A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Walnut Street Winery Plus Saunas, 309 S. Walnut Street, in Rochester, Illinois. Cutting the ribbon are the owners, Loren & Karen Shanle, the mayor of Rochester, Dave Armstrong, along with employees Sheila Tapscott, Kathy Gold, Beth Maney, Liz Robison, DrexEllen Armstrong and Matt Martin.
Located just seven miles east of the Illinois State Capitol on Route 29, the Walnut Street Winery Plus Saunas is a one of a kind place. It is unlike many other wineries for several unique reasons. As the business name states, it is both a winery and sauna shop. The owner, Loren Shanle, has a personal motto “Take in the good, sweat out the bad!”
The winery makes small batches of wine made from the best juices and concentrates from California, Oregon and Washington as well as countries such as France, Spain, Argentina, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and more. If you want to make a great Pinot Noir, you have to have the raw materials to make a great Pinot Noir and that comes from selecting the juices and concentrates from the best growing locations. In addition to wines made on-site, the winery offers over 25 great wines from countries all over the world. And to complete the philosophy, infrared saunas are also sold at the winery. Loren believes that saunas are the picture of health. They can remove toxins and waste, boost metabolism, relieve stress and more. A variety of sizes and types of saunas by the Hotwind Sauna Company are available.
Daily wine tasting is available at the handcrafted, custom made spalted sycamore tasting bar. Visitors can browse the wines and choose something to take home or drink in the private wine garden. The wine garden boasts a 60’ x 13’ shelled Bocce ball court and an outdoor music stage. Live music is scheduled on the weekends and special events will be announced on the winery website. A variety of delicious Wisconsin cheeses, sausages, crackers, spreads and a food menu are also available. The wine shop offers up some great wine accessories and items that make wonderful gifts. Wedding receptions, class reunions, business meetings(free Wi-fi), family gatherings, birthday parties, office parties, holiday events and more are welcome at the winery simply by calling to reserve the date.
It’s a great way to try something new and unique, right in the Land of Lincoln!
