In the Land of Lynfred

Does Lynfred Have a Restaurant?

2012-01-26T17:10:00.000-06:00

"Do you have a restaurant?"

This is one of the most asked questions we receive on the phone at the winery. While we do not have a restaurant we do have two incredibly talented chefs on staff, Chef Chris Smith and Chef Joe Hetman, who bake fresh bread daily at the winery in addition to caring for our well-pampered Bed and Breakfast guests, as well as creating tempting treats for our Epicurean Experience. Actually you can have dinner at the winery; with 11 to 29 of your closest friends! Here's the info:

Family Style atLynfred

Available sevendays a week starting at 4:00pm

Minimum of 12,maximum of 30

$50 per personplus tax

Dinner plans must be made 7 days in advance

Ensalda

(Choose one)

Caesar, Garden salad with ranch dressing or Chopped salad

Entrée

Choice of pasta:

Spaghetti, mostaccoli,fettuccine, fusilli, angel hair or farfalle

Choice of Sauce:

House marinara withred wine, alfredo, aglio e olio (garlic and oil) with fresh

vegetable or traditionalmeat sauce or vodka sauce

Add-ons

(Add $5 per person)

Italian style meatballs,sausage and peppers or chicken cacciatore

Third Course

(Plated, choose one)

Fresh fruit,cannolis, cream puffs, spumoni or tiramisu torte

Served with fresh bakedbread, iced tea, lemonade and coffee

Along with one glass ofLynfred house wine (red or white)

Extra wine may be purchasedby the bottle to serve (members no corkage fee)

$100 per hour room charge after 2 hours

Last seating at 7:00pm(no additional hours)

Give Lisa a call at 630.529.9463, ext. 103 to book your winery dinner!

Where's Lynfred Wine? Somewhere Warm!

2012-01-13T16:10:00.001-06:00

Winter has officially arrived with the first major snowfall of the season in Chicago and 20 degree temperatures. I thought it might be nice to show some 'warm' pictures to brighten up your day. Recently Lynfred wines have been visiting some warm locales, including Florida and Hawaii!

Wine club member John Schmalz sent us pictures of our Sparkling wine in Hawaii:

"I brought one of my favorite Lynfred wines on vacation. My friends and I shared the bottle one lovely afternoon in Kona, Hawaii while celebrating my birthday. Lynfred wines always make my celebrations special." - John Schmalz

Wine club members Patti (also a Lynfred employee) and Ken Marks brought Lynfred with them for their Christmas at Disney in Florida!

Where do YOU take Lynfred wine? Snap a picture and send it on over to Christina at the winery!

Let it Flow, Let It Flow, Let It Flow!

2012-01-12T11:03:00.000-06:00

Well, there is just no escaping it... the snow is coming down fast and furious in Chicagoland today! If it's going to snow we might as well have some fun! Grab a bottle of Glogg and go build a snowman. Need some inspiration? Here are a few fun ideas:

Build a Lynfred wine snowman and send us pics - we'll post it here on our blog!

I Mustache You a Question...

2012-01-05T12:48:00.003-06:00

Is there Cabernet in my 'stache?

Blame it on the gorgeous weather here today but we were feeling full of tomfoolery at the winery today.

I mustache you a question. Is there Cabernet in my 'stache?

Quick! Take the picture! The chefs 'mustache' back to the stove!

Winemaker 'stache (Andres)

Mustaches and Cabernet are an excellent pairing.

Jose' and Mona sporting their fav 'staches

Jill and Lori think shipping wine is much more fun when wearing mustaches.

Lab 'stache? Lora getting her 'stache on.

Nicole and Betty: 'staching the day away.

Lisa & Diane: Sisters in 'stache.

Our favorite 'local 'stache'

Have a most excellent day -
Christina the Marketing lady

Having Cab? Call a Cab!

2011-12-30T12:19:00.002-06:00

Our winery patrons mean the world to us and that’s why wewant you to have a great time but to also be safe. If you’re going to be out and about havingCab this weekend be sure to hail a cab! Stay safe, my friends!

ChicagoBurbs:

AAA USATaxi 630.671.0168

Alef Cab Company 847.923.0900

American Eagle Cabs 847.895.1900

American Riders Taxi 847.843.2626

American Taxi 847.253.4411

Blue Taxi 847.882.5920

Futura Taxi 630.773.1889

USATaxi 630.872.8294

Links to Taxi companies in Chicago

Yellow Cab

Chicago CarriageCab

Flash Cab

Choice

Americans Limo

American CoachLimousine

We'll be open New Year's Eve from 10 am to 5 pm (stop by and pick up some bubbly on your way to your party)! Yes, we are closed on New Year's Day (a.k.a. Recovery Day). FYI: Samples of Sparkling Rose' and Mango are just a $1 each through New Year's Eve!

Holidays + Wine = Fun

2011-12-28T15:26:00.003-06:00

The holidays are SO much better with wine and our Lyn-fansproved it with their fun pictures they posted! We also asked our Facebook andTwitter friends what Lynfred wines they enjoyed with the holidays and receivedsome fun responses today:

Via Facebook:

Mandy Sealy: I had cranberry and pear wine fromLynfred. Both were quite delicious!!!!

Kelly Peterson Wemken: Christmas red and Merlot! Yummy!

Thomas Curry: Christmas Red, of course.

Michele Gregory Lansing: Cranberry, Ruby Reserve, CabSav Reserve, & Pear. All from Lynfred.

Danielle DeHaan Drebing: vin de city!!!!

Angela Miller Kerulis: We opted for some Sparkling Raspberry and Sparkling Mango. Bothwere a huge hit!

Susan Wachholz: SparklingRaspberry!

Heather Skoien: Seyval Blanc 2010 and Sauvignon Blanc2010 :-)

Gayle Schreiber Smolinski: Black Muscat,Seyval Blanc, Christmas Red, Primivato, Cranberry and Cab Franc!

Karen La Rue Tellez: Wehad the sparkling red that was served at Shaw's dinner with oysters and mysister went to winery Tues and bought more!

Cheryl Conrad Radtke: Sweetheart Red and Black Muscat

Kathy Link: Judging by my recycling bin, a lot of it.

Christine Feddeler- Mola: Glogg and shiraz!But all ur redsr amazing :-)

Wendy Slater: I did not drink any since I am pregnantbut my husband shared some

Christmas Red with the family and we gave some othergreat Lynfred wines as gifts.

Via Twitter:

@Bobzaguy: Primitivo with rare prime rib dinner.

@Me_with_a_B: HolidayWhite -- It was a big hit with my family!!

Here are some fun pictures posted by our fabulous Lyn-friends:

Wine! (Taken with Instagram at Lynfred’s Winery) by @lostinprint via Twitter

Tonight's dinner is a combination of @SmokinWills BBQ paired with @lynfredwinery sparkling raspberry. Mmm - @mike_miley on Twitter

Lynfred Christmas Red on Anna Maria Island, Florida with Sue Ruddy Lewis

Club member Mark Hale shared Lynfred Syrah with his Christmas guests!

Another fun holiday in Wisconsin with Lynfred! - Michael Brown

Holiday libations shared by Tara Lazarra

"Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow..." - Renee Delaney

Christmas Punch! A bottle of Lynfred's Blueberry Wine, Sparkling Rose, a little bit of Lemon Rum and some simple syrup! So Yummy - Jillian Treacy

Jillian's punch looked so good we asked her for her recipe!Here's her fabulous concoction:

"1 bottle of Blueberry Wine

1 bottle of Sparkling Rose

about 1 cup of Barcardi Limon (Give or take how much rum you want to taste)

1 cup Simple Syrup (1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water over heat to melt thesugar)

and the zest and juice of one lemon and another lemon to slice for garnish

Even better was the same recipe only with Cranberry wine and the Sparkling WineBrut - I made that one on Christmas and it was gone before I was even able totake a picture! - Jillian"

What wine did YOU celebrate with this holiday?

