Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Galena Cellars

Nov 01, 2017 Wineries

Ask anyone at Galena Cellars and they’ll tell you that wine enjoyed with the whole family is best when it’s handmade by the whole family.

When Robert and Joyce Lawlor followed their gut to a winemaking class in the early 1970s, they had no idea that their passion would eventually add something special to the historically charming patchwork of Galena, Illinois. Soon after the class that kick-started it all, the couple’s daughter, Christine, decided to trace her parents’ footsteps, put her teaching degree aside and earn a second degree in enology and viticulture from Fresno State University. Finishing her time studying the art and science of vineyards in the home state of wine, the teacher-turned-artisan looked to a historic post office building alongside her parents to open the family’s first of three wineries. Jumping in headfirst, the family kicked production off with a 500-barrel batch of cherry wine. And this was only the beginning.

Large container of grapes Wine Tasting

Honing in on a number of wine recipes with her parents-turned-partners, the trio opened one more winery in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, before making the final move to Galena. As the family business spread its wings, the winery called Christine’s brother and his wife to the quaint town of Galena, where they set up shop in an old 1840s granary building on the town’s main strip.

When Robert and Joyce Lawlor followed their gut to a winemaking class in the early 1970s, they had no idea that their passion would eventually add something special to the historically charming patchwork of Galena, Illinois. From their 22 specialty grapes, 40 wine varieties are produced, totaling 60,000 gallons of wine per year. That’s one accomplishment the family enjoys toasting often. 

Backyard with wine

With craftsmanship in mind and family at the root of this Galena winery, Galena Cellars has taken home Winemaker of the Year Award by Grape Growers and Vintners Association, along with many other notable mentions. Keeping to the tradition of the tannin, the third generation of Lawlors are currently learning the art of wine as their parents did, making sure the business remains close to home.

Whether stopping in Galena for a relaxing B&B getaway or just passing through, take the time to unwind with a glass of family tradition at this local winery.

Discover more Illinois artisans at Illinois Made.

Share this story

Related Reads

A vineyard
Wineries

Sleepy Creek Vineyards

Nov 1, 2017
Read More
A woman mixing the grapes in a large container to make wine.
Farms & Orchards

New Berlin's Family Vineyard

Nov 1, 2017
Read More
A vinyard
Wineries

Alto Vineyards

Jul 25, 2016
Read More
Wine
Wineries

Illinois Made Sparkling Wine

Jan 17, 2016
Read More
Cocktails
Wineries

Northern Illinois' Family Owned Whiskey Distillery

Jan 1, 2016
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.