Fox Creek Vineyards
Olney, Illinois
Description
Fox Creek Vineyards Company Overview
Fox Creek Vineyards Company offers a unique wine experience set in the picturesque countryside of southeastern Illinois. The family-owned winery emphasizes traditional, handcrafted wine production techniques. Visitors are welcomed to explore their modest vineyards and sample wines crafted to showcase the natural flavors and aromas of their grapes.
History and Background
Fox Creek Vineyards situates in Richland County, historically known as a prime region for apple and peach farming. This heritage is instrumental in the vineyard's current cultivation of French-American hybrid grapes, chosen specifically for the area's soil and climate conditions, despite challenges like late Spring freezes.
Vineyard Details and Wine Production
Fox Creek practices a meticulous winemaking process that avoids fining, stabilizing, or using ion exchange resins, relying instead on minimal filtration to preserve the wine's natural qualities. This method allows the formation of 'wein stone' (tartaric acid crystals) in the bottles, serving as a hallmark of quality and ensuring the wines remain crisp under varying temperatures.
Key Production Points:
- Handcrafted techniques without heavy reliance on modern processing.
- Minimal filtration to retain flavor and aroma.
- Use of plastic corks to prevent corkiness and allow upright storage of bottles.
Visitor Information and Experiences
Fox Creek Vineyards welcomes visitors with complimentary tastings and a friendly atmosphere ideal for exploring their range of wines. The vineyard also hosts events and is available for receptions and parties.
Hours and Accessibility:
- Monday-Friday: By appointment
- Saturday-Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
Notable Wines or Specialties
Fox Creek produces a diverse selection of wines, noted for their complexity and distinctive fruity flavors. The selection ranges from dry, aromatic whites to flavorful, dessert-appropriate reds and specialty wines. Notable mentions include:
- Sweet White Wine Blend: Perfect with desserts, featuring citrus aromas.
- Dry White Varietal: Spicy, floral, and crisp reminiscent of a traditional Pinot Grigio.
- Aronia Berry Wine: Rich in antioxidants, offers a complex, earthy taste.
- Chocolate Raspberry Wine: Combines sweet raspberry with natural chocolate flavors.
- Caramel Apple Wine: Delightful for holidays, expressing sweet, fresh apple notes enhanced with caramel.
Contact Information and Location
Fox Creek Vineyards encourages direct contact for orders, especially for in-state (Illinois) shipping or information about hosting events.
Address: 5502 N Fox Rd Olney, IL 62450
Phone:
- General and Illinois orders: (618) 392-0418
- For orders from other states, Fox Creek collaborates with VinoShipper.com.
Fox Creek Vineyards Company offers a warm, inviting location, enhanced by the deeply rooted history of the land it occupies and the passionate approach to winemaking that defines its offerings. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, Fox Creek provides a delightful and educational wine experience.