Bob Rohden, an original supporter of Illinois wine, passed away last month. Bob was a friend and consultant to many Illinois wineries. Publisher’s note: During June, Bob, who often went by “BobZaguy,” and I spent an hour and one half together discussing the history of the Illinois wine industry. Bob loved Illinois wine and the people who make it. He understood the origins of Illinois wine better than anyone and he will be missed.
Mark Ganchiff
Mark Ganchiff is the publisher of Midwest Wine Press, the leading source of news on the growing wine industry in the central United States. Mark has been a wine judge at the 2012 and 2014 INDY International Wine Competition, the 2014 Cold Climate Wine Competition, the 2013 Mid-American Wine Competition, the 2012 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition and the 2013 Michigan Wine Competition. He also enjoys speaking at wine events including the Cold Climate Wine Conference, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Annual Meeting, the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference and the Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Mark's articles about regional wine have appeared in Vineyard & Winery Management, WineMaker and several regional magazines. Mark is a Level One Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers. He lives in Louisville, but also has a residence in Chicago.
Thank you so much for mentioning Bob’s passing, Mark. Bob was truly a friend to Illinois wineries and a dear friend to me as well. He will be missed.
We will celebrate our memories of Bob at a Celebration of LIfe Service at Unity in Chicago, 1925 West Thome Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. (Just north of Peterson and south of Devon off Ridge Ave.)
The Celebration of Life Service is October 28th at 3 pm.
Call 773-571-2799 with questions