Drinking Wine Out in Northwest Illinois

While out on our Mississippi River trip earlier this month, we found out about two new local wineries thanks to the Street Rod driving tour. We already knew about Galena Cellars which grow their grapes and bottle outside of the town.


ROCKY WATERS VINEYARD AND WINERY

The first new place is outside of the town of Hanover, about fifteen miles south of Galena. Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery (2003 West Hanover Road) is where we met up with a lot of the street rods out on the tour. If there is really such a winery as a "perfect spot" to sample and drink your wine, this has to be the place. You have the view of a valley and hills off beyond as well as what could best be described as a north woods lodge with high ceilings and rough-hewn logs.

This is a place on our to-visit list as they were so busy we decided to leave. But, as the gov says, we'll be back.


MASSBACH RIDGE WINERY

It's listed as being in Elizabeth, Illinois, but it is really about eight miles out of town, closer to a cluster of buildings that goes by the name Massbach (8837 South Massbach Road). We really got lost going here, but there is signage if you go a different way (which we didn't).

We did stop here and did some tasting ($3) along with another couple who must have bought ten bottles. We bought a bottle of Elizabeth Wine with the grapiest grape taste ever. We also purchased a bottle of Blushing Pink which came the closest to our favorite wine, pink catawba.

Liz and I always like to give our business to small, local wineries whenever we come across them. We especially like the variety of flavors you can get.

Little Ol' Wine Drinker Me. --RoadDog