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Ken and Sandy Winge of Galena
River Wine and Cheese fulfills dream, There is something special about the charm of Galena that has been made possible by the fact that many of the owners of the boutique stores and restaurants have a love affair with the village. Such is the case of Ken and Sandy Winge, proprietors of the Galena River Wine and Cheese shop. The highly personable couple has operated the store at its location near the Gateway to the village's main street for more than 20 years. Their 'love affair' with Galena started a short time before they made the decision to move to Galena and open Galena River Wine and Cheese. As Sandy recalls, when the then-younger couple visited Galena and first saw its setting in the rolling hills, she "knew this was where we were meant to be." It had to be a huge leap of faith for the Chicago-based Winges. Ken had a successful career as a mutual fund salesperson and manager. Galena at that time was not the successful tourist destination it has since become. Many of the buildings, including the one that Ken and Sandy purchased, were 'shells' that would require gutting and reworking. But after their initial visit, two years later, the Winges acted. They purchased a home in Galena, bought their building and started an extensive project. Ken works with wood and applied his skills to a massive restoration of their new project. Sandy joined in, and the spirit of the family cooperation that marks the current operation was launched. While one workman reportedly told friends that the Winges would be out of business in six months, the unique offering of gourmet cheeses, sausages, great wine values and specialty food items, proved to be a hit. The shop is located by the Galena River, providing the Winges with the inspiration for the name of their shop. Galena River Wine and Cheese has expanded to include the entire bottom floor of the three story site (Ken's wood working shop occupies the third floor). This has enabled Ken and Sandy to expand their selection of fine food products to include a selection of carefully chosen wines that represent a variety of offerings from around the globe, enlarge the cheese and meat counter, and to add a large number of food items that will not be found in the corner grocery store. That's because Ken and Sandy insist on uniqueness of their products. "I don't want something that our visitors can buy at a convenience market," he explains. "We want our visitors to have a totally unique shopping experience."
There are so many fine food items
included in the selection of Galena River Wine and Cheese that it would
take many visits to the store to review all of them. But, during
each visit to Galena, we have made sure to include an excursion to buy
some of the excellent cheeses. Most importantly, the love affair that the Winges have had with Galena continues. Visitors to Galena River Wine and Cheese are the beneficiaries. |
Galena River Wine & Cheese 420 S. Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-9430 Balloon
ride at Belvedere Mansion tour shows opulence of a bygone era Galena
Territory and Eagle Ridge are Crown Jewel of Galena Cellars Winery tour shows why Lawlors excel at wine making Grape Escape is a welcomed respite, visit during Galena trip Stillman Inn offers a new level of B&B experience Trolley ride provides information on historic sites, homes Vinny Vanucchi's offers great ambiance, food at Little Italy Restaurant Woodlands,
Spikes restaurants at
Chef Ivo excels with some really great natural
food items...including a truly
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