Southern Illinois Wineries

The state of Illinois has over 50 wineries and more than 200 grape growers, but Southern Illinois wineries are the most well known. Southern Illinois wineries attract several tourists each year. As you tour the Southern Illinois wineries you'll experience wine tasting, great local wines and fine dining. In addition to wine tasting, touring and fine dining, many Southern Illinois wineries also offer a diversity of festivities and activities such as hiking, murder mysteries, grape stomping, musical entertainment and much more.

When you're ready for a relaxing retreat and the great taste of some award-winning wines, pay a visit to some of the following Southern Illinois wineries:

Drive to the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest in Alto Pass and visit Alto Vineyards. This family owned Southern Illinois winery has been in business since 1988, and they've won several medals for their wines in National and International competitions. Some of their award-winning wines include the Shawnee Gold, a sweet German style wine; Alto Festa, a semi-dry Rose' that is light and fruity; Heartland Red, a sweet red wine made up of strawberry and cherry flavors; Porto Di Guido, a sweet port wine made from Chambourcin grapes; Chancellor, a dry red, fruity wine; Rosso Classico, another dry red wine with a blend of Chambourcin and Chancellor to give it a rich and complex flavor; and Vidal Blanc, a semi-dry white wine made from 100% Vidal Blanc grapes.

After you leave Alto Vineyards, drive on over to Hedman Orchard & Vineyards, also in Alto Pass. Hedman Orchard and Vineyards offers more than just good wine, they also have an orchard you can tour and enjoy peaches from, a Scandinavian gift shop, Bed and Breakfast, and finally, enjoy some Swedish cuisine at their Peach Barn Café. Hedman Orchard & Vineyards is located on 560 Chestnut Street.

If you're headed to Mt. Vernon, drop by GenKota winery, which is located on Interstate 57/64 (exit 97). GenKota winery, owned by Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Drake, and named after their daughters, Gennifer and Dakota, was built by the Amish and first opened their doors in December of 1997. While you're visiting, you can enjoy good conversation and wine on their covered deck.

On your drive through Pope County stop by my second cousin's winery, Hogg Hollow Winery. Hogg Hallow Winery, located off highway 145 near Glendale, is Pope County's first winery. This Southern Illinois winery first opened in October 2005, and they're family owned and operated.

Kite Hill Vineyards located in Carbondale offers wine as well as a Bed & Breakfast. Guests at the Bed & Breakfast are entitled to a discount off their purchase of wine from the Kite Hill Vineyards winery.

For rare and unique wines, visit Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden (2655 Water Valley Road). Owl Creek Vineyards offers hand-grown, hand-crafted, hand-bottled and hand-harvested wines.

The Pheasant Hollow Winery located on 14931 State Highway 37 in Whittington is a friendly atmosphere that features sales on two of their award-winning wines every month. After you purchase your wine, you can enjoy it inside in front of their fireplace, or relax outside on the wrap around front porch; the choice is yours.

These are a select few of the many Southern Illinois wineries. To discover more Southern Illinois wineries, Google Southern Illinois wineries, Southern Illinois winery or wineries in Southern Illinois. Cheers!