Chicago Tribune

Philanthropic couple's quest to 'Drink wine, do good' grew out of sons' fatal genetic disorder

AURORA, Ill. - I have to admit: I struggled to write the lead to this column.

That's because I knew that no matter how well I describe the story of Bob and Sonya Evanosky - who live by the motto "drink wine; do good" - there's no way I can capture this couple's indelible spirit.

I could start with the fact the Evanoskys, who moved to Aurora from Sacramento in 1999, opened the city's first winery in 2016. And though Aspen Lane Wine Company has only been around officially for a couple years, it already boasts 10 high-quality wines and has created even more private labels for around 80 groups and individuals, including a billionaire philanthropist from the Chicago area.

I could also begin by telling you they give away 100 percent of their profits to charitable organizations, particularly those that impact individuals and families affected by disabilities.

But it makes the most sense to start with their children: Twins Christopher and John, and younger brother Jack. Three beautiful boys all born

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune4 min read
Frustrations Rise After 9 Year Old Girl Attacked By Unleashed Dog In Chicago: ‘She Was Traumatized’
CHICAGO — Nine-year-old Natalie Sieracki spent her sister’s softball game cartwheeling on the grass in Horner Park Saturday evening. She didn’t notice the large, unleashed dog nearby until it attacked her. When she broke away from the animal, she ra
Chicago Tribune7 min read
Chicago Area’s Independent Bookstores See Revival
CHICAGO — Renting out a Lincoln Park brownstone for $200 may be considered unusual, but a 300-year-old vampire who wears three-piece suits and enjoys Taylor Swift music wouldn’t know any better. After all, he has also been imprisoned in a vampire dun
Chicago Tribune3 min readAmerican Government
Measure To Create New State Agency For Childhood Services Now On Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Desk
The Illinois House on Thursday passed Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s initiative to consolidate early childhood services under a single agency, paving the way for the creation of a new state Department of Early Childhood. “We can make early childhood simpler, b

Related Books & Audiobooks