(METAMORA, Ill.) — They say you can never get back a first impression, and at wineries, I believe there are two first impressions to be made.
1: The outdoor ambience
2: The indoor vibe
Well, at Old Mill Vineyard in Metamora, Illinois, I was greatly impressed by both.
A gravel road and a sign or two will lead you back the quiet path to the sole winery in Woodford County, Illinois. You’ll pass vines laden with grapes on your left, then you’ll see the Bent Tree Tasting Room on your right. Now let’s talk about that second first impression.
As you enter Bent Tree, you’ll find an extremely clean, aesthetically pleasing scene with a wine tasting awaiting you. Dry or sweet, Bent Tree has them both.
My favorite is the Oakenwald. It’s a semi-sweet, Niagara wine which is not too sweet, and not too dry. It offers a subtle “Riesling-like” finish according to the Old Mill website, which I absolutely agree! You’ll see my glass of the semi-sweet white wine below in front of a pristine lake.
The clear lake right behind Bent Tree was a nice finishing touch for me. From the pretty drive in, to a relaxing feel inside, topped off by beautiful views overlooking a lake? It doesn’t get much better than this.
If for whatever reason the lakeside seating and the indoor vibe isn’t your thing, you can cross the street and sit underneath the overlook shown above! Once again, the aesthetic touches and different aspects Old Mill Vineyard offered were a pleasant sight for me.
It was a beautiful July day when we went to the Metamora-based winery. A little hot, but that’s no problem in the cool A/C surrounded by good people and good wine.
And if you think it’s too hot, sit in a comfortable leather chair overlooking the lake outside.
As does everything, Old Mill Vineyard has a journey of how it got to where it is today.
Starting in 2005, 400 vines were planted. Vineyard Master and Winemaker Kurt Grohsmeyer added additional plantings to fill up all 10 tillable acres.
Old Mill now grows 10 varieties of cold climate American/French hybrid grapes.
If you’re not familiar with the climate in Illinois, let’s just say winters get REALLY cold. Kurt prioritizes ensuring his vineyard is taken care of year round, and works tirelessly to provide top notch care for his Central Illinois-grown grapes.
The tasting room, Bent Tree at OMV, opened in October 2016.
Now, Kurt and his wife Donna are a dynamic duo in the wine business. Donna was a fabulous host to my family and I inside Bent Tree, talking to us all about the wine-making process and giving great explanations of what made each wine special.
We are very happy we visited Old Mill Vineyard in Metamora, Illinois, and I’d recommend you do the same! If you’re not a wine drinker, but are a fan of the beautiful outdoors, this is the place for you too. There are beers, sodas and food items available for purchase.
Thank you Donna and Kurt for the great visit, I look forward to seeing you both soon!
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Matt Sheehan Official 