Brent Copstead of Geneva Winery

GENEVA–Brent Copstead of Geneva Winery has called St. Charles home for the past three years after living in Geneva since 2014. Originally from Washington State, Brent brought his passion for family, community, and wine to Illinois—and it shows in everything he does. As the proud owner of Geneva Winery, Brent has created spaces where people can connect, relax, and savor life’s simple pleasures.

Brent’s deep commitment to community shines through at all three Geneva Winery locations: in Geneva, Batavia, and soon at a vineyard and production facility in Elburn. Whether you’re visiting the rustic charm of 426 S. 3rd Street in Geneva, enjoying river views in Batavia, or looking ahead to the vineyard’s grand opening, each spot reflects Brent’s love for bringing people together over great wine.

Geneva Winery is best known for its handcrafted wines and its famous summertime wine slushies—refreshing treats that come in six delicious flavors like mango, peach, and blueberry, all topped with a splash of wine. The winery’s inviting outdoor spaces, live music, and fun atmosphere make it a local favorite during warm weather.

When Brent isn’t busy at the winery, you’ll find him cheering on his kids at sporting events, tending to his 113-year-old farm in Elburn (soon to grow its own grapes!), or supporting local causes. Brent’s dedication to family, community, and wine makes Geneva Winery not just a business—but a destination where every sip truly tells a story.

What do you love most about what you do?

What I love most about what I do goes far beyond the craft of making great wine—though that’s certainly a joy, especially experimenting with unique varietals from around the world. The true reward lies in the connections we've built within our communities. It’s about the friendships that have grown over time, the familiar faces that stop in, and the simple pleasure of sharing a conversation and a glass of wine. There’s something really special about being able to say hi, sit down, and enjoy a sip together—it makes this more than a business; it makes it a family.

What is your personal favorite cocktail to mix or brew to serve?

My personal favorite to serve is definitely our wine slushies. They’re the ultimate summertime cocktail—fun, refreshing, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With vibrant flavors and a splash of wine on top, they’re the perfect way to cool down and enjoy a little bit of joy in a glass.

What is your personal favorite cocktail or brew to drink?

With over 50 different wines in our lineup, my favorite really depends on the season, the occasion, and even the mood of the day—there’s always something new to enjoy. But if I had to choose, I’d say I have a soft spot for our “St. Charles,” a Chilean-style Malbec. It’s bold, smooth, and incredibly versatile—perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with a great meal. It’s one of those wines that always seems to hit the right note.

What is the most unique ingredient you've ever mixed with?

As a winery, we get to experiment with a wide range of unique ingredients—different grape varietals, oak chips, natural flavors, and tannins. One of the most unique and memorable ingredients we’ve worked with recently is chocolate. We used it to create our Boonstone Gnome, a distinctive red wine that blends rich Lodi, California Cabernet Sauvignon with just a touch of chocolate. The result is a smooth, indulgent wine with a subtle twist that really surprises and delights people.

What is the most unique garnish you've ever used to decorate with?

One of the most unique garnishes we’ve used was actually inside the bottle! For our Habanero and Jalapeño Strawberry wines, we had some fun by adding a whole pepper to each bottle. It created a bold visual and added an extra kick to the experience—definitely a conversation starter and a fun twist for adventurous wine lovers.

-Interview by Kristen Kucharski

Photos by Mike Catuara for Glancer Magazine