Drinking local for wine and spirits

Posted December 31, 2015 4:55 am

Bob Susnjara

If you want to try locally produced spirits in 2016, check out Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich. Daily Herald File Photo

Suburban aficionados of wine and spirits may want to think about drinking local in 2016.

While suburban wineries have been around for a while, distilleries are relative newcomers to the scene. Experts say Illinois is part of a national craft distillery boom because of changes in state laws more favorable toward the industry, and drinkers wanting something different.

Here are some places to check out:

Copper Fiddle Distillery

Copper Fiddle Distillery's drink options include the Jacked up Montana Mule, featuring bourbon, lime juice and ginger beer. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

532 W. Route 22 in Lake Zurich, (847) 847-7609 or copperfiddledistillery.com

One of the highlights at this Lake Zurich distillery is Fiddle Gin, which is produced to be softer and more flavorful than the usual London dry. Copper Fiddle also has a Tom gin and a bourbon whiskey. As for entertainment, the tasting room has live music on weekends.

Fox River Distilling Company

204 Dearborn Court, Geneva, (630) 402-0027 or foxriverdistilling.com

Similar to Copper Fiddle, Fox River boasts of its small-batch Preservation Gin. Fox River Distilling gives the gin a good dose of juniper and evenly balances it with other botanicals. Tours, a tasting room and a monthly open house with extended hours are available at the distillery.

Lynfred Winery

Lynfred Winery's options include a sparkling brut. You can visit the winery's flagship location in Roselle. Courtesy of Lynfred Winery

Lynfred's flagship Roselle location is at 15 S. Roselle Road, where you can visit the original tasting room, gift area and production facility. In addition, the Roselle property has a bed and breakfast, as well as special events with food and wine pairings. Fred's Red and Fred's White are a couple of the business' popular selections. lynfredwinery.com or (630) 529-9463.

Valentino Vineyards and Winery

5175 Aptakisic Road, Long Grove, (847) 634-2831 or valentinovineyards.com

Set on a 20-acre estate where about 25 varieties of grapes are grown, Valentino offers tastings and wine appreciation seminars. The wine list includes pinot grigio and a reserve Chianti.

Village Vintner Winery and Brewery

2830 Esplanade Drive, Algonquin, (847) 658-4900 or thevillagevinter.com

Handcrafted wines await those who are into the grape. Village Vintner also has house-made beer available in a tasting room separate from the main bar and restaurant.

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