Stories about wine
Featured wine bars in Kane County bring delicious sips and savors.
Explore two wineries that were instrumental in the establishment of the American wine industry, and catch a wide array of tasting note recommendations perfect for the holiday season and beyond.
As family and friends gather for Thanksgiving, we take a look at the traditions that winemakers who specialize in pinot noir share with their loved ones.
While malbec has become the flag bearer of Argentine red wines, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and pinot noir are other red wine grapes that have taken to the diverse terroir.
The inaugural Heritage Harbor Wine & Art Walk replaces the annual Ottawa Wine & Art Walk, which was canceled for 2024 earlier this fall.
Winemakers share their passion for delicious challenges with columnist James Nokes.
Sample more than 30 wines at locations around the downtown Woodstock Historic Square.
Xanadu wines are turning heads, produced where the kangaroos play, and helmed by award-winning winemaker Glenn Goodall.
Vintage Illinois is the state's largest wine festival.
Werk Force Brewing Co. in Plainfield creates a new stein each fall, with the latest edition to debut at Werktoberfest from Sept. 19-22.
The Cork Wine Bar and Kitchen in Joliet plans to reopen after a temporary closure in May.
With winemakers' skill and experimentation, varieties known for being stars in Europe are even tastier in Lodi.
Metra will offer special service on the Heritage Corridor Line on six Saturdays this fall, so residents can explore the communities along the route that begins in Joliet and ends in Chicago at Union Station.
Fall-related events, including an Autumn Fair, the Festival of the Vine and more, are headed to Kane County.
The family's wineries showcase the best Napa Valley has to offer in cabernet sauvignon.
This Saturday bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy wine from Bishops Hill of Joliet and Sable Creek of Plainfield, art and live jazz bands.
There is a variety of festivals for all ages, a clay workshop and more coming up in Kendall County.
Bishops Hill Winery in Joliet, hosts its final summer concert on the lawn on Sunday, Aug. 18.
You don't need to travel to Napa Valley to enjoy good wines. Northern Illinois is home to many wineries that produce high-quality, unique varietals not found elsewhere.
Vicolo, in downtown Aurora, will offer handmade Italian pasta dishes, and will be both a laid-back cafe during the day and an upscale dinner destination at night.
Recommendations extend to a Texas white (made with a red grape!), a steal of a good bubbly and a wine from Virginia at a special-occasion price.
A variety of restaurants' specialties will be showcased in downtown Geneva, along with extensive wine, beer and seltzer offerings Sept. 6-8.
The event kicks off Friendship Days, running Jul. 27 - Aug. 4.
Comicopolis will be held Saturday inside and around the White Oak Library District's Lockport branch. The first 500 attendees to the eighth annual Comic and Fandom Con will receive free swag bags.
Crispy white wines are a perfect fit for summer.
Fergedaboudit Vineyard and Winery is family-owned and operated winery located in the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County.
The concerts will be held Sunday, July 21 and Aug. 18 at Bishops Hill Winery, 310 Bridge St. in Joliet.
The Joliet City Center Partnership Saturday event includes an assortment of activities and entertainment in downtown Joliet.
Eighteen suburban eateries landed on the annual list that rewards restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.
The first “signature” event on Cantigny’s summer calendar, this festival takes place throughout the beautiful gardens and grounds and includes five performers on two stages from noon until 6 p.m.
The City of Joliet is launching the Joliet Summer Challenge, a virtual passport program designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore local attractions and events.
Preservation is known for being home to an eclectic array of gathering places for creative dining, drinks and music both indoors and under the stars on the year-round patio.
Wine will be part of the most anticipated season in WNBA history.
Sample a variety of wines in the Grand Garden from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 23.
Twelve retail locations will serve wine samples from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa wineries to patrons as they shop.
A vintner said it’s up to winemakers to capture the essence of their vineyards and make wines that are true to the growing season.
Kendall County will be home to Ripped Jeans' new album release party and the annual Wine on the Fox tasting festival.
The Will County Board in March approved their plan to build a 3,400-square-foot facility that will include a tasting room with a bar for visitors
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on April 18 for Geneva Winery's new location, which is now open at 5 N. River St. in Batavia.
Driving pinot noir to new heights are technological advancements and visionaries with an eye on a unique cool climate and dramatic elevation changes.
There’s no better time to be a fan of California cabernet sauvignon. Whether it’s Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Paso Robles or Santa Barbara, the state is flush with myriad delicious options.
Wine on the Hill and Music on the Hill run from May through October.
Vineyards at The Hilt and Alma Rosa are in the sweet spot for maturity, and pinot noir is at a zenith in terms of quality – not to mention their chardonnays.
August Hill Winery in Utica is hosting an Adult Egg Hunt on Friday, March 29.
All proceeds from the event benefit Sterling Main Street’s beautification efforts through holiday decor, flowers and other projects.
As a winemaker, Malone’s wines at Appassionata stand alone in their uniqueness and age.
Starting out with an expansive wine list and a curated selection of craft beer and spirits, CatsEye quickly became a local favorite drinking destination for tourists and locals alike.
With reasonably priced wines, loads of heritage varietals and a collection of creative winemakers who have shaped their own conventions, Lodi has carved out a fascinating niche in the American wine industry.
This curated wine trip will take you to five fan-favorite establishments where you can sample a wine flight made with locally grown grapes, indulge in a glass of a rare import or let a seasoned sommelier show you some of the best wines being produced on the West Coast.
It’s the ideal time to pop a cork for a Valentine’s Day celebration and enjoy the bubbles. We also share gift ideas for wine lovers.