Wine on the Fox Draws Crowd From Far and Wide

Despite intimidating weather reports, Wine on the Fox enjoyed peeks of sunshine, provided bottles and bottles of vino and left patrons of all ages relaxed and smiling. 

 provided the perfect atmosphere for friends and family to gather, enjoy a few sips or glasses of wine, music and food. The river meandering in the background and the flowering trees increased the sense of relaxation. Children enjoyed the playground while babies napped in strollers. Families set out picnics and even played beanbags.

has been “very successful” and this year’s event was organized very similarly to prior years, said Michele Bergeron, community relations Coordinator for the village of Oswego.

Wine on the Fox is hosted by the Village of Oswego with support from the Oswego Visitor’s Bureau and Oswegoland Park District.

Wine on the Fox is the perfect opportunity to “showcase our winery, parks and downtown,” said Bergeron. It is a family-oriented community event and a chance to promote Illinois’ huge grape-growing community, said Bergeron.

“Oswego does a great job – as good as or better than anyone else,” said Bruce Morgenstern from Pheasant Hollow Winery in Whittington. The crowd is always receptive and not afraid to purchase something they try and like, he said. 

Morgenstern serves as President of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association and highlighted the upcoming wine, food and jazz event in Ottawa on June 4 & 5, which will showcase 26 Illinois wineries including Oswego’s .

“I came out today for wine, good music and to spend Mother’s Day weekend with my mom,” said Jessica Orr.

This was Orr’s first time attending the event, but her mom, Terri, attends each year.

“I’d love for them to have more events like this,” said Jessica Orr.

Amy and Joel Summers from Elgin met up with friends Zeljko and Niki Ivelic from Bolingbrook to enjoy good wine. They learned of the event through word-of-mouth and will “absolutely” attend again. Zeljko Ivelic said it’s nice to enjoy a wide variety of wines from around the state.

“It’s a smaller crowd, not like the Taste of Chicago with crowds of sweaty people,” said Ivelic.

Renee and Bob Fonck traveled from Minooka to enjoy Wine on the Fox. The couple attended the Utica wine event previously and said they prefer Oswego’s since there are more wineries represented and more food options. They wandered up to Oswego to give it a try and decided they will be back, said Bob Fonck.

Steve Boyer, owner of Village Vintner Winery in Carpentersville, said the day was going “great” and he was “having fun.” Boyer expected sales to be slower due to the economy, but said he had to “wait and see how the day went.”

“The sunshine brought out the crowd and there are lots of happy faces around right now,” said Dick Foltz, owner of Fox Valley Winery.

The Rotary Club of Oswego offered free bottled water and pop to designated drivers while promoting their Fox River Duck Race, which is part of PrairieFest weekend June 16-19.

Wine on the Fox “builds each year and is a great event for Oswego,” said Sam Paisley from the Rotary Club.