The leaves are changing, the temps are dropping, and that dreaded thing called ‘snow’ is on its way…now what?! Have no fear, we have just the place(s) for you to relax and unwind during those chilly months! If you’re anything like us, you enjoy a nice glass of wine on a fall afternoon or a cold winter evening. Though most people refrain from going out in the cooler months, what if we told you that you could have the best of both worlds right here in Kankakee County?
Kankakee County is home to three specialty wine bars: Flight 102, Grapes & Hops and Off the Vine. Each location has a unique method to their vino madness! And they’re not limited to the grape! Enjoy a bite to eat at Flight 102, a craft beer at Grapes & Hops and your morning coffee at Off the Vine. Read on for more on how to get cozied up at our local wine bars this winter.
If you’re looking for a three-course meal with the perfect wine pairing, then Flight 102 is the place for you! We personally like to start with the Truffle Garlic Fries or a charcuterie board with gourmet cheeses.
As for your main dish, you can’t go wrong with the Artisan Roasted Mushroom Pizza paired with 60 Souls Pinot Noir or the New Orleans Cavatapi paired with Schneider Kabinett Riesling. Yum! With Flight 102’s stylish yet relaxed ambiance, it makes for the perfect spot to bring that special someone for a bite to eat and a glass of world-class vino!
Flight 102, Bourbonnais, IL. Photo by Sarah Jane Photography.
Head to downtown Kankakee to experience this trendy spot with friends young and old! Grapes & Hops has created a unique atmosphere for their customers to enjoy along with seasonal wine slushies, creative flights and craft beer made by local brewers throughout Illinois. We can’t wait for the post showing their new creations each month—our absolute fav is the wine flight paired with Girl Scout cookies. SAY WHAT?! Our go-to list of house wines includes: Mardi Gras, Edel Doux and my all-time favorite, Sweet William by August Hill Winery. If wine isn’t your cup of tea, head straight to the whiskey. Be sure to add Grapes & Hops to your Friday night agenda and experience this modern twist on a classic wine bar with family and friends!
Grapes & Hops, Kankakee, IL.
Breakfast, lunch and weekend entertainment is what you will find at Off the Vine in Momence! This wine bar has brought life to the quaint border town located on the historic Dixie Highway on the eastern edge of Kankakee County. We enjoy stopping in after a morning of shopping to grab a breakfast sandwich along with a cup of specialty coffee from their espresso bar! Off the Vine’s patio seating makes it possible to experience a concert in the street while sipping one of their house wines. The venue is also a great spot for events, karaoke night and live entertainment for all to enjoy!
Off the Vine, Momence, IL. Photo by Kara Evans Photography.
Now that we’ve primed the pump on Kankakee County’s premier wine bars, we're sure you are ready to check each of them out! Plan accordingly for your three-course meal, night out or busy morning. We can’t wait for you to visit Kankakee County!
