Calling all wine lovers! Embark with us on a flavorful journey through Illinois as we unveil our handpicked selection of the top 11 wineries to visit this season. Picture it now—the anticipation of uncorking a bottle of your favorite wine, the serene ambiance of vineyards visits, and the promise of delightful wine tastings and food pairings. Wineries aren’t just destinations; they’re experiences, each offering unique charm and exquisite flavors.
Join us as we explore the vineyard-dotted landscapes of Illinois, where every sip tells a story and every winery promises a memorable adventure.
First in our vineyard tour is a lovely winery tucked away just south of Springfield.
Arpeggio Winery | Pana, IL
Founded in 2008, the Swiney Family planted a two-acre vineyard consisting of two grape varieties, Norton and Traminette. Their journey from grapes to wine has led to the restoration of a century old barn, which is known as Arpeggio Winery.
Known for its classical approach to winemaking, Arpeggio offers a harmonious blend of traditional and innovative wines. Enjoy beautiful views of the country side while sipping on their in-house wines and freshly made Sangria!
Address: North, 778 US-51, Pana, IL 62557
Next up is a California-style winery in Central Illinois that is sure to impress!
Tres Rojas Winery | Washington, IL
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Tres Rojas offers great wine and a relaxing place to hang out. You can schedule a wine tasting tour to make the most of your visit. The tasting room is open for indoor and outdoor seating, retail sales, and curbside pick-up.
Enjoy high-quality dry red and white wines, estate grown on our 7.5 acre vineyard and experience a glass that evokes California style. You’ll find sweet and fruit wines too. Our winemaker has something for everyone.
Address: 1774 E Cruger Rd. Washington, Illinois 61571
The next winery on our list is a family favorite, featuring delicious food, live music, and horses!
Big Horse Vineyard | Lewiston, IL
Nestled in the heart of Illinois wine country, Big Horse Vineyards is a place to have a relaxing glass of wine on the patio, a great lunch in the Bistro, or to take a stroll to visit the draft horses.
Along with their delicious wine, pizza, and appetizers, Big Horse has drink specials for your drinking pleasure! Stop by and visit them for a casual glass of wine, or enjoy live music on Sundays Fundays!
Address: 11603 N. Co. Hwy 9, Lewistown, IL 61542
Next stop, a beloved winery tucked away just southeast of Galesburg.
Hidden Hills Vineyard | Knoxville, IL
Tucked away in a picturesque location, Hidden Hills Vineyard is a hidden gem known for its tranquil atmosphere and exceptional wines. Robust or subtle, they have a wine for every palate.
What started out as a passionate hobby over one acre of grape vines has flourished into a lively, expansive vineyard and winery operation stretching across 5 acres, complete with wine tastings on site.
Address: 120 Hidden Drive, Knoxville, IL 61448
The next feature is a winery that endeavors to share the experience of exceptional wines with you.
Geneva Winery | Geneva, IL
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Geneva, Geneva Winery offers tastings and samples of all their wines. Enjoy international-inspired wines painstakingly crafted their hometown.
Geneva Winery was born from a love of wine shared amongst friends: from clinking a glass to splitting a bottle, drinking wine is a shared experience. The perfect pairing of homemade comfort and sophisticated flavors, Geneva Winery has something for every palate. Their blend of rustic elegance makes us the perfect downtown destination for wine connoisseurs and beginners alike.
Address: 426 South 3rd Street, Suite 1A, Geneva, IL 60134
Up next, a well-established historic winery just northeast of Chicago!
Lynfred Winery | Roselle, IL
A pioneer in the Illinois wine industry, Lynfred Winery is celebrated for its award-winning wines and warm hospitality.
What started as “a hobby that got out of hand” has evolved to a nationally recognized winemaking operation and Chicagoland destination, complete with a 100,000-gallon wine-production facility, luxury bed-and-breakfast accommodations, three tasting room locations, and a robust lineup of wine-inspired events offered year-round.
Address: 15 S Roselle Rd, Roselle, IL 60172
Our next location on this Illinois wine tour is a favorite spot that puts an emphasis on sustainability.
Warren James Winery | Mattoon, IL
With a commitment to sustainability, Warren James Winery produces premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of Illinois.
Warren James Winery was born out of a love of family and community. The vision began in 2014 after a conversation between brothers. After returning from college to their hometown of Mattoon, Illinois, Blake and Cole Pierce knew that they wanted to enrich their community by developing a place for their friends, neighbors, and family to make memories. Over the next eight years, Cole and Blake planned, learned, and labored in order to bring Warren James Winery to fruition!
Address: 5600 Lerna Rd., Mattoon, IL 61938
If you’re looking for the perfect to kick back and sip your worries away, we’ve got just the place for you!
Fergedaboutit Vineyard | Hanover, IL
One of Illinois finest wineries. Just minutes away from historic Galena, where they celebrate “the grape” year round. Their family invites you to savor award-winning wines and spectacular views while you… sit back, relax and Fergedaboudit!
When you step into the tasting room you will feel like you went back in time to an old Tuscan village. The Fergedaboudit family will welcome you with a big smile and offer you some details to begin your experience. They will take you through the history of how Fergedaboudit (and its name) came to be, and a description of the wines to help guide you to your tasting selections.
Address: 4595 W Speer Rd, Hanover, IL 61041
Our next winery is a cozy spot, perfect for a relaxing day with your friends and family.
Willow Ridge Winery | Shelbyville, IL
Willow Ridge Winery produces award winning handmade wines in Westervelt IL on a 4th generation 150 yr old farm north of Shelbyville IL and Lake Shelbyville.
They offer a warm and relaxing atmosphere for travelers and locals to enjoy some wine, visit with friends, sit by the fireplace in the tasting room or relax on the terrace overlooking the beautiful vineyard.
Address: 1796 North 1475 East Road, Shelbyville, IL 62565
The second-to-last stop on the winery tour is tucked away in Menard County.
Hill Prairie Winery | Oakford, IL
The wines at Hill Prairie Winery are produced on-site from grapes grown on land that has been in the family since the early 1800s. The winery is located in a 100-year-old barn and can enjoy award-winning wines and even your favorite beer!
Bring your friends and join us for live music every Sunday afternoon and be sure to check out their schedule of festivals & events!
Address: 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, IL
Our last—and most certainly not least—is more than just a winery, it’s a full-blown experience!
Aeries Resort & Winery | Grafton, IL
Perched high on a hilltop, Aeries Resort & Winery offers thrilling activities: sky tours, ziplines, alpine coaster, and a winery.
Your adventure begins at Aerie’s Resort, offering a restaurant, lodging, the Grafton Zipline, the Grafton SkyTour, Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, and “The Best View in the Midwest”, they ensure you never have a dull moment! The Resort sits on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers above downtown Grafton, Illinois providing a stunning view that captivates any visitor.
Address: 14 W. Main St. Grafton, IL
We hope you enjoy this curated list of wineries to visit in Illinois! We wish you many happy sips ahead as taste your way through this list of wine-lovers’ favorites!
— Illinois Foodies Team
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