After retiring from Southern Illinois University in 1978, Guy Renzaglia decided it was his civic duty as an Italian to start growing grapes.
But Guy Renzaglia, through blind ambition and plenty of know-how, recognized the winemaking possibilities of Southern Illinois, with its rolling hills and a climate all its own.
Since those very first plantings, Guy's son Paul never imagined that his father’s dream would have such a profound effect on the region. Today Paul runs Alto Vineyards, a living testament to his father’s passion for winemaking. This family-owned vineyard, nestled in the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest, produces some of the finest wine in Illinois and America. Alto Vineyards also anchors the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the heart and soul of Illinois winemaking. All of which was made possible by Guy Renzaglia’s improbable dream some 30 years ago.
Discover more Illinois artisans at Illinois Made.
Eshelman Pottery
in
Arts & Culture,
Crafts,
Arts,
Illinois Makers
On your way to Galena, plan a side trip to the studios of one of America’s favor...
Taste Chicago at a Local Food Hall
in
Eat & Drink,
Chicago
With more than 8,000 restaurants in Chicago, there’s no way you can try it all. ...
A Girl's Getaway Mini-Vacation in our Hometown of Chicago!
in
Family Fun,
Eat & Drink,
Local Experts,
Chicago
Like most everyone, my life is filled with lot of things to do from work to kids...