Just outside Chicago, in Roselle, Illinois, Fred Koehler and his wife Lynne turned a passion for creating wines into the Lynfred Winery. Lynfred is the oldest and largest continuously-operated winery in Illinois, founded in 1979. With over 50 varietals, it makes about 25,000 cases a year.
Among Fred's top sellers is the medium-bodied Riesling, which boasts a creamy aroma of tropical fruits like apricot and pineapple, and a hint of apple at the finish. The Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium- to full-bodied wine that contains all five Bordeaux grapes used to make red wine, and a nice balance of tannins. It starts with a taste of dark berry, cassis, cherries, and toasty oak on the palate, and finishes with a bit of chocolate. Among the fruitier wines in their collection, the medium-bodied Wedding White Wine emits scents of toasted apple and pear, and bursts with apple-like flavor.
Lynfred Winery offers evening tastings and tours through the winery that last about two and a half hours, and daytime tastings and tours lasting around 75 minutes; and if you want to go for just a taste their tasting room is open seven days a week.
Founded by Fred and Lynn Koehler, in Roselle, Illinois in October, 1979, Lynfred Winery is the oldest and largest, continuously-operating, bonded winery in the state, producing over 50 varietals and 25,000 cases per year.