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
From Devo To Women’s Soccer, Doc10 Film Fest Shows Us The Real World
CHICAGO — They are older women now, their faces flashing across the screen in “Copa 71,” a film that corrects a terrible wrong and celebrates these women and others when they were young athletes out to change the world. Especially potent in a time th
Chicago Tribune11 min readCrime & Violence
Migrant Arrests Are Up In Chicago, But They’re Rarely Accused Of Violent Felonies
CHICAGO -- As 40,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in Chicago in less than two years, a Tribune analysis of crime data shows the impact of migrants has been mostly felt in nonviolent offenses, particularly driving-related and thefts, and few arrests fo
Chicago Tribune5 min readWorld
Commentary: Post-Oct. 7, I’m Finally Questioning The Narrative About Jewish Inheritance
Recently, while cleaning out my basement, I came across a picture of myself from 1983. The photo was taken at my Reform Movement Jewish summer camp, located on several acres of bucolic rolling hills along a clear lake in southeastern Wisconsin. That

Related Books & Audiobooks