Warm Wine Wishes to our Lyn-Friends

2011-12-22T12:58:00.001-06:00

Dear Lyn-Friends,

As we endeavor to continue making Fred’s dream a success, especially during these trying economic times, all of us at Lynfred would like to thank you for your steadfast and loyal dedication to the winery. Our patrons are more than customers; they are Lyn-friends. We are proud to have you as part of the Lynfred family. We sincerely thank you for your kind words, gestures and visits after the loss of Fred; he always wanted the winery to be an extension of your own living room and we hope to continue his incredible legacy in the coming years.

Wishing you an abundance of friends, happiness and fun this holiday season (and lots of wine),

The Lynfred Family

Happy Holidays from the staff of Lynfred Winery!

The part-timers at Lynfred are ready to serve you some vino!

Tasting deVine Wheaton will enjoy a drink in your honor

The staff of Tasting deVine Cellars Naperville has a bottle waiting for you!

Lynfred Wheeling toasts to YOU!

We miss you, Fred!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

2011-12-21T14:04:00.000-06:00

We all remember how Ralphie from a Christmas Story had to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's. Well, how about trying to convince your family and friends that you want to bottle Sparkling wine? Same reaction: You'll shoot your eye out. Today we were hand bottling the new batch of Sparkling Brut so that you don't have to worry about shooting your eye out:

Speaking of Sparkling wine... we're offering a Sparkling special the week of New Year's Eve:

But wait, there's more; you can taste them too (December 26-31):

Holiday Hours (Roselle):
9 am - 9 pm through Dec 23
9 am - 5 pm Christmas Eve
Closed Christmas Day
10 am -7 pm Dec 26-30
10 am - 5 pm New Year's Eve
Closed New Year's Day
10-7 January 2 regular daily hours begin

A Very Mischievous Elf

2011-12-16T14:50:00.002-06:00

If you have young children in your household you have probably heard of Elf on the Shelf. The elves fly to the North Pole every night to tell Santa who's been naughty or nice. When they fly home each night they get a little mischievous...

This picture was posted by Lynfred employee, Jen, who has some very, very creative spots for her elf:

"Day #20: The little creep tried to bust open our Lynfred Winemaker's Reserve Cabernet

that we've been saving since July for Christmas night.

Clearly he's moved on from Boones Farm and Franzia."

We think he is a very smart elf.

A Wine Lover's 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-15T13:23:00.000-06:00

12 snobs sniffing

11 casks a-corking

10 crushers crushing

9 vines a-winding

8 charming chardonnays

7 sommeliers a-serving

6 corkscrews turning

5 golden Sauternes

4 hearty cabernets

3 table wine blends

2 toasting friends

ANDa Pinot in a Pear tree!

Want a real ’12 Days of Christmas’ package? Check out our 12Christmas Picks:

12 Days of Christmas

A full case of wine to get you through the holiday! Includes2 bottles each: Holiday Red table wine, Holiday White table wine, hot spicedChristmas Red, hot spiced Christmas White, Glogg, Cranberry. $124

Oh, Christmas Tree, How Delicious Are Your Branches

2011-12-12T12:37:00.002-06:00

Looking for a non-traditional Christmas tree this year? These trees are full of spirit:

Top Ten Reason to Shop at Lynfred This Holiday

2011-12-02T16:00:00.001-06:00

10. Your credit card may be maxed out, but we’ll still giveyou a complimentary taste of wine!

9. Chocolate. Covered. Wine. Need we say more?

8. We have the onlyfruitcake you would actually eat.

7. Your daily glassof wine is a little gift to yourself.

6. Because we’re alocal, family-owned business!

5. Chefs Chris andJoe bake all the homemade holiday treats that you can pawn off as your ownbaking (just pray your guests don’t ask for the recipe).

4. Because Santa issick and tired of milk and cookies. Getthat man a bottle of wine.

3. Because we’reopen until 9pm in December.

2. He’s making hislist and checking it twice. You get winewhether you’ve been naughty or nice!

1. Shopping withwine. Priceless.

Lyn-Love.

2011-11-27T15:03:00.001-06:00

We are so very blessed tohave the BEST customers at Lynfred Winery! Our customers are loyal and many of them love to cook as seen in thesefun pictures tagged of us on Facebook:

Thanksgiving Turkey - Frank Gondermann

Maytag Stuffed Figs w/Greens, served with a Lynfred 2008 Syrah!

Albacore steak over linguine a la olio with the Lynfred Winery Rousanne reserve. - Thomas Curry

Pumpkin pasta with the Lynfred Oktoberfest wine - Thomas Curry

Pinot Grigio with Thanksgiving - MMM! Okay, this was a picture from my very own Thanksgiving table this year!

Massaman Curry, served with a Lynfred Riesling! - Erik Koster

Thank you Fred and all of @lynfredwinery for being a part of Thanksgiving Dinner. A great magnum of '05 cab - Mike Miley (via Twitter:)

Two of our fabulous wineclub members even have a blog dedicated to cooking our monthly recipes! You canfind all of the recipes and enjoy their cooking education on their blog,Lynfred Meals and Wines.

Speaking of our winefriends... one of our friends posted this fun love letter to our warmed holidaywine, Glogg, today:

Dear Lynfred Winery Glogg, Thank you for being on my wine rack thisSunday afternoon. For you are not always my first choice for a wine, but today,decorating the Christmas tree with my VERY enthusiastic, highly energetic andcrazy 5 year old boys, my husband and I appreciate you greatly! You may havejust become a new holiday tradition! Yours Truly~ Emily

Want to talk about true Lyn-fanship? I would give some serious props to wine club member, Ewa and her newly designed earrings:

That is Lyn-love!

Have a fun Lynfred pictureto share with us? Email it over with a note! Happy drinking, everyone!

Thanksgiving Hours

2011-11-23T15:39:00.001-06:00

Lynfred. Making family functions bearable since 1979.

We're open on Thanksgiving for those in need of escape:

Lynfred Winery Roselle: 9 am to 3 pm
Lynfred Winery Wheeling: 11 am to 3 pm
Tasting deVine Wheaton: 10 am to 3 pm
Tasting deVine Naperville: closed

You're Welcome.

2011-11-21T10:38:00.001-06:00

That's what everyone will be saying when you bring our Cranberry wine to Thanksgiving dinner! $12

Photo credit: Mike Miley

We're Open Late & A Turkey for your Plate

2011-11-18T11:53:00.001-06:00

Exciting news at Lynfred Roselle. . . the holiday hours have started! Lynfred Winery is officially open 9 am to 9 pm until December 23. Yes, we are even open Thanksgiving Day 9-3! We’re open later to give you plenty of time to come by and pick up the perfect wines for your holiday meal.
Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year and still don’t have a turkey recipe? Have no fear; the Lynfred chefs are here! Chef Chris Smith’s famous Roasted Turkey with Pan Juices is a staff favorite:

Roasted Turkey with Pan Juices

by Lynfred Chef Chris Smith

INGREDIENTS

vegetable oil

1 18-20 pound turkey, thawed

salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup (1/2 stick butter, softened)

Lynfred Cabernet wine

apples, cinnamon sticks, thyme & rosemary sprigs (for aromatics)

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rinse the turkey well, inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub salt and pepper into both the neck and body cavities.
Stuff the inside of the turkey with the aromatics (sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, thyme & rosemary sprigs). Close both cavity ends with trussing skewers and string. Place the turkey breast up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Rub the skin lightly with softened butter. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
Place the turkey in the oven and roast about 12 minutes per pounds, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices.
The turkey is done when the thermometer registers 180 degrees or when the juices run clear when the thigh is pricked with a fork.

