Best 12 Wineries in Southern Illinois IL: A Guide to the Region’s Top Vineyards
Southern Illinois is a region known for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and lush vineyards. The area is home to some of the best wineries in the state, offering visitors a chance to taste a wide variety of award-winning wines. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Southern Illinois has something for everyone.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is one of the most popular attractions in Southern Illinois, featuring over a dozen wineries and vineyards. The trail winds through the picturesque Shawnee National Forest, offering visitors stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. Each winery on the trail has its own unique charm, with many offering tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year. From crisp whites to bold reds, the wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offer something for every palate.
If you’re planning a trip to Southern Illinois, be sure to add a visit to one of the region’s wineries to your itinerary. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy a glass of wine.
Understanding Southern Illinois Wineries
Southern Illinois is a region known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. One of the region’s most notable attractions is its wineries. Southern Illinois is home to several wineries that offer visitors a unique experience of tasting locally produced wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Illinois wine has a long history, dating back to the early 1800s. Today, Illinois has over 100 wineries, with many of them located in Southern Illinois. These wineries produce a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines.
Southern Illinois wineries are known for their production of high-quality wines that have won numerous awards. The wines produced in Southern Illinois are unique in taste and character, thanks to the region’s fertile soil and ideal climate for growing grapes.
One of the best ways to experience Southern Illinois wineries is by taking a tour of the Southern Illinois Wine Trail. The Wine Trail is a scenic route that takes visitors through the heart of Southern Illinois wine country. The Wine Trail includes over a dozen wineries, each offering a unique experience of wine tasting and vineyard tours.
Visitors to Southern Illinois wineries can also enjoy a variety of events and activities, including live music, wine festivals, and food pairings. Many wineries offer on-site dining options, allowing visitors to enjoy a delicious meal while savoring the taste of locally produced wine.
Famous Wineries and Their Specialties
Alto Vineyards
Alto Vineyards is famous for its selection of almost 20 homegrown high-quality grapes and award-winning fine wines. The vineyard has an additional tasting room in Champaign, Illinois. The winery is known for its Chambourcin, a dry red wine, and its Vidal Blanc, a semi-dry white wine.
Website: http://altovineyards.net/
Address: 8515 IL-127, Alto Pass, IL 62905, United States
Blue Sky Vineyard
Blue Sky Vineyard is known for its scenic views of the Shawnee National Forest. The winery produces a wide range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. Blue Sky Vineyard’s most popular wines include the Chambourcin Reserve, the Vignoles Reserve, and the Traminette.
Website: https://www.blueskyvineyard.com/
Address: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, United States
Hickory Ridge Vineyard
Hickory Ridge Vineyard is a family-owned and operated winery that produces small-batch wines using traditional methods. The winery specializes in dry red wines, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Norton. Hickory Ridge Vineyard also produces a variety of white wines, including Chardonel and Vidal Blanc.
Website: https://www.shawneewinetrail.com/hickory-ridge-vineyard/
Address: 1598 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL 62975, United States
Starview Vineyards
Starview Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery that produces a variety of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. The winery is known for its Chardonel, a dry white wine, and its Cabernet Franc, a dry red wine.
Website: http://www.starviewvineyards.com/
Address: 5100 Wing Hill Rd, Cobden, IL 62920, United States
Honker Hill Winery
Honker Hill Winery is a small-batch winery that produces a range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and fruit wines. The winery is known for its Chambourcin, a dry red wine, and its Blackberry wine.
Website: http://www.honkerhillwinery.com/
Address: 4861 Spillway Rd, Carbondale, IL 62902, United States
Pomona Winery
Pomona Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that produces a variety of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. The winery is known for its Traminette, a semi-dry white wine, and its Norton, a dry red wine.
Website: http://www.pomonawinery.com/
Address: 2865 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL 62975, United States
Feather Hills Vineyard
Feather Hills Vineyard is a small-batch winery that produces a range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and fruit wines. The winery is known for its Vidal Blanc, a semi-dry white wine, and its Blackberry wine.
Website: https://featherhillsvineyard.com/
Address: 410 Thorn Ln, Makanda, IL 62958, United States
Lincoln Heritage Winery
Lincoln Heritage Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that produces a variety of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. The winery is known for its Chardonel, a dry white wine, and its Cabernet Franc, a dry red wine.
Website: http://lincolnheritagewinery.com/
Address: 772 Kaolin Rd, Cobden, IL 62920, United States
Peachbarn Winery
Peachbarn Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that produces a range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and fruit wines. The winery is known for its Peach wine, made from locally grown peaches, and its Blackberry wine.
