Vintrendi Wine Company thrives in South Suburbs

Rick Nesbitt and his family are the proprietors of Vintrendi Wine Company in Olympia Fields. PHOTO PROVIDED BY VINTRENDI WINE COMPANY.
Rick Nesbitt and his family are the proprietors of Vintrendi Wine Company in Olympia Fields. PHOTO PROVIDED BY VINTRENDI WINE COMPANY.

Vintrendi Wine Company thrives in South Suburbs

By Tia Carol Jones

Rick Nesbitt started the Vintrendi Wine Company in 2017 when a seed was planted while he was working as a liquor distributor. He started with his own small, private distribution shop, but realized it wasn’t enough for him. He really wanted to be able to produce the products he was selling. He knew if he wanted products that represented the people and area that he served, he was going to have to create it. 

Nesbitt shuttered the distribution company and moved into manufacturing on a small scale. Now, Vintrendi Wine Company has a brick-and-mortar location in Olympia Fields where people can see how the wine is made, taste the wine, and enjoy live music at the winery and tasting room. Vintrendi Wine Company was also included in Enjoy Illinois’ 2024 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide.

What sets Vintrendi apart from other wineries is that it has artisanal and flavored wines, from the type to the way they are served. Nesbitt said that Vintrendi has more than just the regular Cabernet, Chardonnay or Merlot wines.

“Whereas the bigger liquor and wine companies, they don’t always focus on small, niche brands, you get what you get at the grocery stores or the large liquor stores. There are so many artisanal brands or wine styles from across the world that are put at the bottom of the shelf. The thing about Vintrendi is we try to uplift those types of wine and products and bring them to the forefront,” Nesbitt said.

Some of those unique wines are the Blackberry Wine and the Vintrendi Winter Wine. The blackberry wine is concord, flavored blackberry. Nesbitt said that it is one of the most popular wine they sell. He said between the taste and the packaging of the product, people love it. The Vintrendi Winter Wine is a sweet, mulled wine which is done in the style of a German or Swedish wine that is served hot, with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and oranges, sometimes with brandy, and is usually served in the Winter months. Nesbitt wanted to introduce it to his customers as part of the unique offerings at the winery.

Nesbitt said his business philosophy is being nimble and meeting market demands, as well as creating innovative products. There is also a heavy focus on family and being an African American family-owned wine company.

Nesbitt was told about the Illinois Made program by the Economic Development manager at the Village of Park Forest. The Vintrendi Wine Company applied and they were accepted into the program. Nesbitt said the program provides great opportunities for small artisanal businesses throughout the state of Illinois. He encouraged other small business owners to apply for the program because it is a great benefit and opportunity.

Nesbitt said people have said the winery, tasting room and lounge has received positive feedback from customers. He said people love the atmosphere and vibe, and the fact that wine is produced on the premises. People also love the uniqueness of the wines and the way they are served, as well as their customer service.

“People feel really at home. It’s not your average bar or nightclub. You’ve never seen a winery like ours,” he said. 

On Dec. 28th, Vintrendi will host a Holiday Party at the winery. They also have live music during the week.

The Vintrendi Wine Company’s Winery and Tasting Room is located at 3408 Vollmer Road in Olympia Fields. For more information about Vintrendi Wine Company, visit www.vintrendiwine.com, or call 708-433-WINE. For more information about the Illinois Made program, visit www. To see the Holiday Gift Guide, visit www.enjoyillinois.com.


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