From the ground up…

Rosario was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and has kept his roots in Illinois. He once considered starting his vineyard in Napa Valley California. His love of Illinois and family kept him in IL along with the challenge of helping to make Il a fine wine state.

While seeking a location to realize his dream he came upon the beautiful northeast section of Il, Jo Daviss County, near the historic town of Galena. After several months of searching and exploring he found the perfect place, the place he could realize his dream. Surrounded by the perfect rolling hills needed to grow healthy grapevines, Fergedaboudit is located in Hanover Illinois, just 20 minutes outside of Galena.

The property was a stretch of bare land offering the rich soil he was looking for. In 1999 he purchased 46 acres and the dream became a reality. Thirteen hundred new vines were planted over 3 acres. There are nine hardy varieties which include Frontenac, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, Traminette, Vincent, Petite Pearl, Marquette, GR-7 and Frontenac Gris. All are French or cold hardy hybrids allowing him to produce Tuscan Style Chianti wine.

Throughout the years there have been many ups and downs growing the grapes, but a truly great end product makes it worth it. It is a labor of love that he takes seriously. Rosario never rushes the process. He takes his time to get everything right. Harvesting the best tasting grapes is his goal. Creating an excellent wine, one people enjoy and rave about needs two elements, great grapes and great wine making skills. Rosario and family are constantly working to bring you excellent fine wines.

Harvest is the most important event and time of the year. After weeks of carefully watching and protecting the grapes our vintners signal they are ready. Family, friends
and workers gather in the vineyard. It’s an exciting time seeing the fruits of our labor. Several tons of grapes are hand-picked and are taken to the winery to be processed.

The picking is usually done over the labor day weekend.