DISCOVER THE WINERIES OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
When Guy Renzaglia planted his first vineyard in southern Illinois near Alto Pass, he thought he was just doing his civic duty as an Italian transplant.
In less than two decades, more than a dozen wineries sprang up in the region and the area became known as Illinois’s first American Viticultural Area. Tucked in the picturesque Shawnee National Forest, you can share internationally renowned wines and good times with your friends along the Southern Illinois and Shawnee Wine Trails. Order a flight and taste your way from one winery to the next during your Southern Illinois travels.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Visit Renzaglia's original Alto Vineyards (8515 Highway 127, Champaign)—just 34 miles from Marion along the scenic Alto Pass—to sip an award-winning vintage from the spacious tasting room or rooftop Vine Deck overlooking the vineyards. Experience nearly two dozen varieties of wines ranging from the sweet Shawnee Gold and Heartland Blush to dryer varieties such as Chambourcin. The place hops from spring to fall with special events, including live music concerts and wine and art festivals.
TWO MORE ORIGINALS
Following Renzaglia's success, two more wineries joined forces with him to form the Shawnee Wine Trail. Treat your ears to live music at Owl Creek, (2655 Water Valley Road, Cobden), while you savor wine on a deck overlooking the Shawnee National Forest. Order the Vineyard Picnic from the cafe and savor plenty of meats, cheeses, fruits, crisp veggies and crackers to share among friends. You'll also find sandwiches and other light fare to take the edge off of your appetite. Craving something sweet? Head to Pomona Winery (2865 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona) to sample award-winning fruit wines made from apples, blackberries and elderberries.
A CHANGE OF PACE
For authentic Scandinavian ambience and cuisine, stop by Hedman Orchard and Vineyards (560 Chestnut St., Alto Pass). In addition to regional favorites such as Chambourcin and Chardonel wines, tantalize your taste buds with peach wines or Swedish glögg, a mulled dessert wine. Non-drinkers can sip their own special beverage called saft, made from imported juices of elderberry flowers, lingon, black currants and raspberries. If you'd rather have a beer, Von Jakob Winery & Brewery (230 IL-127, Alto Pass) makes eight handcrafted brews on site. Their German theme carries over to lip-smacking cuisine and wines with old country flair, such as Traminette, Kroshenfeler and honey mead wines.
TOURING A WINE TRAIL
CBook a tour that will do the driving for you, so you can savor every sip of wine without worrying about navigating twisting and hilly roads. Companies such as Shawnee Shuttle specialize in small groups of two to six people and let you customize your own itinerary. If your group is larger, companies with limousines and luxury buses offer both public and private tours. Not all wineries offer food on site, so when you plan your itinerary, be sure to include at least one where you can break bread with your companions.
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