Remove the turkey to a warm platter and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Scrape all the particles from the bottom of the roasting pan and stir them into the pan juices to give it a deeper color and heartier flavor. Add a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon wine and salt and pepper to taste; simmer for a few minutes on top of stove. Remove to a warmed gravy boat.

Turkey Humor

2011-11-17T15:43:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is just one week away and we couldn't resist sharing this cartoon:

Gobble, Gobble.

Cheers to our Veterans

2011-11-11T09:54:00.001-06:00

In honor of Veterans Day Lynfred Winery will be offering a glass of wine for a penny to all active duty military and veterans. Thank you for your service!

Lynfred & Macy's. A Holiday Tradition.

2011-11-10T11:03:00.001-06:00

Tradition: Noun. The transmission of customs or beliefs fromgeneration to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way. Along-established custom or belief.

Traditions are a big part of the holidays; to manyChicagoans it is visiting the windows at Macy’s and to many more, a familylunch at the historic Walnut Room. This holiday season we are delighted announcethat our signature red and white table wines are now available to enjoy duringyour visit to the Walnut Room!

Add a little Lynfred to this year's holiday tradition and ask for the Walnut Room Red or White during your visit to Macy's Chicago. Cheers to new traditions!

Macy's Great Tree has been lit in The Walnut Room for 104years.

Thanksgiving Wines & Pies

2011-11-09T11:46:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and that means it’s timeto start loading up on the wine (hey, we understand family holidays). Here are our Thanksgiving wine packages wehave picked out just for you:

Thanksgiving Classics:

Oktoberfest

Vin de City Red

Cranberry

You can't go wrong with this economical selection of winesfor your Thanksgiving dinner. Oktoberfest is a sweet blend of Riesling &Gewurztraminer. Vin de City red is a dry red blend, deliberatelycrafted to compliment a broad range of foods. Cranberry Wine issweet, tart & fruity - a must have with turkey & stuffing. $34.00

TurkeyLovers:

Gewurztraminer 2008

Merlot 2006

Cranberry

We've chosen 3 of our favorite Sparkling Wines to accompanythis holiday season. Sparkling Wines make the perfect before, during and afterdinner cocktail! They're also an excellent hostess gift, especially whenyou're not sure exactly what foods to expect since they tend to pairbeautifully with a broad range of appetizers and entrees. $49.25

Let the Festivities Begin:

Sparkling Rose

Sparkling Plum

Sprakling Mango

An Elegant Affair:

Pinot Grigio Reserve

Cuvee Red

Cranberry

Perfect for your Thanksgiving table! The Pinot Grigio 2008 Reserve is rich & oaky with notes of butterscotch - the perfect accompaniment to those delicious sweet potatoes. Our winemaker's vision of the perfect New World Red is embodied in the delightfully fruity & complex Cuvee Red, a blend of 8 different red wine grapes. And of course, every Thanksgiving needs some form of cranberries, so why not Cranberry Wine? $72.00

Shipping & Handling: $6.00 flat rate to any destination. (Standard shipping only, regular rates apply for non-wine items.)

Add up to 3 more bottles and shipping is still only $6.00!

Want to make your family think you bake better than BettyCrocker? Order one of our chef's homemade pies for Thanksgiving and pass themoff as your own:

Apple

Pumpkin

Cherry

Pecan

Call us this week to place your order by November 17: 630.529.9463. Piesmay be picked up the day before OR Thanksgiving day.

Wine Costumes: If You've Got It, Haunt It!

2011-10-27T13:36:00.001-05:00

Halloween comes but once a year and that leaves wine lovers 364 days to come up with wine-inspired costumes! i.e. That means 364 days of wine drinking to come up with ideas such as these:

Have enough glasses of wine and you'll start dressing up your pets!

A Song For Lynfred

2011-10-26T15:42:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Roselle resident, and Lyn-friend, Kyle Tasch for writing this song for Lynfred Winery! I'll toast to that!

Snickers and Merlot: A Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing

2011-10-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

You shouldhave known that Halloween could not pass without us making use of some wine fun! Tomorrownight is our annual Halloween candy and wine pairing (sorry, it’s booked,folks) and I couldn’t help but share the frivolity:

These parings have been tried (and tested) by the Lynfredstaff and prove to be awesome:

* Snickers and Vin de City Red
* Twix (caramel) and Syrah
* Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Sweetheart Red
* Candy Corn and Ice Wine
* Strawberry & Grape Nerds and Framboise Port

Throw your own Halloween candy and wine pairing party! Hereare some other pairing ideas:

Candy Corn: Riesling or Ice Wine
Good ‘n Plenty: Cabernet Sauvignon
Butterfingers: Seyval Blanc, Rousanne
Snickers: Merlot, Zinfandel
Heath Bar: Chardonnay (a buttery one)
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup: Pinot Noir, Concord
Plain M&M’s: Merlot or Malbec
Almond Joy: Sangiovese
Skittles: Cayuga, Riesling
Bullseye: Chardonnay
Candy Necklaces or Chuckles: Pinot Grigio
Mary Jane’s: Chambourcin or Norton
Tootsie Rolls: Zinfandel
Dove’s Dark Chocolate: Cabernet Sauvignon
Hershey’s Bar: Merlot

Happy Hallowine!

It's Our 32nd Anniversary: A Look Back at 1979

2011-10-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

Today is Lynfred Winery's 32nd anniversary! To get everyone in the right state of mind I thought I’d take you on a time warp back to 32 years ago – to 1979!

32 years ago we:

Were doing the HUSTLE to the sounds of Disco in our Calvin Klein’s and Gold Lame’.

The Bee Gees & Blondie had us singing falsetto and we were listening to it all on the Walkman (also created in 1979).

With the Television we were singing the Facts of Life and watching the Love Boat, Chips, Mork & Mindy and Fantasy Island (‘da plane, ‘da plane).

A Toyota Corolla was only $3700 and the VW Beetle was all the rage.

A Gallon of Gas was 86 cents.

Stamps went for 15 cents.

In 1979 we played Atari. . . The Steelers’ Won the Super Bowl (with Mean Joe Greene starring in the best Super Bowl ad, ever, for Coca Cola) and Jimmy Carter was president.

Most importantly though? In 1979 Fred & Lynn Koehler opened Lynfred Winery. 32 years later Lynfred Winery continues to create memories for all who enter our door. To celebrate we are offering a ’30 for 32’ promotion: Wine club members will receive 30% off any premium bottle of wine $30 or more for the celebrate our 32nd in October. That means our anniversary wines, the Cuvee Red and White wines, will be only $21 and our Best-in-Show winning Cabernet-Shiraz can be picked up for $35! Stock up on these special wines for upcoming holidays.

Happy Hallo-Wine!

2011-10-12T14:13:00.005-05:00

Whether you are hosting a Halloween haunting or looking fora festive hostess gift, a personalized bottle of vino brings all the fun to theparty! Personalize a bottle of Lynfred wine with our fun Halloween label foronly $5 plus the cost of the wine. Be sure to order plenty because nothing isscarier than an empty glass of wine!

To place your order call our tasting room at 630.529.9463

Celebrate 32 Years With Us

2011-10-11T10:30:00.003-05:00

This week Lynfred Winery will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary on October 14! We’d love to have you join us for our annual anniversary dinner, this Thursday, at Allguaer’s.

Start the evening off with a cocktail and appetizer reception, followed by a fabulous, five-course meal created by Chef Nick Landaweer. In celebration of our anniversary we have chosen some premium Lynfred wines to be enjoyed with each course.

