Lynfred Cherry

Lynfred Cherry Wine is a medium-bodied American fruit wine made from 100% Montmorency cherries, available in a standard 750 ml bottle. As the very first wine Lynfred Winery ever produced commercially, this expression holds a foundational place in the portfolio of one of Illinois' oldest and largest wineries.

Quick Facts: Residual Sugar: 9.0%  |  Origin: Roselle, Illinois  |  Style: Semi-Sweet Fruit Wine  |  Winery: Lynfred Winery (Est. 1979)

Production & Heritage

Lynfred Winery was founded in 1979 by Fred Koehler in Roselle, Illinois. The winery's name combines Fred's name with that of his wife, Lynn. Cherry Wine was the first product Lynfred ever released commercially, making it the flagship expression that launched the entire operation. The wine is produced exclusively from Montmorency tart cherries sourced from Door County, Wisconsin — a premier cherry-growing region surrounded by Lake Michigan's moderating climate. The 9.0% residual sugar balances the natural tartness of the Montmorency varietal, resulting in a semi-sweet profile that retains bright acidity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh cherry and plum, followed by red berries and subtle rose petal. Underneath, a light caramel note adds warmth without overwhelming the fruit-forward character.

Taste: The entry is bright and juicy, immediately evoking sour cherry sorbet and fresh-pressed cherry juice. At mid-palate, pomegranate and grapefruit emerge, introducing a tangy complexity that keeps the sweetness in check. The medium body carries enough weight to feel substantial without becoming syrupy.

Finish: The finish is moderately long with a tart, acidic edge that refreshes the palate. Lingering sweet cherry and a touch of fruity brightness close out each sip cleanly.

How to Drink Lynfred Cherry

Serve well chilled at around 45°F for the best balance of sweetness and acidity. On its own, this cherry wine works beautifully as an aperitif or a warm-weather sipper over ice. In a Cherry Sangria, its natural Montmorency tartness provides a robust fruit base that stands up to sliced citrus and sparkling water. For a Cherry Bellini, a splash mixed with dry sparkling wine creates a brunch cocktail with genuine cherry depth rather than artificial sweetness. It also makes an excellent foundation for a Cherry Wine Spritzer, where mixing with club soda and a sprig of fresh mint highlights the wine's grapefruit and pomegranate undertones.

Best For

• Introducing fruit wine to friends who typically drink only grape-based wines
• Summer patio drinking and outdoor entertaining
• Pairing with cheese boards and light desserts at holiday gatherings
• Gifting to someone who appreciates artisan Illinois-made products

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lynfred Cherry taste like? Lynfred Cherry delivers a semi-sweet profile dominated by sour cherry sorbet, pomegranate, and grapefruit, balanced by 9.0% residual sugar and a tart, refreshing acidity.

How does Lynfred Cherry compare to Oliver Winery Cherry Moscato? Oliver Cherry Moscato blends cherry flavoring with a Muscat grape base, producing a lighter, more overtly sweet wine with a floral backbone. Lynfred Cherry uses 100% Montmorency cherries with no grape base, resulting in a more genuinely cherry-driven flavor and higher tartness.

Is Lynfred Cherry good for beginners? Its semi-sweet, fruit-forward profile and approachable tartness make it an excellent starting point for anyone new to fruit wines or those who find dry grape wines too austere.

Where is Lynfred Cherry made? Lynfred Cherry is produced at Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The Montmorency cherries used in production are sourced from Door County, Wisconsin, one of the top tart cherry regions in the United States.

What foods pair well with Lynfred Cherry? Dark chocolate truffles complement the wine's caramel and cherry aromas. Brie or Camembert cheeses match its residual sweetness with creamy richness. Pork tenderloin with a cherry glaze echoes the fruit character. A simple mixed green salad with goat cheese and candied pecans provides a textural contrast. Lemon tart offers a citrus-on-citrus interplay with the wine's grapefruit notes.

What sizes does Lynfred Cherry come in? Lynfred Cherry Wine is available in the standard 750 ml bottle format.

Is Lynfred Cherry worth the price? Lynfred Cherry positions as an accessible, entry-level fruit wine that delivers authentic Door County cherry character at a modest price point, making it a strong value within the American fruit wine category.

Why Lynfred Cherry?

This is the bottle that started Lynfred Winery — the original commercial release from a house that has grown into one of Illinois' most recognized producers since 1979. What distinguishes it from many fruit wines on the market is the use of 100% Montmorency tart cherries from Door County rather than a grape-and-flavoring blend, giving the wine an honest, orchard-driven identity. The 9.0% residual sugar is calibrated to complement, not mask, the natural tartness of the cherry varietal, which is why the finish reads as refreshing rather than cloying. For drinkers who want a genuine fruit wine with regional provenance and real cherry character, Lynfred Cherry remains a benchmark expression from one of the Midwest's pioneering wineries.