Where should I begin...do not be fooled by the beautiful rolling vineyards that line the drive at Valentino Winery. We hoped that it would be a fruitful experience, but we were sorely disappointed. Upon entering the winery we were slowly greeted by the owners Rudy and Veronica. We were told about how they took care in their winemaking and how everything was all-natural and unfiltered. We were excited to try the first of 5 wines we would be tasting. Upon first sniff, we were shocked. Had I opened a bottle of this at home, I would have thought it had oxidized beyond safe consumption almost on the way to brandy. This was for their Bianca wine. Thinking this was just a one-wine problem was a mistake. EVERY WINE tasted like a fortified port! Their Reserva Chianti didn't resemble the real thing in the least. After 4 tastings we finally arrived at the absolutely AWFUL Red Port. They said it had ""chocolate"" flavors, it actually had eau de purina dog chow. The group I was with could not even look at one another and could barely stomach the incredibly anemic pours that they gave for $8 per person! We had hoped that this would be a good experience here in Northern Illinois, however we felt that it was almost a practical joke. Are people actually buying their wine? I would be embarrassed to give one as a gift. Do not waste your time stopping here. I seriously wonder if their wine is actually safe to drink.
Pros: Beautiful Vineyard
Cons: Everything else
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