Journal & Topics May 24, 2022
Illinois wineries will kick off the summer festival season at the new Rosemont Uncorked two-day event featuring live music, food and wine June 4-5 presented by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance.
Rosemont Uncorked will feature wineries from all over the state and will mark the first industry-sponsored event in the Chicago-area.
“We are thrilled to kick off the summer wine festival season with our new event Rosemont Uncorked,” said Lisa Ellis, IGGVA executive director. “Most Illinoisans are still largely unaware of the wine industry in our state. Events like Rosemont Uncorked help us reach people who want to support local, agri-business operations. Many attendees turn around and make travel plans to visit wineries they have sampled at our events, keeping hard-earned dollars right here in the state. Come to Rosemont and make a toast to supporting local wines, food and music.”
Twenty Illinois wineries will be featured at Rosemont Uncorked, including Chicago-area vintners City Winery and Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, as well as wineries from across the state that have grown in esteem and are increasingly featured in restaurants in the Chicago area.
“Many people think exclusively of sweet wine when they think of Illinois wineries, but that could not be further from the truth. Illinois wineries are producing world-class dry wines,” Ellis said. “Cabernet or Merlot drinkers will enjoy an Illinois Cab Franc and Pinot Noir lovers an Illinois Chambourcin. Sauvignon Blanc lovers will like a crisp Seyval Blanc and a Chardonnay drinker could easily turn a dry Illinois Chardonel into a personal favorite.”
Food and live music will highlight both days of the festival, including music by the Real Pretenders, Michael Charles, Radium City Rebels, The PriSSillas, and Rosie and the Rivets.
The festival will take place in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and ticket proceeds will support the Illinois wine industry. The event runs noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 5. Discounted tickets and information can be found at rosemontuncorked.com.
The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance also runs a state wine competition for both amateur and commercial producers. The call for entries is available at illinoiswine.com, with a submission deadline of June 10.
