Join Lake County as it recognizes that every palate is unique. Whether your thrill lies in the nuanced complexity of a fine wine, the refreshing effervescence of a craft beer or the inventive artistry of a handcrafted cocktail, the Lake County Libation Trail offers a diverse and exhilarating journey for every discerning taste.
Throughout the month of February, Lake County invites you to embark on a flavor-filled adventure during the annual Flavor Festival. The Libation Trail serves as your passport to an array of unforgettable experiences. To commemorate your journey along the Libation Trail, simply check in at five or more participating locations throughout February. By checking in at these locations, you'll also be entered into the exciting Restaurant Month sweepstakes, offering the chance to win incredible prizes.
Now, let's explore the Lake County Libation Trail as you embark on your tasting journey during February Flavor Festival!
This brewery is a true blue-collar gem. Their original location, nestled in Round Lake Beach, this brewpub is built on a foundation of tradition and family connections. While the taproom has only been open for a couple years, its journey began even earlier in a Grayslake garage. Encouraged by glowing feedback from friends and family, brewmaster and owner Josh Grubbs turned his passion into a thriving business, opening a dedicated space in northwestern Lake County. With 12 rotating beers on tap, the Round Lake Beach location proudly showcases its humble homebrew beginnings. And don't forget to check out their Fox Lake location. Opened in July 2023, this vibrant brewery is home to a weekly fish fry, along with an ever evloving menu. The venue also hosts live music, trivia, bingo and more.
Bosacki's Brewery, formerly known as Bosacki's Home Brew/Microbrewery, is a cherished local spot in Mundelein that crafts traditional and historic ales and lagers. Since opening its doors in 2013, owner and brewer Greg Bosacki has been perfecting his crafta journey that began over a decade earlier when his wife, Brigitte, gifted him a homebrew kit. At Bosacki's, the focus is all about bringing people together, making it a true family affair. With 12 unique beers on tap, including their Cranberry Wheat Lagerperfect for the colder months and Lake County Libation Trail Monththeres something for every beer enthusiast. Stop by for a pint or take home 32 or 64-ounce growlers to share with friends and family.
Located in the heart of Highwood, Broken Tee Brewing Company is more than just a breweryits the realization of a dream decades in the making. A former golf pro from Chicago's north suburbs, Paul Bumbaco discovered a passion for homebrewing after receiving a brewing kit as a gift. After all, what goes better together than a cold beer and a sunny day on the course? With that in mind, the brewery was created to blend two great loves: craft beer and golf. After years of searching for the perfect location and the right partners, everything fell into place in the summer of 2021. Today, the brewery offers a lineup of carefully crafted beers made right in their Highwood taproom. Their selection includes a variety of balanced and approachable styles that cater to seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers. With great beer, community pride, and a playful nod to the golf gods, Broken Tee Brewing Company has teed up a winning combination thats sure to leave a lasting mark in Highwood. Visit on Tuesdays, and get your Nintendo nostalgia at Retro Game Nights.
Buffalo Creek Brewing blends Bavarian traditions with the charm of its German-immigrant roots. Featuring a cozy Bavarian-style taproom, a versatile event space and a one-of-a-kind Alpine Biergrten with stunning views of manicured lawns and pine trees, its more than a breweryits a destination. Owner and brewmeister Mike Marr turned his 15-year passion for home brewing into a thriving business after the success of his German-Style Wheat Klsch, Marrvelous, at the 2012 Great Lakes Beer Festival. Inspired by visits to over 300 breweries, Marr crafted a space where beer lovers and families alike can unwind, savor exceptional beers and create lasting memories.
The Lake Zurich distillery puts the L in gimme a liddle fiddle. Copper Fiddle created small-batch gin and other spirits in 2012. The distillerys story derives from a family heirloom passed down from generation that heirloom being a violin. This 1906 musical instruments sound is what the Lake Zurich distillery utilized as a metaphor for the smoothness of their gin and bourbon whiskey. The Illinois-Made recipient creates each drink from scratch. Copper Fiddle offers gins, rums and bourbon whiskeys. For their superior drinks, Copper Fiddle has achieved two American Craft Spirit and an American Distilling Institute Awards.
The Glunz Family Winery & Cellars in Grayslake is a testament to over 150 years of passion and tradition. The Glunz story began in 1871, when Louis Glunz I arrived in Chicago, bottling beer and wine in Chicago to surviving Prohibition through sacramental wines, the familys commitment to quality has never wavered. In 1992, the fourth generation of the Glunz family established their winery, initially focusing on small-batch fortified wines. Today, the winery operates on 40 picturesque acres in Paso Robles, California, while maintaining a strong presence in Grayslake, Illinois. At its core, the Glunz Family Winery embodies a legacy of craftsmanship, producing wines that honor their rich history while embracing modern innovation.