Thursday, October 13

6:30 pm - $78 per person (all inclusive)

For Reservations Call Allgauer’s 630.505.0900, ext. 3100

Reception - Start 6:30pm

Wine: Sparkling Almond

Popcorn Bay Scallops with Apricot Sauce

Apple, Leek & Brie Tartlet

First Course – Dinner 7:00pm

Wine: Rousanne

Spiced Rub Salmon

Chipotle Corn Polenta with

Pineapple, Mango & Avocado

Second Course

Wine: Semillon

Herb Brined Pork Tenderloin Au Jus

French Onion Bread Pudding

Bacon Sautéed Green Beans

Third Course

Wine: Primitivo

Duck Crostini Salad

Pistachios, Raspberries, Apples & Dijon Vinaigrette

Fourth Course

Wine: Merlot

Salt & Pepper Roasted NY Strip

Topped with Merlot Bleu Cheese Butter

Stacked Potatoes

Dessert

Wine: Cherrivino

Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake

Coconut Ice Cream &

Almond Crème Anglaise Sauce

More Oktoberfest Tips: Getting Here & More

2011-09-22T12:48:00.002-05:00

We are on the final countdown to Oktoberfest (September 24 & 25)! The tent is up, the grapes are here for stomping and the chefs are roasting 1400 pounds of pork as we speak! This week I have been blogging with Oktoberfest tips and I thought ‘getting here’ might be of some importance…

If you can, we highly recommend taking the Metra. Take the Milwaukee District West line and get off at the Roselle station. We are a quick ½ mile walk from the train station. From the station: cross the road to McDonald’s and follow Maple Avenue west to Prospect. Turn right on Prospect Avenue (at the Fire Station). Walk a half block and turn left on Elm. Turn right on Fourth Street (our alley) and you are here!

We are located on the corner of Main Street and Roselle Road, just south of Irving Park, in Roselle. There is free parking throughout the village (just follow street parking regulation signs). The Harris Bank (2 blocks away) at Irving Park/ Prospect Street has also given our guests permission to park for free in their lot during the festival.

The entry to the fest is from the back of our building (off of Fourth Street). Admission and tickets are sold at the east gate. We have seating for about 600 and that can fill up quickly as the day goes on. If you are coming later in the day bring a blanket or collapsible chairs just in case.

The tasting room will take credit cards and debit cards for wine and ticket purchases but tickets for festival food and wine is by cash only. Be sure to stop at the ATM before you visit. If you forget there is a Harris Bank ATM just two blocks away off of Prospect/Irving Park Roads. There are also ATMs at the gas stations on the corners of Irving Park and Roselle Roads.

We LOVE our customers and want you to be safe! We recommend a designated driver for all parties but we will also have lists of cab companies readily available throughout the entire festival. Please do not hesitate to ask us for a list.

We hope to see you all this weekend. Bring your friends, bring your family and bring your appetite! Get ready to STOMP THOSE GRAPES!!!

Oktoberfest for the Kids

2011-09-21T10:37:00.004-05:00

Only three days left until Lynfred Oktoberfest (September 24 & 25)! The fest is a great outing for all ages but just watching the smiles on the kids when their toes ‘smoosh’ their first grape is priceless!

Through the years we’ve learned a few things and one of them is that we recommend parents bring their kids to the fest earlier in the day (the more ‘adult’ crowd comes later in the day). The fest opens at 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday at noon. Sunday is the perfect day to bring the little tykes!

Of course we’ll have our pulled pork dinners and sandwiches but kids really go crazy for our sweet corn on the cob, hot dogs, pickles, caramel apples and sweet desserts!

All kids get a free balloon so be sure to visit the dessert tent to start off their fun! Don’t miss out on grape stomping and grape spitting; every child receives a participant ribbon, but we do have parents cheer on for the best grape stomper for a blue ribbon! Here’s the schedule for your little tyke:

Saturday Activities
3:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

4:00 – Kid’s Cork Tossing
5:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping
5:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting
7:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

Sunday Activities
1:00 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

1:30 – Kid’s Cork Tossing

2:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping
2:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting
5:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

Times vary depending on the amount of participants in each activity; we allow all children to participate and sometimes events take longer than planned. Please allow for schedule delays.

For menu information and pricing see the previous blog. We hope to see you all there!

The 2011 Grape Crush Begins

2011-09-19T12:22:00.003-05:00

Today when I drove up to the winery and got out of my car a familiar and lovely aroma hit me... grapes! To me autumn is officially here when the grapes begin to make their way to Lynfred Winery!

Norton grapes arrived yesterday!

Yesterday Lynfred Winery Cellar Assistant Jose made the trip to Correll Vineyards in Newton, Illinois to pick up 14 half-ton bins of grapes. The 2011 grape crush at Lynfred began this morning with 2.35 tons of Norton and 3.5 tons of Chambourcin. In this video I captured on my Droid you can see the grapes being moved to the crusher and de-stemmer and eventually through the pump hoses to our grape press. The grape press will press out the juice which will be moved to stainless steel tanks. You might notice we are crushing and pressing red grapes right away in the video (treating them like we would white grapes), it's because we're trying to make a rose with the Chambourcin. Normally red grapes ferment on the skins, but to make a rose you have to separate the juice from the skins before too much color is extracted. Upon entering the tanks the grape juice will be inoculated (yeast added) and the fermentation process will begin.

Grapes in the lab. Left: Norton grapes (small berries) Right: Chambourcin grapes (larger berries)

Cellar Assistant Rene Tellez works on the Chambourcin grapes

Lynfred Winemaker, Andres Basso and his Assistant Lora Meredith, expect to receive over 300 tons of grapes in the next few weeks. We produce over 80 varieties of wine (more varietals than any winery in the U.S. under one brand) so we expect to see everything from Cabernet and Chardonnay this season to Seyval Blanc and Tempranillo. Want to see the winemaking process in person? The winery is open every day from 10 to 7 but the winemaking occurs between 7 am and 4 pm. The best time to see the production is between 10 am and 12 pm and 1 pm – 3 pm on a weekday and customers can watch from our production balcony off the tasting room.

Assistant Winemaker Lora Meredith keeps the stems from piling up

Stay tuned for more production updates!

Oktoberfest Menu

2011-09-15T10:54:00.007-05:00

Oktoberfest is almost here and our chefs have been stocking up and getting ready for the big weekend! In the next 8 days I’ll be posting information on our fest and we’re starting with food and wine today! Here’s the low down:

Saturday, September 24 - 3pm - 9 pm

Sunday, September 25 - Noon - 7 pm

Admission: $3 per person

(partial proceeds to benefit two charities – American Cancer Society & Phil’s Friends)

13 & Under Get In Free

Complimentary Entertainment

Food / Beverage Tokens Available for $1 Each

ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY SUNDAY

Sing Along 2:00-4:00 12:00-4:00

German Band 4:00-9:00 4:00-7 or 8

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Best Lederhosen & Best ‘I Love Lucy Stomping Grapes’ Costume Contest for Kids & Adults Judging at 6 pm both days.

Photo: @Mike Miley

Saturday Activities

3:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

4:00 - Kid’s Cork Tossing

5:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

5:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

6:00 - Adult Grape Spitting

6:30 - Adult Grape Stomping

7:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

7:30 - Adult ‘Couple’ Stomping

Sunday Activities

1:00 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

1:30 - Kid’s Cork Tossing

2:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

2:30 - Kid’s Grape Spitting

3:00 - Adult Grape Stomping

4:00 - Adult Grape Spitting

5:00 - Kid’s Grape Stomping

6:00 - Adult ‘Couple’ Stomping

FOOD TICKETS

Roast Pork Dinner 10

BBQ Pork Sandwich 7

Grilled Bratwurst Burger 6

Chili 3

Hot Dogs 3

Sweet Corn 2

Sides 1

Pickles 1

DESSERTS

Taffy Apples 5

Apple or Cherry Streudel 4

German Chocolate Cake 4

Brownies 2

WINE (outdoors) GLASS - 6 EA BOTTLE - 12 EA

Fume Blanc 07

Oktoberfest White

Syrah 03

Peach

OTHER BEVERAGES 1 EA

Coke, Diet Coke (cans), Lemon Lime

Bottled Water

Hot Spiced Apple Cider (if cold)

Coffee (regular or decaf)

Only Lynfred Food & Beverages allowed per DuPage Health Department

No animals on property during festival per Roselle ordinance

HGTV Films at Lynfred Winery

2011-09-14T14:55:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Lynfred Winery was turned into a TV set for the filming of a future HGTV House Hunters on Vacation show! One of our former employees, Gia, and three of her best friends were chosen to be on the show. When producers found out she used to work at the winery she decided to film Gia and her friends at the winery prior to their vacation.

