During the early part of 2004, a consortium in concert with the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation began to explore the possibilities and opportunities of creating genuine grape-growing and wine-making businesses in and around McHenry County. While a number of proponents expressed interest and took action, one farmer took the opportunity and ran with it.
Haje Black, owner of Salute! Farm and Vineyard in Woodstock, was an early, and now dominant, player in the local fledgling vineyard business. Black retired from IBM with a mission to start a farm—she has done that and more. Black has created an environmentally friendly, organic farm and vineyard. Acres of grapes have flourished to initially produce cooking wine and now an award-winning dry, blended red wine.
Both Senator Pam Althoff and State Representative Mike Tryon were actively involved in supporting and endorsing the McHenry County agribusiness based on the potential economic impact and the effective use of open, green space.
“Salute! has established a wonderful benchmark of a successful business and entrepreneurial enterprise by taking an existing 41-acre farm and creating yet another exciting new opportunity for McHenry County residents and tourists,” said Senator Althoff.
In 2008, Salute! planted additional grapevines to increase the total acreage to four acres—almost 1,600 plants. The farmers at Salute! project that after the fourth year of growth, 10,000 bottles of wine will be filled each year.
Quality Control
The first-year production of 900 bottles has sold out. The award-winning Primo Rosso wine has set precedent for other vineyards to explore opportunities in McHenry County.
“Small-batch wineries can maintain high quality through tasting and have more control over quality, aroma, balance and flavor of the wine,” said Black. “We can spend more time with it.”
Midwest weather conditions, frost and all the unknowns associated with farming can severely affect the ultimate byproduct of a vineyard. Black, however, is intent to have the next planting in place and growing strong with the support of enthusiastic, experienced gardeners.
Black has been a long-time student of holistic health and an advocate of eating and growing organic vegetables. Since 2000, when she purchased her farm, Black has developed a reputation for providing exceptional, organically grown vegetables and offering them through a community supported agriculture program (CSA). The CSA allows participants to “own” some shares of the farm. More than 75 families enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, wine and herbs throughout the growing season.
