Local Winery Celebrates The Repeal of Prohibition

Posted December 01, 2015 10:00 pm

Christina Anderson-Heller

Since December 5, 1933, Chicagoans have been celebrating the repeal of Prohibition, and local Lynfred Winery has ties to Prohibition, and many reasons to celebrate.

Lynfred Winery's founder, Fred Koehler, was raised in a German winemaking family. After they immigrated to America, they founded the Koehler Farm in what was then known as Orchard Place in Des Plaines (now O'Hare field). Fred was son and grandson to two great men making wine in Des Plaines during Prohibition. Lynfred still has an old advertisement framed in the winery that shows Fred's father, and grandfather, next to their wine press on the flier they used to hand out to local politicians and bootleggers. The ad reads 'Fruit Presses Right on the Farm' and their phone number was '122 Des Plaines'. The flier was from the year 1916. . After the repeal of Prohibition, the Koehler's continued to make wine until Fred Koehler turned their hobby into a bonded winery in 1979, in Roselle, Illinois.

Carrying on its ties to Prohibition, Lynfred Winery's Wheeling location, housed in a home constructed in the 1920s, was once a hang-out for bootleggers during Prohibition and is now a cozy tasting room and private event space.

On December 5, Lynfred Winery's Bed & Breakfast suites in Roselle will be hosting a 'Prohibition Package' encouraging guests to raise their glass and toast to the repeal of the 21st Amendment prohibiting the production and sale of alcohol. Without this repeal, Lynfred Winery wouldn't exist! Guests will celebrate with a commemorative Happy Repeal of Prohibition Day bottled of wine. Package is $395+tax and includes wine, cheese, chocolates, breakfast and more.

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Lynfred Winery is the oldest and largest, continuously-operating, family winery in Illinois, producing over 70 varietals and 30,000 cases of fine wine per year. Since 1979 Lynfred Winery has offered guests the finest vintages, gourmet cuisine and luxurious lodging. Lynfred is truly one of Chicago's most unique attractions. 15 South Roselle Road, Roselle, IL 60172

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