2013 Travel Guide
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Trip Starters
Illinois Wine Country
Somewhere between the scenic vineyards, tasting rooms and wine trails, it hits you: Illinois really does have a wine country. Throughout
the state, you’ll find more than 100 wineries and vineyards, each one with its own personality. Here are just a few of the many ways
to savor the wine, food and stunning settings of Illinois Wine Country.
Raise Your Glass
Toast your time together at wine events happening
around the state.
around the state.
If you’re looking for those times when wineries get a bit more festive, then consider a visit during the fall harvest.
That’s when the festivals and events here are in full swing. Of course, it doesn’t take much to trigger a
celebration at a winery. There are plenty of year-round events featuring everything from fine cuisine and local artwork to
spirited grape stomps.
Wineries by Region
Explore wine trails, vineyards and wineries dotted throughout Illinois.
Chicago & Beyond
From big city wineries to scenic vineyards, this region tempts you with
a variety of ways to enjoy Illinois wine. Intimate tastings, food and wine pairings,
fine wine during live concerts—it all awaits in Chicago and beyond.
Great Rivers Country
Nothing brings out the charm and beauty of a quaint river town quite like a wine tasting at a local winery. It’s a chance to savor
hand-crafted wine and celebrate your time together as you enjoy the scenic river settings along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers.
Land of Lincoln
Best known for honoring the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, this region of Illinois is also home to plenty of wineries. So during
your journey through Abe’s remarkable life, you can always detour to one of the nearby vineyards and wineries.
Trails to Adventure
Amid the rolling hills of this scenic region of Illinois, you’ll find plenty of trails for outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers.
The Shawnee area here, with its unique grape-growing climate, has even earned a place among the nation’s most respected wine regions.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Savor your way through southern Illinois.
Tucked in the rolling hills of southern Illinois you’ll find the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. This is
Illinois Wine Country at its finest, home to a dozen wineries within 30 miles of each other. Sample a few wineries
by day, or settle into a vineyard B&B and
explore the whole trail. Either way, you’ll come away saying, “Where has this place been hiding?”
Blue Sky Vineyard
With its resort-like setting, tempting menu and live music, your day on the trail might just start, and end, here. Especially when
you discover the cozy suites mere steps from the tasting room.
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Owl Creek
The wine here is made only with locally grown fruit, giving you a real taste of the region. Learn more during educational wine
tastings, or relax on a deck that stretches into the Shawnee Forest.
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Rustle Hill
When evening falls, get yourself to Rustle Hill. Chances are a band will be playing in their lakeside amphitheater. And the
rustic pizza will more than hit the spot after a day of wine tasting.
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Alto Vineyards
You don’t become one of the oldest wineries in Illinois without serving top-notch wines. And Alto delivers with award-winning
vintages that are easily among the best in the country.
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Explore the entire trail
Take a closer look at the eclectic mix of wineries and vineyards on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, designated as an
American Viticultural Area for its distinctive winemaking properties.
See all the wineries
A Taste of Tuscany
Who says you have to go to Italy to sip wine in a villa?
You have to hand it to the folks at Blue Sky. Their replica of a Tuscan villa looks like it’s straight out of a travel magazine.
Yet it seems right at home nestled in the rolling hills of southern Illinois. In the tasting room you’ll find exposed brick,
stained glass and plenty of Old World touches. Even the overnight suites have a Tuscan feel to them. The only thing missing is an Italian
accent from the pourer.
GO HERE
Explore More
Find more ways to enjoy wine in Illinois.
Explore more than 100 wineries and vineyards found throughout Illinois. For you foodies, discover restaurants
that feature some of the best wine lists in the state.
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