There's nothing quite like relaxing with a glass of Illinois wine and watching the golden hues of fall blanket the countryside.
Escape for a weekend at one of these popular oenophile destinations. Enjoy good food and wine before overnighting at cozy cabins and spending time at other nearby attractions.
You won't want to leave!
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
COME FOR THE WINE. STAY FOR THE EXPERIENCE.
Featuring 11 award-winning wineries and located along a 35-mile scenic drive in Shawnee National Forest, this trail is a must-do for wine lovers. Along the way enjoy a picnic, hike, and stay in a cozy B&B or cabin. Many of the wineries host special events throughout the summer and fall, and the winter passport program offers incentives to visit in Jan & Feb.
Places to Eat
- Some of the wineries have on site dining options, ranging from pizzas and sandwiches at Blue Sky Vineyard to German favorites at Von Jakob Vineyard and Swedish specialties at Peachbarn Winery & Cafe. A complete list of on-site dining at Shawnee.
- Giant City State Lodge not only offers a great place to overnight, but also the perfect stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Be sure to try their famous all-you-can-eat family-style chicken.
Places to Stay
- The following vineyards offer overnight options:
- There are numerous other options to stay overnight along the trail. From cabins to lodges to cottages and B&Bs, there's a cozy spot to unwind after a hard day's wine tasting.
- View the complete list of recommended overnight options on Shawnee Recommended Lodging.
Things to Do
- When you're not uncorking an array of aromas, there are many other activities to make the most of your time in the picturesque Shawnee National Forest.
- Get amongst the trees with a Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. This eco-friendly activity consists of eight zip lines, the longest stretching more than 1,100 feet, through foliage and across the valley.
- Hike to natural wonders like the Pomona Natural Bridge, Little Grand Canyon and always-stunning Garden of the Gods.
- Nearby rock climbing, bike trails and horse-riding mean there's never a shortage of ways to explore the outdoors.
Nouveau Wine Weekend
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
A weekend celebration of the annual release of Le Beaujolais Nouveau by Galena cellars, the practice of bottling the first wine of the harvest just a few weeks after fermentation. Area businesses offer Nouveau-inspired meals and entertainment. On the first day of the celebration, a traditional horse-drawn wagon parade delivers Nouveau wine to area businesses. Public tours and tastings will be available throughout the weekend.
Places to Eat
- With the parade at 2:30, you'll want to manage your lunch timing carefully. Be apart of the official toast at Galena Cellars' flagship downtown store while enjoying French Peasant Stew and a glass of wine.
- A four-course Nouveau Lunch special can be booked for 11:00 at Vinny Vanucchi's. Fried Green Tomatoes and De Soto House also have lunch options while Grape Escape offers an afternoon wine and cheese pairing from 2-5.
- For later in the evening, feast on an authentic French dinner at Fritz & Frites or enjoy a Legends of Las Vegas Dinner Show at Amelia's Lamplight Dinner Theater.
- Click here to browse a full itinerary of food options available throughout the day
Places to Stay
- There's no shortage of impressive lodging options to retire for the evening.
- Receive a complimentary bottle of wine when you book a 2 night stay at The Inn at Felt Manor.
- What's better than a weekend away? A long weekend away of course! Save 50% on a third night (Thursday or Sunday) at Belle Aire Mansion or Aldrich Guesthouse.
- Enjoy other specials like Galena Cellars gift cards and discounted rates for the event weekend. View other lodging options at Nouveau Wine Weekend.
Things to Do
- If you're still looking for wine-time, book a tour!
- For a unique twist to your morning routine, try Goat Yoga followed up with a trip to the Great American Popcorn Co. to pick a bag from their many unique flavors.
- Don't leave Galena without a visit to Illinois Made inductee River Bend Gallery, where visitors can admire the many works of talented photographer Geoffrey Mikol.
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