband and I celebrated our newly-wedding bliss with a Honeymoon to Napa Valley, California. For days we drove up and down the scenic mountainous landscape lined with thousands of acres of grapevines. We enjoyed world-class wines in buildings that were architectural marvels. It was heaven for sure.
Fast forward 10 years and 2 kids later, and we still enjoy a good glass of wine. While we can hit up any local grocery or liquor store for a bottle, there is nothing quite like swishing a little taste in your mouth with a list and pencil in hand. Luckily Lake County has a few fun and fabulous options for wine tasting with your partner on date night or with your girlfriends. Sans kids.
Local Wineries in Lake County
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, Grayslake, IL
The Glunz Family has been in the wine business for three generations. In their tasting room, you can sample any number of their wines for no cost, most stemming from grapes in California. They have the widest variety of wines from Sangria to Chardonnay to deep reds and even my favorite, port. You can also find them doing tastings at the Grayslake Farmers Market.
Editor’s Note: During the winter don’t miss out on Loralie’s favorite, the glog!
Valentino Vineyards, Long Grove, IL
Family-owned, this winery started as a dream from a real estate developer in 1995, who kept a little land for himself and started his own vineyard and eventually the winery. Some wines are estate grown and some are shipped in from out west. There is a fee to taste the wines. You can often find them on Groupon for a tasting a tour deal.
Vingeto bel Bino, Antioch, IL
The newest of all Lake County wineries is family-owned, with most wines are derived from local varietals grown on their 10 acres in rural Antioch. They also sell unique handmade goodies from local artisans. Tasting is free if you purchase a bottle; otherwise, there is a small fee.
Broken Earth Winery, Long Grove, IL
Located in the heart of downtown Long Grove, this tasting room features wines grown from their own estate in Paso Robles, California. They also sell craft beers, have video gaming, and often feature live music in their modern tasting room.
Coopers Hawk Winery, South Barrington and Wheeling, IL
Cooper’s Hawk has multiple locations throughout the country with tasting rooms, restaurants, and stores.
There are lots of great options within driving distance of Lake County in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Please check out the Illinois Winery and Wisconsin Winery websites for more information.
Did we miss your favorite? Share it with us in the comments!
By Jenna B.
Antioch
Jenna is an active wife and mom of 2 game-changers. A professional Counselor by trade, Antioch resident, and native Cheesehead, this mindful momma is laid back and up for any mess or adventure, doing her best to live in the moment. When not tuning out or taming tantrums, she’s running, cooking, reading, creating music, or shopping local.
You have Coopershawk which is in Cook County but not the Lynfred store @ 971 North Milwaukee Wheeling, IL which is in Lake County.