Waterman Winery & Vineyards

Our Story

Welcome to Waterman Winery & Vineyards, a family-owned and operated business nestled in the heart of rural Waterman, Illinois. Located approximately 70 miles west of Chicago and 40 miles west of Naperville, our vineyards are situated on Tuntland Farms, a fourth-generation operation that has been responsibly growing, maintaining, and harvesting grapes for nearly two decades. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in the rich habitat that our vineyards provide for a wide range of wildlife, including hawks, cardinals, herons, foxes, coyotes, deer, minks, dragonflies, praying mantis, bees, butterflies, and various other insects.

Our 12-acre, grass-covered vineyards are home to 40 different varieties of red and white grapes, from which we handcraft around 20 varieties of wine unique to Northern Illinois. We are proud to offer a range of dry to sweet and seasonal wines for tastings, with wines also available for purchase at Inboden's in DeKalb and Casey's General Store in Waterman.

Sustainable Wines

At Waterman Winery & Vineyards, we are committed to producing natural, award-winning wines via environmentally friendly methods. Our vineyards are more than just a source of grapes; they are a thriving ecosystem that provides a home for a diverse range of wildlife. We believe that sustainability and wine-making go hand-in-hand, and we are dedicated to producing high-quality wines while minimizing our impact on the environment.

Tours & Events

We invite you to join us for a day in the country, where you can savor our handcrafted wines and the fresh countryside air. Our authentic regional wine tastings are held in a casual agricultural setting, allowing you to experience the rustic charm of our century-old farm and the pure flavor that only comes from our vineyards.

Wine tastings are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., with no appointment necessary. We also offer self-guided vineyard tours for $35, which include 5 tastes, a souvenir wine glass, a "take-home" bottle of wine, and a map. Private, educational, sustainability, and wine-focused events can be arranged by contacting us directly.

Wine List

Our wine list includes a range of dry to sweet and seasonal wines, all handcrafted with care. Our red wine selection includes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chambourcin, while our white wine selection features varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Vidal Blanc. We also offer a selection of fruit wines, including Blackberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry.

Discounts and Special Offers

We offer discounts on 6 and 12 bottle purchases, as well as limited vintages. We are also proud to offer a Gift "Local" program, which includes bottle sales and certificates. Our digital gift card can be purchased online and is a great way to support our family business while sharing the taste of Waterman Winery & Vineyards with others.

We are committed to providing exceptional service and high-quality wines, and we look forward to sharing our passion for wine-making with you. Thank you for supporting our family business!