Website: http://www.peachbarn.com/
Address: 560 Chestnut St, Alto Pass, IL 62905, United States
Kite Hill Vineyard
Kite Hill Vineyard is a small-batch winery that produces a range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and fruit wines. The winery is known for its Chambourcin, a dry red wine, and its Peach wine.
Website: http://kitehillvineyards.com/
Address: 100 Tasting Room Rd, Carbondale, IL 62903, United States
Von Jakob Winery
Von Jakob Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that produces a variety of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and sweet wines. The winery is known for its Chardonel, a dry white wine, and its Cabernet Franc, a dry red wine.
Website: http://www.vonjakobvineyard.com/
Address: 230 IL-127, Alto Pass, IL 62905, United States
Hogg Hollow Winery
Hogg Hollow Winery is a small-batch winery that produces a range of wines, including dry reds, dry whites, and fruit wines.
Website: https://hogg-hollow-winery.business.site/
Address: 48 E Glendale Rd, Golconda, IL 62985, United States
Exploring the Wine Varieties
Southern Illinois is home to some of the best wineries in the state, offering a variety of wine types to suit any palate. Whether you prefer red, white, sweet, or dry wines, you’ll find something to love in Southern Illinois.
Red Wines
Red wines are a popular choice among wine lovers, and Southern Illinois has some great options to choose from. Chambourcin is a favorite among locals, with its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of black cherry and plum. Pinot Noir is another popular red wine, known for its light to medium body and fruity notes.
White Wines
If you prefer white wines, Southern Illinois has plenty to offer as well. Riesling is a popular choice, with its floral aroma and sweet, fruity flavor. Seyval is another great white wine, known for its crisp, refreshing taste and notes of green apple and citrus.
Dessert Wines
For those with a sweet tooth, dessert wines are a must-try. Vignoles is a popular choice, with its rich, honeyed flavor and notes of apricot and peach. Riesling wine is also a great option for dessert, with its sweet, fruity flavor and notes of honey and caramel.
Sweet Wines
Sweet wines are a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter taste. Norton is a popular choice, with its rich, full-bodied flavor and notes of black cherry and blackberry. Chambourcin is also a great option for those who prefer a sweeter taste, with its fruity flavor and notes of cherry and plum.
Dry Wines
If you prefer a drier taste, Southern Illinois has plenty of options for you as well. Pinot Noir is a great choice for those who prefer a drier red wine, with its light to medium body and notes of raspberry and cherry. Seyval is also a great option for those who prefer a drier white wine, with its crisp, refreshing taste and notes of green apple and citrus.
Blends
Blends are a great option for those who want a little bit of everything. Southern Illinois has some great options, such as Chambourcin and Norton blends, which offer a balance of sweet and dry flavors. Pinot Noir and Seyval blends are also a great option for those who want a mix of red and white wines.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Southern Illinois is home to some of the best wineries in the country, and wine tasting is a popular activity for visitors. Most wineries have a tasting room where guests can sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Wine-tasting experiences in Southern Illinois can vary greatly from winery to winery. Some wineries offer guided tastings, where a knowledgeable staff member will take guests through a selection of wines and explain the flavor profiles and characteristics of each one. Other wineries offer self-guided tastings, where guests can sample wines at their own pace.
Many wineries in Southern Illinois also offer wine pairings, where guests can sample wines alongside food items that are specifically chosen to complement the flavors of the wine. This is a great way to learn about the art of wine and food pairing and to discover new flavor combinations.
It’s important to note that not all wineries in Southern Illinois offer wine tastings. Some wineries only sell wine by the bottle or glass, while others may require a reservation for a tasting. It’s always a good idea to check the winery’s website or call ahead to confirm their tasting policies.
Food and Wine Pairings
When it comes to wine tasting, food pairing is an essential aspect that should not be overlooked. Southern Illinois wineries offer a range of food options to complement their wines. From appetizers to desserts, there is something for everyone.
One popular food option at wineries is pizza. Pizza pairs well with a variety of wines, including red and white wines. For example, a Margherita pizza pairs well with a Chianti or Pinot Grigio. A pepperoni pizza pairs well with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel.
In addition to pizza, many wineries offer a selection of appetizers such as cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and bruschetta. These appetizers pair well with a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Cheese plates are especially popular and can include a range of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda.
For those looking for something more substantial, many wineries offer sandwiches and paninis. These options pair well with red wines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Desserts such as chocolate truffles and cheesecake are also available at some wineries and pair well with sweet wines such as Moscato and Riesling.
Lastly, many wineries offer cheese tastings. Cheese and wine are a classic pairing, and wineries often offer a range of cheeses to try. Some popular cheese options include cheddar, brie, and goat cheese. These cheeses pair well with a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
Overall, Southern Illinois wineries offer a range of food options to complement their wines. Whether you are looking for pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, or cheese tastings, there is something for everyone.