Gia with her favorite vino (Credit: Mike Miley)

In this House Hunters spinoff series, HGTV gives lucky families the chance to stay in an incredible vacation home for a week. In each half-hour episode, they whisk away a family (in this case four best friends) to a beautiful vacation destination to kick back, relax and explore all of the area's activities. Once they arrive at their destination, host Taniya Nayak takes the family to tour spectacular homes chosen just for them. The question the family and viewers must answer: Which home would they like to stay in for a week? It will be a tough decision, as every property will offer incredible yet different features. Will they fall for the beachside villa with an infinity pool? The perfect cottage nestled in the hills? Or the high-rise condo with incredible city views?

Well, we can happily say that Gia and her friends are being whisked away to jolly ol’ London this coming Monday! The taping team filmed the ladies drinking wine at Lynfred and revealed their vacation destination while they were here. Here’s the fun video:

The House Hunters on Vacation (London edition) will be airing sometime in the next six months. We will keep you updated!

We Remember

2011-09-08T15:28:00.003-05:00

This Patriot Day, September 11, 2011, Lynfred Winery will be honoring those that serve. All police, firefighters, first-responders and military will receive a glass of wine for a penny (Vidal Blanc or Fred’s Red). Join us and raise your glass in remembrance.

Also happening in Roselle:

A Freedom Walk to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, will be held on Sunday, September 11, starting at Countryside Funeral Home, 333 S. Roselle Rd. (just down the road from the winery) at 3:00 p.m. The Freedom Walk will proceed to the American Legion Hall, 344 E. Maple, where a presentation of the colors and a flag folding ceremony will take place, scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Farm to Table Dinner at the Chicago Botanic Garden

2011-09-08T11:41:00.007-05:00

Last night Lynfred Winery joined the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chef Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions for the last dinner of season two’s series of farm dinners. The dinners celebrate the connection between midwestern farmland and the locally grown food we love to eat. Our dinner last night celebrated the Green Youth Farm and featured our Lynfred wines along with mushrooms from River Valley Kitchens, beer from Bell’s Brewery, whiskey from Death’s Door Spirits and photography by Christina Noel (I can’t wait to see her pictures!).

Matt Phillips, Lynfred Winery Wheeling's General Manager enjoying a cocktail made with Death's Door Spirits

The evening began with apple-cider and whiskey cocktails with star anise featuring libations from Death’s Door Spirits of Wisconsin. Chef Cleetus and his staff passed zucchini-quinoa latkes, bacon & Butterkase-stuffed jalapenos and country pate on crostini (all featuring herbs and vegetables grown in the Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden). Cocktail hour also included an educational tour of the ‘small-living space gardens on the island. The island is even growing Seyval Blanc grapes which happened to be the first Lynfred wine featuring for dinner!

After our beautiful tour of the garden guests were introduced to the grape arbor; the setting for our dinner! The menu, you ask? It was delicious:

Baba Ganouj, Cucumber, Pepper, Celery and Homemade Flatbread

Portobello, Kale & Bleu Cheese over Grilled Ciabatta

Paired with Lynfred’s Seyval Blanc, 2010 & Bell’s Porter

Heirloom Totatoes with Parmesan, Red Onion

Paired with Seyval Blanc, 2010 & Bell’s Oarsman Ale

Grilled Cornbread, Oyster Mushrooms, Beets, Pistou, Goat Cheese

Paired with Lynfred’s Sangiovese 2007 & Bell’s Two Hearted Ale

Ten Hour Slow-Cooked Pork over Wheat Berries, Chard

Paired with Lynfred’s Malbec 2009 & Bell’s Octoberfest

Mixed Stone Fruit Cobbler, Brown Sugar Whipped Sour Cream

Paired with Lynfred’s Plum Wine & Bell’s (well, I can’t remember at this point)... just kidding!

This year’s farm series has come to an end but keep it in mind for next year! Until then remember to eat and drink local! More information on the Farm to Table Dining Series

Thanks Chef Cleetus, the staff of City Provisions and Chicago Botanic - a truly delightful evening!

The Marriage of Food & Wine

2011-09-02T12:14:00.007-05:00

The pairing of the proper wine with a dish is often what makes a person fall in love with wine. When first learning how to pair food and wine most start with the 'white meat with white wine - red meat with red wine' philosophy (a great place to start) but learning how to expand the flavors by changing things up a bit is a true education! We offer a glimpse into the food and wine pairing world with an epicurean pairing by our in-winery chefs.

The Epicurean Experience includes six appetizers created by the Lynfred chefs paired with three harmonious wines. Enjoy the pleasant ambiance of our second-floor Harvest room while your private server serves your wine and one of our talented chefs explain the food pairings.

September Menu:

Cuvee White:

chicken piccata with roasted lemon and capers

grilled calamari with salsa verde stuffing

Merlot 2007:

soft-boiled egg with sautéed kale, bacon, & pine nuts

Italian pork and pate on black pepper crostini

Blueberry:

oat and cinnamon crumble

key lime mousse

Saturday & Sunday at 1p & 4p

$20 per member / $30 per non-member

Reservations Required: 630-529-9463

Epicurean guest testimonials from last weekend:

The food itself and the pairing was perfect.

Fabulous! Would do again. Our hostess Joan was an absolute pleasure.

The atmosphere was very classy yet at the same time very cozy. Joan was excellent!

The food was awesome and the room is gorgeous! Our host-ess was a doll.

Enjoyed the food, wine and attention by Chef Chris and Joan.

Q&A with Lynfred Winemaker Andres Basso

2011-09-01T11:56:00.003-05:00

IntoWine recently caught up with Lynfred Winery Winemaker, Andres Basso, to discuss wine and thoughts on current trends in the wine industry.

What prompted you to pursue winemaking as a career?

The art behind the science… not everything can be done by the book or recipes

Describe your winemaking philosophy:

Let the grapes dictate the way… be very gentle with the fruit and winemaking process and you will succeed

What are you most proud of so far in your winemaking experience?

The first years of my career I felt good when the wines were fermented and bottled the best way possible. Later, I have been more comforted by other important areas of the winemaking that also deliver a source of pride, such as when being able to watch people enjoying my wines… its very satisfying.

Tell us about the people who influenced or mentored you as a winemaker?

My family always enjoyed wine…I grew up with wine. It was something very common to family meals during my early years. I remember wine served with every meal, not to the point of abusing it, but just enough to enhance the meal. I fell in love with this career when I saw wines aging in old caves and in dark, humid barrel rooms where the wine was a mystery. When I tasted wines out of some of the old barrels, I understood that I wanted to do that for living.

Tell us about your wines:

We produce a wide variety of wines from fruity whites to heavy reds. We also make about 25 different fruit wines, several sparkling and port wines. We believe we can cater to every palate out there and our mission as a company is to have the right wine for each individual. We showcase and teach our customers about the different styles and flavors of wines. It’s very informative and educative.

What is next for Lynfred Wines?

We plan to keep developing new varieties and focus our efforts on our wine club. We currently have 6000 members and the number continues to grow. We created a new line of fortified and another of sparkling wines with great success, so we will continuously work to please our audience and great patrons.

