The Story of

Danenberger Family Vineyard

Rooted in over 150 years of Illinois agriculture, Danenberger Family Vineyards is a legacy nurtured through artistry and science. Our mission is to transform the meticulously tended soil of our Centennial Farm into world-class wines that capture the passion, joy, and resilience of our family. We blend the heritage of the past with the innovation of the future to create an immersive destination where wine, music, and community converge.

The Visionary

Susan Sullivan Danenberger

Susan doesn’t just make wine; she orchestrates it. As a 5th-generation steward of this land and a graduate of the prestigious Viticulture and Enology program at UC Davis, Susan has spent decades blending the precision of science with the intuition of an artist.

After the 2006 tornado left the family farm in ruins, Susan saw more than just a blank slate—she saw a vineyard. She traded the boardroom for the barrel room, bringing a “Liquid Art” philosophy to the Illinois prairie. Her approach is hands-on and uncompromising; you’ll often find her in the rows at dawn, tasting the grapes to catch the exact moment the sugars and tannins reach peak harmony.

From her award-winning dry reds to the high-energy “Wine Rocks” stage, Susan’s thumbprint is on every bottle and every beat. She invites you to experience the farm not just as a visitor, but as a guest in her family’s living legacy.

The Farm's History

Mid 1870

The Sullivan Settlement

James Sullivan and his son Jeremiah emigrate from Ireland to New Berlin, Illinois, establishing the family farmstead. The original farmhouse, now modernized, still stands as the heart of the property.

1987

The Centennial Legacy

The farm is officially recognized by the State of Illinois as a Centennial Farm, celebrating over 100 years of continuous family ownership and land stewardship.

2004

A Spark of Passion

The winemaking journey begins as a hobby in Susan’s suburban Chicago home after her husband, Doug, gifts her a winemaking kit. This gift ignites a obsession with the "art and science" of enology.

2006

Resilience in the Rubble

On March 12, 2006, a devastating tornado tears through New Berlin, destroying the original farming structures. Amidst the debris, Susan and Doug decide to move back to the farm full-time, viewing the rubble as a "blank slate" to transition from corn and soybeans to grapes.

2011

Mastering the Craft

To ensure professional excellence, Susan completes her formal education in Viticulture and Enology at the world-renowned University of California Davis.

2013

The Grand Opening

After years of zoning and construction, Danenberger Family Vineyards (DFV) officially opens its doors in September 2013. Susan immediately begins producing dry, artisan reds that challenge the local market’s sweet-wine reputation.

2017

The WineRocks Revolution

After years of smaller performances, the vineyard officially expanded its "Wine Rocks" stage. Built using repurposed industrial shipping containers, it became one of the most unique outdoor concert venues in the Midwest, hosting national touring acts and tribute bands every weekend.

2023

A Decade of Excellence

Danenberger celebrated its 10th Anniversary as a public winery. This year also marked a significant expansion of the estate’s "Liquid Art" philosophy, with their 2020 Cabernet Franc (Susan’s favorite grape) winning 90 Points and a Gold Medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Today

Today at DFV: Wine, Music, and Community

Today, Danenberger Family Vineyards is more than just a farm—it is a community hub where world-class winemaking, chef-led dining, and high-energy live music live in harmony. With Susan’s son, Chef Clayton Danenberger, leading the culinary program and the 5th generation of the family actively involved in the property's stewardship, the legacy continues. Whether you are here for a quiet flight in the Crate Lounge or a sold-out show at Wine Rocks, you are part of the family story.

DFV's Philosophy

From Soil To Soul

Soil

Rooted in the nutrient-rich loess soil of our Centennial Farm, our vines struggle just enough to produce concentrated, complex flavors. We practice sustainable viticulture, honoring the land that has sustained our family since the 1870s.

Science

Winemaking is chemistry. Educated at UC Davis, Susan employs rigorous scientific standards to every vintage. By monitoring pH, acidity, and fermentation temperatures, we ensure every bottle is clean, stable, and world-class.

Soul

Wine is liquid art. Influenced by the energy of our "Wine Rocks" stage, we believe wine should be bold and expressive. From the barrel aging to the label design, every decision is driven by passion, not just production.

Central Illinois Made.

Our Plots.

Some have said that you can't grow quality wine grapes in Central Illinois, but they don't know our Winemaker’s secrets. Hundreds of our Vinifera, French-American hybrids, and American hybrid vines stand as proof. They love the minerals in our soil and the constant breeze keeping them disease-free.

Our attention to detail throughout the season results in the quality that you see at harvest. We started with red grapes like Marquette and Regent, and have since expanded to include Cabernet Franc, Oberlin Noir, and an exciting new hybrid from Cornell University.

Cabernet Franc

Our Winemaker’s favorite grape. It produces blue-black berries yielding a very aromatic red wine that is softer than the wines of Cabernet Sauvignon. Emits hints of green pepper, tea, cherry clove, violet, and berry.

Oberlin Noir

Widely planted in France, mostly in the Beaujolais region, producing a somewhat rustic red wine with good aging capability. It is becoming another favorite in our collection.

Marquette

Wines made with Marquette have an attractive deep red color, with aromas of cherry, black pepper, spice, and black currant. Best enjoyed as a medium-bodied red table wine.

Arandell

A Cornell University hybrid (NY-95). This dark red wine is very enjoyable, with a clean light aroma, good structure, mouthfeel, and distinct blueberry fruit character.

Regent

The wine color is an intensive red, with moderate acidity and rich tannins. Cherry and black currant aromas are inviting. This vine is highly prized for its disease resistance.

Traminette

Our newest plot contains these white grapes. They produce a floral, spicy wine similar to Gewürztraminer, thriving in our local climate to produce a crisp, aromatic finish.