Half Day Brewing Co. takes its name from one of Lake Countys most intriguing historical figures, Chief Aptakisic, a Potawatomi leader affectionately known as "Half Day." The brewery pays homage to the area's roots, where the Potawatomi were the first settlers in the 1730s and Chief Aptakisic played a vital role in shaping the region's early history. Beyond its name, Half Day Brewing offers a welcoming space to enjoy expertly crafted beers, such as Chieftain Session IPA, the Meridian Wit and their marquee beverage, the Barrel-Aged Warrior Paint Imperial Coffee Stout. Paire your favorite with their menu of elevated pub fare including award-winning wings, wood-fired pizza, tacos, burgers and more. Here, guests can savor the connection between local history and modern brewing.
The Winthrop Harbor microbrewery produces adventurous ales. The Lake County suds maker is also highlighted by a taproom, beercade and live music. Since 2018, Habor Brewing has taken innovative flavors and created exceptional libations. The Lake Michigan bordering brewhouse offers 12 different potables on tap. Over the summer of 2020, Harbor Brewing Co., in partnership with North Point Marina, opened the land of lakes first beer garden. The Lakefront Biergarten will reopen in spring highlighted by, scenic views of Lake Michigan, outdoor live tunes and their renowned adult beverages. Harbor also serves to carry out four packs and sixers to brew lovers. The Lake Villa location also houses 9th Hour Brewing Co.
llinoiss eldest winery is Lynfred, established 42 years ago in 1979. Founded by Fred E. Koehler, whos also known as the father of the Illinois wine industry. From its 100,000-gallon production facility to its luxurious bed-and-breakfast accommodations, Lynfred has become a Chicagoland icon for wine enthusiasts. The Lake County vino tasting room has been earning awards and national recognition since 1985. Under the expert guidance of Director of Winemaking Andres Basso and Head Winemaker Rodrigo Gonzalezboth of whom bring decades of international experienceLynfred crafts award-winning wines from premium fruits sourced across the U.S., including Illinois, California and Washington. Lynfred has four locations: Roselle, Wheeling, Highland Park, Wheaton and Naperville. Discover the rich history, artistry and flavors that have made Lynfred Winery a beloved gem in Illinois.
As Illinois' oldest brewpub, Mickey Finns Brewery has been a cornerstone of Libertyville since 1994. Based in MainStreet Libertyville in a renovated industrial space, this craft beer pioneer has poured more than six million pints of its house-made ales and lagers over the years. With 18 unique brews currently on tap, Mickey Finns offers something for every palate, from their signature If You Ain't 1st You're Last IPA to the Voids in Space Stout and the deep Amber Ale. Their rotating selection ensures theres always something new to try. Pair your pint with a delicious meal from their extensive menu, featuring everything from fresh salads and wraps to burgers, tacos, seafood and thin-crust pizza. Whether youre stopping in for brunch (weekends only), lunch or dinner, you can enjoy your meal indoors, on their alfresco patio or as carryout.
"Beer's intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it." The Ray Bradbury-themed Waukegan brewhouse is a part of the Lake County Libation Trail. The Waukegan suds factory boasts 20 traditional and experimental brews and creating the drink of choice on site. The Waukegan brewer will offer 32-ounce crowlers and packs of bottles for curbside pickup and are also open for indoor and outdoor sips (when the weather outside isn't frightful). Eventually, they will provide 64-ounce growlers for lighter beers.
Ninth Hour Brewing Co. is a community-supported brewspot run by owners, Dave and Jim, who discovered their shared passion for brewing while teaching together at Lakes Community High School. One of the core values of their team is education. In addition to traditional tours, 9th Hour will offer its guests classes on various brewing-related topics. They've brewed 21 staple suds prior to their grand opening on January 2022. The venue is in a shared location with Harbor Brewing Co. Lake Villa.
North Shore Distillery is the first craft distillery in the Land of Lincoln (the first to open in the state since the Prohibition Era). Since 2004, Sonja and Derek Kassebaum (and their larger-than-life friend Ethel) have provided vodkas, rums, gins, absinthes and unique seasonal beverages. The self-proclaimed nerds and Illinois-Made inventors love to experiment with new flavors with a plethora of different ingredients, and thats why the award-winning Green Oaks distillery designs innovative art with its liquid creations. Sonja was featured in the article "Chemists, Bartenders and British Royalty: Eight Women Who Changed GIn History" by the Wine Enthusiast. Click here to learn more. The Green Oaks distillery was also honored with the Illinois Office of Tourism honor of "Illinois Made" recognizing the state's makers, creators, artisans, artists, family-owned businesses and more. During the height of the pandemic in April 2020, the husband-wife team got their hands wet in the hand sanitizer-making business, providing requests to first responders, health care workers and others providing critical care. Also during the pandemic, In collaboration with Visit Lake County, Sonja created Lake County Sunset Sips. This beverage concoction is as refreshing and beautiful as a Lake County sunset: sweet, fruity and closes with a crisp finish.
