September is Wine Month in Illinois

In recent years, the state of Illinois has quietly grown to the 12th largest state in the production of wineries and orchards. This modern-day renaissance in wine making has gotten Governor Blagojevich to proclaim September as Illinois wine month.

If you live in the Midwest, you don't have to drive or fly to a coastal state to enjoy a winery. In Illinois, there is over 193 orchards and 70 wineries that you can visit. Wine country in Illinois is broken down into four sections of the state. They are called Chicagoland, Northern, Central-Southern, and Southern. Each section of the state has many wine related events and many are scheduled for the month of September. Here are a few of the major wine events scheduled for this year.

Chicagoland

Throughout the entire month of September, Harry Caray's Italian Village Restaurant will feature many different wines by the glass. More information can be found at www.italianvillage-chicago.com

Northern

Dixon Wine Festival (Sept 6) 6-10 pm KSB Town Square Centre, Upper Deck contact Crystal Cook at 815-285-3496.
Fesstival of the Vine (Sept 12-14) The Little Travelers, Geneva www.genevachamber.com
Vintage Illinois at Starvec Rock Wine Festival (Sept 20-21) Matthiessen state Park 11-6 - Saturday, 12-5 pm Sunday www.vintageillinois.com

Central-Southern

Mary Michelle Winery and Illinois Cellar wines, Carrollton (Sept 6-7) Sat 1-6 pm, Sun 1-5 pm
Indian Creek Winery, Toulon (Sept 8) 309-286-5302
Lasata Wines (Sept 28) Lawrenceville 618-884-1200
White Owl Winery, Quincy (Sept. 20) www.whiteowlwinery.com

Southern

Hidden Lake Winery, Aviston (Sept 5) Parrot Head www.hiddenlakewinery.com
Black Diamond Vinyard, Nashville (All of Sept) www.blackdiamondvinyards.com
Ravissant Winery, Belleville www.ravissantwinery.com
Wine and Art Festival, Rend Lake (Sept 24-28) www.wineandartfestival.com

There are many other wine festivals in Illinois as well. They can be easily found by using the google search.

Another great Illinois wine web site to visit is www.illinoisvine.com

The wine industry in Illinois brings in over 250 million dollars annually in revenue. With the cost of gas being so high at the present time, many Midwesterners can't afford to travel far. Illinois offers an excellent opportunity to save money on gasoline by staying in the Midwest. Each of these sections of the state has something to offer during the wine month of September.

If you are in the mood to do some touring throughout the state, I would also suggest that you check out www.tourillinois.org . They can also provide you with information for many Bed and Breakfasts as well as hotels and motels in the various sections of the state.

Illinois may not be the best wine state in the US. However, they are working hard to improve their stance in the wine industry. You might just be surprised at what they have to offer. With the month of September being dedicated at wine Month, Illinois hopes to bring out the best in wine-tasting experiences.