Geneva rolled out the hospitality with local cuisine, wine and live entertainment during the 44th annual Festival of the Vine over the weekend.
Geneva’s eateries featured signature dishes under the Flavor Fare Tent near the historic Kane County Courthouse at James and South Third streets, while wine tastings were held at local businesses in the heart of the downtown during the three days of the event.
Michelle Peters of Morton Grove performed as a vocalist with the Wildwood Country band on the Main Stage Friday evening at the festival.
“Downtown Geneva is a beautiful setting for this festival,” Peters said.
The country music band is a side gig from her daytime work, she noted.
“Performing on stage is my therapy,” she said, as crowds filled the tent area.
Friends Kimberly Jones of Waterman and Cindy Galto of Cortland came out to see their friend perform in the band and sample the cuisine at the festival.
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“The Geneva Ale House filet mignon slider is very good,” Jones said.
Andrea Ryan and Lyndsey Williams of Geneva and Megan Elsberg, of St. Charles, have been regulars at the Festival of the Vine for years.
“The good food and music are a perfect mix,” Ryan said.
This year they were accompanied by their husbands at the event.
“For me, the festival is like a high school reunion,” Jeff Ryan said.
The samples of favorite dishes from local restaurants is also a plus, he said.
“The best food from Geneva restaurants is here. It’s perfect,” he said.
The Flavor Fare Tent at the festival is a once-a-year premier stage for chefs from Geneva restaurants to share their signature dishes.
Mike Olesen, owner of Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery, has been part of the festivities for 24 years. He recalled when the late Chuck Lencioni and other restaurant owners started the festival.
Stockholm’s featured its pulled pork sandwich, Dijon salmon and grilled artichokes at the fest.
The camaraderie between restaurant owners in Geneva is a component of the success of the festival, Olesen said.
“We are a group of independent businesses so we all know that we have to work together and fight alongside each other in this great big world we are a part of. We help each other out and that’s not just at this festival, it’s year around,” said Olesen, chair of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce board.
Olesen acknowledged he was on the receiving end of support when his restaurant, Stockholm’s on State Street, had a kitchen fire in July of 2024.
“The community really stepped-up and supported our staff. I have not looked at donating and helping out the same way ever since. It really changes how you look at giving,” he said of being a recipient of support from the local community.
It took 70 days to reopen after the fire and the restaurant missed the festival in 2025. However, members volunteered at the festival last year, he said.
“It truly is a blessing,” he said of the community support then.
Will Devore, of Geneva, was with his wife and two young children at the festival over the weekend.
“We love the festival environment. We come every year. It’s a nice night out for us to relax and spend time with the family,” Devore said.
Paixoa Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse debuted its signature dishes, including grilled steak with fried polenta, at the fest. Co-owners Ronnie and Deborah Moreira grilled steaks and chicken for customers at the event.
“It’s been amazing to be here. The community is very welcoming,” Ronnie Moreira said.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.