Ken Rosmann, Winemaker
Ken farmed in Iowa for many years, certifying as organic in 1987. Some of his crops were used to make organic tofu in Japan. It was the relationships that Ken developed with his Japanese friends that inspired him to make an end product that people can enjoy. Wine was a natural fit for Ken’s personality and skills – his ease with chemistry, his farming success and his great enjoyment of food, wine and friends. Ken began studying under winemakers, taking courses and making wine in earnest 16 years ago. He is a past president of Northern Illinois Wine Growers. |
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Pam Rosmann, Tasting Room and Events Coordinator
After careers in psychology and landscape architecture, Pam is currently in her third career as the chief wine taster. She also manages the tasting room and events room where businesses, clubs and families and friends meet to enjoy food and wine. Pam and Ken met when Pam was director of the Organic Agriculture Program in the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. |
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The mission of Famous Fossil Vineyard and Winery is to create a place of beauty that inspires joy, relaxation and friendship,
to live in harmony with all life and to make wine that is naturally expressive of the Famous Fossil Vineyard.
Famous Fossil Events Room |
Over 12 different varieties of grapes were planted on the hillsides of Ken & Pam Rosmann's northern Illinois farm. Famous Fossil Winery overlooks the vineyard and the beautiful rolling countryside. A stream meanders through the farm attracting birds and wildlife throughout the year. Famous Fossil wines are made from cold climate grape varieties, having distinct characteristics that reflect the climate, the soils and the culture of the Midwest.
This is called terroir in France and has been termed "somewhereness" by Matt Kramer in his book Making Sense of Wine.
When you taste Famous Fossil wines, you are tasting the Midwest!
Vineyards in the Winter |
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`Customer Testimonials`
"Worth getting lost!" R. & L. W.
"Very relaxing and great staff." C.&K. N.
“Thanks so much for the wonderful job of hosting our reunion! The food was wonderful, the atmosphere superb, and the service was great. We couldn’t have asked for a better location. Thanks for all that you did to make our evening memorable.” S.K
“Thank you for the lovely facility for hosting our Mom’s birthday. It will be a birthday that our entire family will fondly remember for a long time!” P.H.
“Hope to get there again soon – I love your winery!!!!” D. G. “You have a very beautiful place and we will be sure to recommend it for meetings.” D.G. & C.K.
“Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit to your winery. What a beautiful facility and great wine! We will definitely come back! S. & C. M.
“We’ll be making Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery one of our frequent stops!” K. & R. S.
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Ken and Pam Rosmann
Owners
The privilege of a lifetime
is being who you are.
Joseph Campbell
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