Wine-tinerary

Let the ride take you...

Create a Wine-licious day in Lake County visiting our two wineries!

Start your morning with a tour of Vigneto del Bino, Lake County's second winery. Located in Antioch, this family business is now open for group tours and tastings. The tasting room holds up to 35 people and tours include a vineyard & winery tour and an informative talk on grape growing & wine making in Illinois. You will taste 6 of their wines including two that won awards at the 2015 Illinois State Fair.

Your lunch location could not be more perfect - Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef and Seafood in Lincolnshire. Enjoy their 3-course lite luncheon menu featuring their mouth-watering steaks, burgers or seafood finished with a chocolate sea salt cupcake. Don't forget to pair up your meal from their extensive wine menu.

Your afternoon tour takes you to quaint Long Grove and Valentino Vineyards and Winery. Yes, a real Rudy Valentino lives in Lake County and produces award winning wines. Learn how 25 different varieties of grapes are grown, crushed, fermented and barrel aged on the 20-acre estate, and experience the passion Rudy has for his craft. Sample and shop for your favorites to bring home.

Only 5 minutes away is Long Grove Historic Village for some much needed shopping. Featuring local artists, crafts and one of a kind shops, this vibrant gallery and restaurant hub is steeped rich in history & lore. The historical society can provide a walking tour or just let your group stretch their legs and explore. And then finish the late afternoon at Broken Earth Winery highlighting only Forsythe family wines from their Paso Robles, California vineyards. The wine bar is big enough for your entire coach full of enthusiasts so plan a designated time for a tasting or let everyone gather there before dinner.

The Village Tavern in Long Grove is a long-time favorite in Lake County. It's been in continuous operation since 1849. This family-owned restaurant, in classic road house style, has been a favorite 'watering hole' for generations. A spacious dining room and antique bar area preserve the establishment's rustic authenticity. Especially popular is the massive 35-foot mahogany bar, which survived Chicago's 'Great McCormick Place Fire' in the 1960s. Some group favorites are burgers and sweet potato fries or aromatic BBQ pulled pork.

Check into one of our nearby hotels such as Hampton Inn & Suites or SpringHill Suites or Staybridge Suites in Lincolnshire; Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lake Zurich or Riverwoods or the spacious Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and enjoy a musical at the Marriott Theatre.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, take a chocolate tour at the Long Grove Confectionery Company and tasting at Lynfred Winery's tasting room before heading home. Should you need more ideas to extend your stay, we have more amazing stops. Your group will get a taste of our local wines and flavors right here in Lake County, Illinois!

However you choose to piece together your tour, your knowledgeable Lake County coordinator Jayne Nordstrom will be on hand to assist you.