When it comes to winemaking, what's one thing you know now that you wish you had known before you started?

I wish I would have worked for 5 years before taking my university classes… it would have been very helpful in understanding and discussing the process involved in winemaking.

A hot topic in wine circles is the "Parkerization" of wines. Some people claim his 100 point scoring system has been an enabling factor for consumers as they navigate the endless array of brands from which they can choose. Others claim his influence has negatively impacted wine quality as producers are increasingly crafting their wines to earn a high score from Parker at the expense of making the best wine they can with the fruit and resources they have available. Given this, what are your thoughts on Parker and the 100 point scoring system?

I think it’s a great marketing tool for wineries regardless of the effectiveness of the review. Robert Parker is a well-respected judge and most people in the wine business look at the comments and reviews all the time. In my opinion, customers need to taste wines to make their own decisions. People’s preferences are very different from one person to the next, so we encourage each person to pick their own favorites and to take home the wine that is the best for themselves, not the best for me, your neighbor or Robert Parker.

How have the points systems like Parker’s impacted you as a winemaker/producer?

It is our plan to submit our wines to Robert Parker in the future. At the present time, our company participates in competitions all over the US and we consistently get very good scores. We submit wines for reviews in the San Francisco Chronicle, Dallas Morning News International Wine Competition and other well-known wine competitions around the country. We also work with newspapers, magazines and wine writers on a regular basis for marketing purposes.

Rising wine alcohol levels are a hot topic these days in wine circles. What are your thoughts on the subject?

I personally like high alcohol wines. There are lots of reasons to enjoy them: more ripe flavors and aromas, better color, more balanced acidity and tannins, less herbaceous character. When high levels of alcohol become a problem, then there is process to help with reducing this total content but it is very expensive at the moment..

Lastly, where can your wines be purchased?

We have 4 tasting room dedicated to Lynfred wines and our wines are also found in supermarkets and restaurants in the Greater Chicago area, as well as on-line at www.lynfredwinery.com. Our tasting rooms are located in our main winery in Roselle, Illinois, with sister stores located in Wheeling, Wheaton and Naperville. You can find our wines on the lists at fine establishments such as Charlie Trotter, Shaw’s Crab House or in stores like Whole Foods Market, Caputos – among many others.

A Visit To Lynfred Winery Wheeling

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Shaw's Winemaker Dinner A Week From Today

2011-08-11T15:31:00.002-05:00

Join Us For Our Annual Wine Dinner with Shaw's Crab House next Thursday, August 18

Shaw’s Crab House at the Streets of Woodfield

Our annual winemaker dinner at Shaw’s Crab House is not one to miss! You’ll be joined by Lynfred winemaker, Andres Basso, and Shaw’s wine director for an extravagant evening of appetizers and dinner in Shaw’s private lounge.

Reception

Oysters on the Half Shell with Plum and Habanero Salsa

Wine: Sparkling Plum, N/V

First Course

Potato Leek and Apple Soup

Wine: Viognier, Vintage 2008

Second Course

Lobster and Mango Salad with Baby Greens

and White Balsamic and Shallot Vinaigrette

Wine: Black Muscat, Vintage 2010

Third Course

Spice Crusted Halibut with Yellow Curry Artichokes,

Tamarind Ketchup and Spiced Roti

Wine: Malbec, Vintage 2009

Fourth Course

Grilled Skirt Steak with Mole Poblano, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Flor de Calabaza

Wine: Petite Sirah, Vintage 2008

Dessert

Honey Roasted Figs with Parisian Butter Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream

Wine: Sangiovese Port, N/V

Your hosts for the evening: Lynfred's Winemaker Andres Basso and Marketing Director Christina Anderson-Heller

Thursday, August 18, 2011

$89.99 per person (all inclusive)

6:30 pm - Oyster reception

7:00 pm - dinner

For Reservations Call Shaw’s Schaumburg: 847.517.2722

A Wine Prayer

2011-08-08T11:03:00.004-05:00

A little heavenly wine 'fun' to begin our week:

Our wine, which art in heaven, hallowed by thy legs.

They will be drunk, I will be drunk, at home, as in thy cellar.

Give us this day, our daily glass, and forgive us our spillage, as we forgive those who spill against us.

And lead us not to incarceration, but deliver us from hangovers.

For thine is the Chardonnay, the Merlot and the Cabernet. Forever and ever. Amen.

A Universal Toast To Fred

2011-07-24T15:26:00.007-05:00

This past Friday night, July 22 at 7 pm, wine lovers around the globe raised a toast to Lynfred founder Fred Koehler. Toasts and pictures flooded our Facebook page with toasts from Roselle, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Puerto Rico, Oregon, Napa, Florida, New York, Texas and Spain (more pictures are still coming in)! Our friends at Cooper’s Hawk Winery even toasted with their staff in Burr Ridge, Orland Park, South Barrington, Wheeling and Indianapolis and captured pictures!

We also hosted a Twitter toast with a hashtag of #toasttofred and some fun toasts were posted! You can view all of them HERE.

All of us at Lynfred are blown away by your dedication to the 'Toast to Fred'! Our wine glasses runneth over with love!

Thank you to all of our Lyn-friends for your kind words and toasts. We love you all!

A Toast to Fred

2011-07-22T13:18:00.006-05:00

We hope you will join us tonight for a Universal Toast to Fred #ToastToFred at 7 pm. We are asking our Lyn-friends and fellow wine lovers to raise a toast to Fred, wherever you are, at 7 pm (we’ll be toasting Central time but feel free to toast on your own today for a ‘rolling’ toast)! Make up your own toast or share in ours:

“Tonight we, and many other wine lovers around the world, raise a toast to a true wine pioneer, Fred Koehler. With this toast we celebrate a life that was full of passion, humor and devotion to his winery and the family that was stemmed from its roots. Fred, we raise our glasses in honor of you. Cheers!”

Toasting celebrations will be at each of the Lynfred Winery locations: Roselle, Wheaton, Wheeling and Naperville, but you can toast from wherever you happen to be!

More Information from our friends at The Chicagoist

If you happen to be near Waconda, Bliss Wine, located at 201 S. Main, will be joining us in our toast tonight!

Obituary and Service Information for Fred Koehler

2011-07-18T15:50:00.002-05:00

Fred E. Koehler, founder of Lynfred Winery, also considered the father of the Illinois wine industry, died Saturday, July 16, 2011 after a battle with cancer in Roselle, Illinois. He was 83.

Koehler was a business savvy man and self-taught winemaker whose aspiration to produce wines of excellence earned him the title of a legend. Robert Mondavi once told him "You're wasting your time in Illinois. You ought to come to California", but Koehler replied that his roots are in Illinois. In the 1920's Fred's grandfather and father made wine for the family and local politicians. Then in 1975 Fred, along with his late wife Lynn, made his first batch of wine in the basement of their home. “We had so much wine we outgrew our house and had to go commercial.” What began as “a hobby that got out of hand" led to the opening of the first winery in Illinois in 1979 with 7 varieties and 5,000 gallons of wine.

It was a rough beginning; Koehler had to overcome many obstacles along the journey. Converting a residence into a commercial business, convincing California vineyards to ship their grapes 2,000 miles to Illinois, and fighting to get Illinois laws changed to allow more freedom in producing various varieties and in larger quantities, just to name a few. Koehler’s big break came when his 1983 Chardonnay earned national recognition in 1985 when it won 'Best of Class and Best of Show' against other prestigious California wineries in a Reno, Nevada judging. One month later, this wine made history by winning another major national competition, again “Double Gold", at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. Named in prominent magazines such as the Wine Spectator, Chicago Tribune and with TV exposure, people began to take notice. "Word of mouth is the best advertising", Koehler would say, and this little business began to grow.

