Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Each June, a familiar tradition in Highland Park offers residents an opportunity to gather, connect, and give back in a meaningful way. Lynfred Winery’s Highland Park tasting room will once again partner with Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) as part of the Winery’s monthly charitable giving program, continuing a relationship that has become an important part of the local philanthropic landscape. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the community while creating spaces where people can come together, unwind, and feel connected.

Founded in 1979 by Lynn and Fred Koehler, Lynfred Winery began as a home winemaking hobby that steadily grew into a thriving business rooted in hospitality and personal connection. Fred Koehler, who worked in banquet halls and country clubs, began sharing their wines with guests, using them as a way to build relationships and create memorable experiences. What started as a small passion project eventually evolved into Illinois’s oldest continuously operating winery. Today, Lynfred remains committed not only to the quality of its wines, but also the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere that first defined its success.

That philosophy is evident in Lynfred’s Highland Park location, which opened in the summer of 2022. The team quickly recognized the potential of the space and embraced the opportunity to become part of a vibrant local business community. In a short time, the tasting room has grown into more than a place to enjoy wine — it has become a gathering space supported by strong relationships with local organizations, including HPCF.

“We want to make sure that we’re not just a stop along the way, but really woven into the fabric of the community,” said Matt Phillips, Lynfred’s District Manager and Tasting Room Director. “Being part of Highland Park has felt incredibly meaningful, and that’s largely because of the relationships we’ve been able to build here.”

A central part of Lynfred’s approach is its monthly giving initiative. Rather than operating as a traditional tipping establishment, the winery donates all cash tips collected each month to a selected local nonprofit, supporting 12 different organizations throughout the year. This June, those contributions will benefit HPCF, helping to further its mission of addressing the unmet needs of our community and expanding opportunities for residents of Highland Park and Highwood.

“With all of the good that the Foundation does — with grants and opportunities for so many different groups — it’s a natural partnership,” Matt said. “We want to play our part in supporting that work.”

This year marks Lynfred’s third year partnering with HPCF, a relationship that began shortly after the Highland Park tasting room first opened. Arriving in the community just one month before the Highland Park shooting, Lynfred quickly found itself not only establishing a new business but also joining a community navigating a difficult moment. From the outset, the team was intentional about being part of the healing and rebuilding process.

“We may have been new to the community, but we wanted to be part of what would help restore it and bring people back together,” Matt explained. “The Community Foundation immediately became a central resource for people asking how they could help, and that made it a natural fit for us to get involved.”

Since then, the partnership has grown into an annual tradition that members of the community look forward to each summer. The June fundraiser offers a simple yet meaningful way for residents to support the Foundation while enjoying time with friends, family, and neighbors in a welcoming setting.

“It’s always a very pleasant respite,” said Laurie Levin, HPCF Board Member and Executive Committee member. “The space is incredibly inviting, and it’s such a nice opportunity to sit, relax, and connect with others while also supporting the Foundation’s work. We have to support our commercial ventures in Highland Park, and they support us. It’s truly a win-win.”

For Lynfred, that sense of reciprocity is central to its philanthropic philosophy. The tasting room is designed to offer guests a sense of escape — a place to step away from daily stress and enjoy a moment of connection. By incorporating a charitable component into that experience, Lynfred adds another layer of meaning to each visit.

“We try to create a space that feels like a retreat from the busyness of everyday life,” Matt said. “And when guests know that their visit is also contributing to organizations doing important work in the community, it makes the experience even more special.”

Throughout the month of June, guests who visit Lynfred’s Highland Park tasting room have the opportunity to support HPCF simply by spending time there. In doing so, they contribute to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Highland Park and Highwood — demonstrating how even small moments of connection can have a lasting impact.