What began as a shared dream among three friendsShaun Berns, Evan Morris and Brittany Bernshas grown into one of the most exciting craft breweries in Lake County. After gaining experience building a successful beer program in Villa Park, the team took a leap of faith. They partnered with a Lake Zurich brewery to begin contract brewing with just two tanks. Within months, their hard work and dedication paid offthey expanded to a full-scale operation, purchasing equipment and taking over the brewerys lease. Today, Phase Three Brewing operates out of a state-of-the-art, 21,000-square-foot facility in Lake Zurich, complete with a 3,000-square-foot taproom and outdoor seating. Known for their innovation and quality, Phase Three Brewing produces a wide range of beers, from their signature IPAs like DDH Far From the Tree to creative sours like Frog Stack. Each brew reflects their passion and commitment to craftsmanship, with hand-selected hops, unique processing methods and a dedication to quality that includes specialized lager fermentation tanks. Stop by their taproom in Lake Zurich to experience their welcoming atmosphere, innovative brews and the culmination of a journey fueled by friendship.
The name Pips is not only a nod to the seeds in fruits, but also to counting devices like the symbols on playing cards or the dots on a die. Pips Meadery's passion starts with mead, but reaches to all things wine. Their hope is to create a unique experience with thoughtfully crafted recipes, rich flavors and unique and experimental flavor combinations.
Steep Ravine Brewing Company, formerly known as Ravinia Brewing Company, is a proudly reimagined craft brewery with roots firmly planted in the Highland Park community. For over a decade, they've created exceptional craft beer that fosters connection and celebrates storytelling. Their name, inspired by their flagship Steep Ravine IPA, reflects both their origins in the Ravinia District of Highland Park and the natural beauty of the steep ravines that define the area. With an award-winning portfolio, including GABF medalist Diversey Station Hazy Pale Ale, signature Food Truck Pilsner and innovative seasonal releases like Launch Party 2.0 and Double Sproak, Steep Ravine Brewing strives to bring a fresh perspective to the craft beer experience. Visit their Highland Park taproom, where every pour is a celebration of connection, innovation and the stories that make life memorable.
Roaring Table Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich has built a reputation for crafting an impressive range of beer styles, from smoked lagers to saisons and imperial stouts. Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Beth May and Lane Fearing, the brewery transformed a former furniture store into a cozy yet stylish gathering space, complete with an artist-crafted elm bar, communal tables and a welcoming lounge area. With a dedication to quality and community, Roaring Tables creations have earned high praise, including the Irish Job dry stout, which delivers a rich, creamy foam courtesy of a nitrogen infusion.
More than just a brewery, Tonality Brewing Company is a celebration of craft, community and collaboration. Founded by Zach Gelfand, Don Phillips and Tony Bena, the brewery is committed to delivering premium-quality craft beer, exceptional food and superior serviceall while creating a meaningful impact on the local community. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming space that highlights local talent, Tonality Brewing is more than a place to grab a pint, but also a restaurant. Their extensive menu features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, short ribs, seafoods, vegetarian dishes, a full kids menu and more. The brewhouse is located in the village's old firehouse and just opened its doors to the public last month.
Distilled from a blend of all malted midwest grains, 28 Mile Vodka is clear in color with aromas of almond and vanilla bean. This unique vodka has a silky smooth mouthfeel and notes of vanilla and cocoa nibs that finishes extremely clean on the palate with a lingering warming sensation. Drink this neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail. The Highwood drinkery has an unbelievable backstory of how these crafters came up with the name and logo of their distillery. The Debonair (the woman on their logo) was a real-life queen during the Prohibition Era. Twenty-eight Mile Vodka also just earned a MicroLiquor Spirit 2019 Triple Gold Award for Extraordinary Taste and Highest Recommendation.
The esteemed vintners at Valentinos Vineyard cultivate their own grapes and craft their wines right on their Long Grove estate. With over 20 grape varieties yielding a diverse selection of wines, each vintage is aged to perfection in French and American oak barrels. Throughout the year, this Lake County winery hosts wine tastings, vineyard tours, and educational seminars, offering guests an inside look at their winemaking process. Signature selections include Valentinos Signature Red (2004 & 2016) and Seyval Blanc (2015)standout vintages that showcase the vineyards dedication to quality and tradition.
A beloved fixture in southwest Lake County since 2003, this local brewery crafts both distinctive beers and satisfying comfort food. Located in Lake Barrington, they are dedicated to honoring classic beer styles while embracing the innovation of today's brewing revival. Their flagship brews include the Misfit American IPA, the potent Hop Slayer Double IPA and the Beggar's Brown, an English-style ale. The menu features a wide variety of options, from soups and salads to burgers, sandwiches, seafood and more. A patio with pond views completes the experience, offering a truly enjoyable atmosphere.
Offering a casual dining experience that is exceptional is Wrights Brew and Bistro, located inside the Lincolnshire Marriott. The Lincolnshire bar and restaurant provides the honey to Five Eyes Honey Ale brewed by another Lake County Libation Trail partner, Tighthead Brewery in Mundelein. In the fare department, Wrights serves traditional Midwest comfort food with a modern twist of spices. On the foodie side of things, Wright's Brew & Bistro serves an array of casual eats like steak, seafood, pasta, salads and more.
For more information about the Lake County Libation Trail, continue here. To check-in at your Libation Trail location, click here. Continue here to return to the Lake County Flavor Festival page.
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