Fred Koehler was a risk-taker..."Are we crazy enough to expand?" Governor Thompson, along with the mayor of Roselle, and state representative Kay Wojcik initiated the groundbreaking of the new Lynfred Winery in 1990. The new winery allowed Koehler’s wine production to increase to almost 100,000 gallons a year and more than 80 varietals. As the winery continued to grow Fred acquired a world-class winemaker from Chile to take over the winemaking so that he could run the business. During this time Koehler was instrumental in the political workings of the emerging Illinois wine industry. In 1999 Koehler opened Tasting deVine (a Lynfred Winery satellite store) in Wheaton, followed by a luxurious B&B at the Roselle location in 2002. A Naperville location, Tasting deVine Cellars, was opened in 2004 followed by a new Lynfred Winery tasting room in Wheeling in 2008.

Fred Koehler is a man known for wine but his background was truly hospitality. Fred started his career in the restaurant business when he managed Richard’s Drive-In on West 95^th Street in Chicago. Over the years Koehler ventured into managing country clubs, including Elmhurst Country Club and Itasca Country Club. Lynfred Winery began while Fred was still working at Itasca Country Club and he says he needed the full-time job to boost the winery in the first years.

Koehler was a pioneer, a legend and a leader. He inspired and mentored many and his passion and panache will be passed on in the legacy of Lynfred Winery. He is survived by his wife (and biggest fan), Valerie Koehler; two children, Fred Koehler, Jr. & Diane Koehler; and one granddaughter, Katura Brooke Schramer; a brother, Arthur Koehler; Stepchildren; Karen, David and Colin; along with ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a congregation of wine lovers.

Wake: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 3 pm – 9 pm

Geils Funeral Home

260 West Irving Park Road

Wood Dale, IL 60191

630.766.3232

Funeral: Thursday, July 21, 2011 11 am

Trinity Lutheran

405 South Rush Street

Roselle, IL 60172

630.894.3263

Burial: Private (following funeral)

9900 North Milwaukee Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 824-4145

Memorial Celebration: Thursday, July 21, 2011 Time 2-5 pm

Lynfred Winery

15 South Roselle Road

Roselle, IL 60172

630.529.9463

***In addition to the memorial service we will also be hosting a Universal Toast to Fred #ToastToFred on Friday, July 22 at 7 pm. We are asking our Lyn-friends and fellow wine lovers to raise a toast to Fred, wherever you are, at 7 pm.

Charity donations in honor of Fred Koehler

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your choice of these organizations is preferred:

American Cancer Society

www.cancer.org

A Lovely Mention of Fred on WGN Today

2011-07-18T11:11:00.001-05:00

The Loss of a Legend

2011-07-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lynfred owner, founder and CEO, Fred Koehler. Fred passed away on Saturday, July 16 and we are sure he is starting a winery in the sky as we speak. In the next few days we will be posting information on the memorial and remembering Fred as the father of Illinois wine. Fred loved a celebration and we are going to celebrate his life. Please join us.

Wine and Lobster. Mmm.

2011-07-11T13:37:00.005-05:00

It is almost time for another fabulous dinner at Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg! Each year the menu surprises with flavorful bites and this year’s menu looks just as exciting!

Shaw's Crab House & Lynfred Winery would like to extend an invitation for you to join us for a truly festive summer evening of great food and wine with Lynfred winemaker, Andres Basso, and Shaw’s Wine Director, Chad Feldman.

$89.99 All Inclusive

Thursday August 18th
6:30 Oyster Reception, 7:00 Dinner
1900 E. Higgins Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Executive Chef Arnie Tellez
Wine Director Chad Feldman

A favorable reply is requested by Monday August 15th at 847-517-2722

Oyster photo from our 2008 dinner with Shaw's

Reception
Oysters on the Half Shell with Plum and Habanero Salsa

Wine: Sparkling Plum

First Course
Potato Leek and Apple Soup
Wine: Viognier

Second Course
Lobster and Mango Salad with Baby Greens and White Balsamic and Shallot Vinaigrette
Wine: Black Muscat

Third Course
Spice Crusted Halibut with Yellow Curry Artichokes, Tamarind Ketchup and Spiced Roti
Wine: Malbec

Fourth Course
Grilled Skirt Steak with Mole Poblano, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Flor de Calabaza
Wine: Petite Sirah

Dessert
Honey Roasted Figs with Parisian Butter Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream
Wine: Sangiovese Port

Dessert picture from the 2007 dinner

You will love this dinner. Trust me. When you're finished with dinner pop on in to the new Tokio Pub located off the Shaw's lounge for a fun night cap!

A Sparkling Weekend Ahead

2011-06-30T09:52:00.006-05:00

We’re releasing three new Sparkling wines just in time for the 4th of July! Our Sparkling wine production began three years ago with only 100 gallons and we’re now making 1000 gallons per year (add that to our 90,000 gallons of still wine and we’re busy bees)! All the new Sparkling wines will be released July 1. We’re also releasing our newest port-style wine, Cherrivino, on July 11.

The newest Sparkling additions range from Extra Dry to Doux in sweetness levels. What are the sweetness levels for Sparkling, you ask? Here are the levels ranked from driest (Extra Brut) to sweetest (Doux):

% R.S. (Residual Sugar) Categories:

0.0 to 0.5 = Extra Brut

0.5 to 1.5 = Brut

1.2 to 2.0 = Extra Dry

1.7 to 3.5 = Sec

3.3 to 5.0 = Demi-Sec

5.0 to 5.+ = Doux

Sparkling Almond

Sweetness Level: Extra Dry

Blend: 50% Pinot Grigio and 50% Chardonnay

In traditional Lynfred style, we’ve taken our time and developed the perfect balance between quality sparkling white wine and a hint of almond flavoring to draw out the nutty aromas & sweet fruity flavors of the blend. This wine IS safe for those with nut allergies. $25

Sparkling Plum

Sweetness Level: Doux

Blend: 100% Plums from Michigan

Fresh plums were used to capture the rich, sweet flavors of the fruit and then enhance them with bubbles. $25

Sparkling Mango

Sweetness Level: Sec

Blend: 100% Mangos from Mexico

Made with pure mangos this bubbly is packed with tropical flavors and hints of fresh melon. A perfect wine for a hot summer day! $25

Cherrivino

Release Date: Saturday, July 11

Alcohol: 18%

Residual Sugar: 13%

Blend: 100% Cherries from Country Ovens in Door County, Wisconsin

Aged: 24 months in American Oak

Price: $35

True Port is from the Douro region of Portugal; however, “port” has become a generic term for fortified wines with an alcohol level that is elevated by the addition of distilled grape spirits.

We add grape sprits (brandy) during fermentation, when alcohol level reaches about 7%. The elevated alcohol halts fermentation leaving excessive residual sugar. Our first attempt at Cherry port resulted in a big, bold aromatic wine with attractive flavors – the perfect end to a big meal!

Stock up this weekend on our sparkling wines: 25% off 12 or more bottles of mix/match Sparkling wines (members only).

Summertime Sipping

2011-06-27T11:59:00.003-05:00

Summer time and the livin’ is easy... Not that you need any help finding refreshing cocktails for summertime, but we thought we’d share some of our personal favorite summer wines, as well as how we like to enjoy them:

Sparkling Wine
Notes: Nothing says summer sipping better than a clean and fruity Sparkling wine!

Foods: Just lovely when enjoyed with fresh berries, oysters, potato chips, tapas, sushi and prosciutto! We currently have: Sparkling Brut, Rose’, Peach, Berry, Apricot and Cherry. The new Sparkling Almond will be available July 1!

Favorite summer activity pairing: Watching a sunset on Lake Michigan.

Seyval Blanc
Notes: Lively and clean with aromas of tropical fruit, fresh cut grass and peaches (it even sounds like summer)!

Foods: Perfect with prosciutto and melon, smoked salmon, chicken salad or shrimp!

