New business bearing rich fruit for three longtime friends

After opening less than a year ago, the owners of a Villa Park wine shop are expanding.

Prairie and Vine, 29 E. Park Ave. is growing into the store next door and opening an outdoor seating area.

Owners Kathleen Butzen, Vicki Barclay and Susan Presslak are finding great interest in their shop that specializes in wines produced in Illinois.

The growing business carries more than 230 Illinois wines from 47 different wineries found in the state.

"There are 72 Illinois wineries with another 10 opening up. We're hoping to get all of them," Butzen said.

The business, located across from the Prairie Path, mainly features wines ranging in price from $8.95 to $20.

The shop also offers classes to inform participants about Illinois wines and tasting parties for bridal showers, birthdays and other special events. Classes, including "Wine for Dummies" and "Exploring Illinois Wines," take place at the business as well.

Now that the business has expanded next door, there is additional room for classes and gatherings.

Prairie and Vine also launched a social group WINOS, Women in Need of Sanity. The group takes trips to area wineries. "Last month we had close to 70 women," Butzen said.

The business owners met while raising their children together over the past 15 years. The women discovered Illinois wineries and attended various shows in central Illinois to learn more.

Butzen said they grew frustrated when they found a wine they enjoyed, but were unable to purchase it locally. The idea for the shop was then formed.

"Our passion is the Illinois wines," Butzen said.

Many customers say they never realized Illinois had so many wineries.

"Illinois wines are just as good as those produced in California's Napa Valley," Butzen said.

With the shape of the economy, the business owners are finding that many of their customers are planning weekend trips to bed and breakfasts near Illinois wineries instead of heading to California.

The owners at Prairie and Vine are able to help plan trips and make suggestions.

"People don't realize how much we have in Illinois," Butzen said. She added that there's a misconception that Illinois wines are sweet.

"For people who enjoy dry wines, there are plenty to explore right here at home," she added.

For more information, call (630) 782-1519.

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