8 Best Wineries and Vineyards in Illinois!
Although Illinois is far from Napa Valley, its Midwestern soil produces award-winning wines that connoisseurs can appreciate. Illinois winegrowers take pride in producing a wide assortment of local varieties to satisfy all wine lovers. The following wineries provide top-notch sampling experiences among beautiful backdrops like country valleys and forest hills. Here are our eight favorites.
Acquaviva Winery, Maple Park, IL
The Acquaviva Winery sits on a 40-acre estate and offers guests an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Experience the unique flavors of Illinois-native wines harvested from hand-planted vines, and watch the winemaking process in action. This family-owned winery also boasts a pizza bistro, amazing architecture, and hand-painted fine art.
Prairie State Winery, Genoa, IL
Prairie State Winery only produces wines exclusively from locally-grown grapes. Their barrel-aged wines are true classics and feature a variety of flavors from rich to soft and sweet with hints of cherry and oak. They also practice sustainability by growing organically, reducing energy, recycling, and reusing materials.
Massbach Ridge Winery, Elizabeth, IL
Enjoy wine in a simple, laid-back fashion at Massbach Ridge Winery. This family-operated winery features a wide variety of wines, all grown in their own vineyards. The winemakers enjoy experimenting with wine flavors and growing techniques to create amazing flavors.
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery, Carlyle, IL
Inspired by Southern Africa, Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery provides delicious wine tasting in a rustic, relaxing environment. Taste from a selection of red, blush, white, and fruit wines, all with African themes. Pair the flavors with delicious entrees such as succulent pulled pork and ribeye steak.
Fergedaboudit Vineyard and Winery, Hanover, IL
Located in Hanover, Rosario Bruno’s Fergedaboudit Vineyard and Winery combines Italian family tradition with passion for wine. They grow and harvest their own vines and take pride in providing some of the finest and more unique wines in Illinois. Their wines have also won numerous state wine competitions, as well.
Blue Sky Vineyard, Makanda, IL
Blue Sky Vineyard grows their grapes with precision to ensure only the highest quality Illinois wines. This beautiful Tuscan-inspired winery makes for a tranquil wine tasting experience in Southern Illinois. They also have a bed and breakfast featuring two luxurious suites overlooking the Shawnee Hills and vineyards.
Fox Valley Winery, Oswego, IL
As one of the state’s premier wine boutiques, Fox Valley Winery specializes in handcrafted, award-winning wines. They create the wine in small lots from single vineyards across Illinois. Wine tastings are held daily to showcase the various varieties of estate-grown wines.
Mackinaw Valley Winery, Mackinaw, IL
Known for their award-winning red and white wines, Mackinaw Valley Winery is the perfect setting for a relaxing day of wine tasting. They’re located in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling vineyards near Mackinaw. They offer cheese and crackers, chocolates, and homemade jellies with the wine.
Chicago Weekend Guide
A look at events around town from Friday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024