Favorite summer activity pairing: Gardening

Rose’ Wine
Notes: This brilliant Rose’ has dazzling aromatics of strawberries, spices and herbs. With notes of pomegranate, strawberry and melon on the palate this wine will sing with any picnic!

Foods: Rose’ is quite possibly the perfect picnic wine ever made! Gorgeous with crab, ham, hamburgers, hummus, hot dogs, olives, pate, saffron, egg dishes, baba gannoush, Parmesan cheese and grilled shrimp!

Favorite summer activity pairing: Back yard barbecues!

Vin de City Red
Notes: Delightful aromas of violets, vanilla and coffee. Cherry and vanilla follow through on the palate with soft spices.

Foods: Savor it with beef fondue, roast beef sandwiches, Brie or Camembert, cheddar and blue cheeses.

Favorite summer activity pairing: A night at Ravinia.

Apricot Wine
Notes: If happiness is what you are in search of then just pour yourself a taste of Lynfred’s Apricot wine. Sunshiney aromas of fresh apricots spring out of the glass and beg to be savored.

Foods: The perfect wine for spritzers, spicy Asian dishes (especially Thai food), chocolate, fruit tarts and a day full of sunshine.

Favorite summer activity pairing: Lounging by the pool.

What’s your favorite Lynfred summer wine and how do YOU enjoy it?

Creative Recycling

2011-06-24T14:52:00.004-05:00

I love to hear how our customers recycle our wine bottles in creative ways! Today’s idea comes from Lynfred club members, Rose & Don Kaspar. A perfect way to decorate the patio for summer!

Do you have a fun way to recycle wine bottles? Share it with us wineinfo@lynfredwinery.com

Spend Your Weekend With Lynfred

2011-06-17T16:45:00.004-05:00

Father’s Day / Strawberry Weekend

Celebrate our 7th Annual Strawberry Weekend for two days in June!

Saturday, June 18

Sunday, June 19

10 am to 7 pm

Dads will receive a complimentary glass of Merlot, Vintage 2007 on Sunday, June 19!

Buy a glass of strawberry wine and choose between such delights as chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh strawberry tarts, strawberry-rhubarb pie, and strawberry pecan bread or just purchase a pint of strawberries to enjoy au-natural!

Solstice Hop & Vine Fest

Saturday, June 18, 2011

6 pm – 9 pm at the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg

Hop & Vine Fest benefits the Schaumburg Park Foundation's campaign to renovate the nature museum at Spring Valley and features local wineries and breweries.

Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Admission includes 10 tastings. Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase. Tickets are available for sale at Spring Valley Nature Center or the Jerry Handlon Administration Building, online on iSPOT, or by phone at 847/985-2100. Advance ticket sales end at 5PM, June 17.

It's Sangria Weather

2011-06-08T14:31:00.002-05:00

Sangria weather is officially here! Want to know our special recipe? Here you go:

Lynfred Sangria

½ cup fresh red or golden raspberries, rinsed

½ cup fresh Maine blueberries, rinsed

½ cup fresh blackberries, rinsed

¼ cup fresh mint leaves, stems removed

1 oz. good brandy

2 oz. Drambuie liqueur

1 bottle 750ml Lynfred’s Rose wine, chilled

12 oz. bottle club soda, chilled

3 cups ice cubes

6 to 8 springs fresh mint, rinsed (for garnish)

Method:

1. In a 2 to 3 quart glass pitcher, mix together the fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and fresh mint leaves.

2. Add the brandy and Drambuie liqueur and stir very gently to combine (Do not break up the fresh berries). Slowly pour in the Lynfred’s Rose wine, stirring gently. Refrigerate for three to four hours or longer if you wish.

3. When ready to serve, add the chilled club soda and stir gently with a long handled spoon. Fill wineglasses or other decorative glasses with the ice cubes and slowly pour the Rose sangria over the ice, allowing the fresh berries to fall into the wineglasses.

4. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

Enjoy with salsa music, good friends and lots of laughter!

June Epicurean Menu

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The Epicurean Experience includes six appetizers created by the Lynfred chefs paired with three harmonious wines. Enjoy the pleasant ambiance of our Harvest room while your private server serves your wine and one of our talented chefs explains the food pairings.

Semillon Reserve 2006.

-Swai: Vietnamese white fish taco with lemon zest, cubanela and ancient red peppers, and feta

-Chicken Soup: honey glazed carrots, roasted celery, caramelized pearl onion, and braised chicken

Cabernet-Syrah reserve 2007.

-Corn: 16-bean melange baked into cheddar corn muffins

-Mushroom: cremini-crusted lamb with thyme oil

Rhubarb.

-Pie: Lynfred-made rhubarb jam in white chocolate and savory pie crust

-Ginger: ginger bar with ginger frosting and toffee chips

The Epicurean Experience is truly an educational and elegant experience you don’t want to miss!

Every Saturday & Sunday 1 pm & 4 pm
$20 per member (Double Loyalty Points)
$30 per non-member
Reservations Required

Call 630.529.9463 to make your reservations.

Come Drink Our Wine

2011-05-19T10:51:00.006-05:00

We have some great events coming up including the Wine Riot at Union Station in Chicago this Saturday and the Hop & Vine Fest in Schaumburg on June 18!

Wine Riot

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sip over 250 different wines from every region of the world, all while rocking out with a few thousand of your closest friends. Discover a new Cabernet from California, sip on a Malbec from Argentina, hit up German Rieslings and wash 'em down with grapes no one can pronounce from Portugal. We have you covered in the education department with free, 20-minute Crash Course Wine Seminars and our Wine Intelligence Unit, staffed by winos who are excited to answer any question. Between sipping and learning, be sure to hop in the photo booth, enjoy the DJ, munch on tasty restaurant food pairings (for a few extra bucks), and just plain have fun! You'll walk out with a new list of favorites all stored on your phone thanks to our custom Second Glass Mobile App.

Riot One: Saturday, May 21, 1-5 PM

Riot Two: Saturday, May 21, 7-11 PM

$50 per person – purchase tickets https://www.secondglass.com/wineriot/chicago-2011/tickets/

Great Hall at Union Station – 210 S. Canal Street - Chicago

Solstice Hop & Vine Fest

Saturday, June 18, 2011

6 pm – 9 pm at the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg

Hop & Vine Fest benefits the Schaumburg Park Foundation's campaign to renovate the nature museum at Spring Valley.

Features

Smooth jazz music by "Together Again"
Nature walks among the fireflies
Taste your wine/beer and bring a bottle home!
All sampled wines will be available for purchase at the event. No cumbersome ordering process!
Includes commemorative wine glass
Non-alcoholic beverage will be available.
'Tasting plate' snacks will be available for purchase.

Participating Wineries & Breweries

Lynfred Winery (Home Winery)

Acquaviva Winery, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, The Lucky Monk, Fox Valley Winery, Inc., Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, Red Bar Winery & Bistro, Riccardo's, Village Vintner Winery, Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, WineStyles

Admission

We hope to see you while we’re out and about!

Lynfred. The Language of Love.

2011-05-16T10:26:00.008-05:00

L. is the for the way you look at me

O. is for the only one I see

V. is very, very extraordinary

E. is everything that I adore

Wedding Photos by Julita Siegel Photography

The winery was a buzz with love a few weekends ago when wine club members Ewa and Lukasz were married at Lynfred! Just today I received an email from them with some cute pictures from their wedding day and also some ‘Where is Lynfred Wine’ photos from their honeymoon in South Dakota!

Do we love the photos? We DO! We raise a toast to the happy couple and wish them many, many years of happiness and a plethora of Lynfred wine!

Interested in having your special day at Lynfred? We offer intimate weddings and gatherings in true Lynfred-style! Email lisak@lynfredwinery.com for more details.