Illinois ranks among the top ten wine-producing states in the United States, coming in ninth. The state’s wine industry is worth more than $7 billion!
This production happens through the 165 wineries spread out throughout the state. Here is a list of some of the best wineries in Illinois:
1. Acquaviva Winery
- Price: $$
- Address: ​​47W614 IL-38, Maple Park
- Phone: 630-365-0333
Acquaviva is a family-owned vineyard spanning a stunning 40-acre estate. Easily access it through Route 38 and Meredith Road in Maple Park, Illinois.
Acquaviva contains a winemaking center which you can tour. The full-service winery includes a tasting bar and a pizza bistro where you can enjoy great dishes paired with wine.
The private event space, picturesque grounds, and incredible architecture have made Acquaviva a well-known wedding venue!
2. Lynfred Winery
- Price: $$$
- Address: 15 S Roselle Rd, Roselle
- Phone: 630-529-9463
Drop into Lynfred Winery for a holistic wine experience! You do not need a reservation to enjoy tasting wines in a lovely indoor balcony that overlooks their production facility.
The family-owned Lynfred Winery has been around since 1975, making it one of the longstanding wineries in Illinois. The staff at Lynfred has grown masterful at creating unparalleled wine experiences.
Lynfred Winery operates a Saturday night bed & breakfast in gorgeous European-style luxury suites. Lynfred runs a wine club for enthusiasts to access lots of discounts and benefits for just $21 a month.
3. Alto Vineyards
- Price: $$
- Address: 8515 IL-127, Alto Pass
- Phone: 618-893-4898
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Founded in 1985 by Italian-American Guy Renzaglia, Alto Vineyards is one of the longstanding vineyards in Southern Illinois. Alto Vineyards offers many large indoor and outdoor spaces for visitors’ enjoyment.
The outdoor options are particularly thrilling! Savor your wine among vines on the outdoor pergola, pavilion, gazebo, or on the rooftop vine deck. The outdoor spaces blend intimately with the rolling Southern Illinois landscape.
The large indoor tasting area is amazing as well. There is enough seating space both indoors and outdoors for weddings, corporate events, and other large gatherings.
Apart from a wide selection of wines, Alto Vineyards offers beer, pizza, and snacks.
4. Waterman Winery & Vineyards, Inc.
- Price: $
- Address: 11582 Waterman Rd, Waterman
- Phone: 815-264-3268
Waterman Winery & Vineyards is a charming family-owned establishment that manages winemaking from end-to-end. They raise, harvest, ferment, and bottle wine onsite.
It’s a great place to learn about winemaking. Educational tours are welcome with appointments.
Wine tasting and self-guided vineyard tours are available without reservations on weekends from 12 pm-4 pm. At other times or on weekdays, appointments are necessary. Each tour comes with wine tastings and a complimentary bottle of wine.
Reach out to management for information about private wine-related events. This is an ideal place for individuals to kick back with a glass of wine because no large crowds are allowed.
5. Blue Sky Vineyard
- Price: $$
- Address: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda
- Phone: 618-995-9463
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The Blue Sky Vineyard property is located adjacent to Shawnee National Forest. The luxuriant 13-acre vineyard and Tuscan-inspired architecture enhance this fantastic natural setting.
Blue Sky Vineyard is available for all kinds of social and corporate events like weddings or business retreats. A breathtaking waterfall will overlook your ceremony!
For simple visits, the vineyard operates on a first come, first served basis.
Blue Sky Vineyard also manages a bed and breakfast. An overnight stay on any day from Monday to Friday comes with a free tour of the cellar guided by an expert winemaker.
6. Hidden Lake Winery
- Price: $$
- Address: 10580 County Rd 400 E, Aviston
- Phone: 618-228-9111
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Hidden Lake Winery uniquely offers full-service catering! You don’t have to resort to an outside caterer when hosting an event here.
The winery comes with gorgeous landscapes and natural waterfalls. It also has many magnificent indoor event rooms. One of the event venues can seat up to 500 guests.
Imagine waking up to a breakfast of warm muffins. Book a cabin for an incredible bed-and-breakfast getaway.
One of the cabins is accessible for disabled people.
Hidden Lake Winery is big on wine & dine. The winery designed a full kitchen menu to pair with the wines on offer.
7. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
- Price: $$
- Address: 33633 IL-9, Mackinaw
- Phone: 309-359-9463
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Located on an 86-acre property, this memorable vineyard is amazingly picturesque. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape through tour and tasting offers that include a special chocolate and wine tasting package. A local chocolatier provides the chocolate.
Host a range of events here including bridal and baby showers, corporate events, bachelorette parties, reunions, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard provides a unique package for each of these.
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard packs in tons of fun! Enjoy weekly trivia game nights, annual festivals, and regular live music in the summer. The Heart of Illinois Wine Trail runs through the vineyard.
8. Sleepy Creek Vineyards
- Price: $
- Address: 8254 E 1425 North Rd, Fairmount
- Phone: 217-733-0330
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Located just 30 minutes away from Champaign, Sleepy Creek Vineyards emphasizes fun in a laid back atmosphere. Taste their amazing wines while sitting by the pond.
Attend concerts, stand up comedy shows, theater productions, and the annual Sleepy Creek Art & Music Festival. You can host events of up to 250 people at the venue.
Sleepy Creek Vineyards offers charming lodging located above their winery and tasting rooms. An overnight stay comes with a complimentary bottle of wine and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Tours and high-end tastings are available through appointment. Sleepy Creek Vineyards also has a cute gift shop that sells quirky memorable items!
9. Berryville Vineyards
- Price: $
- Address: 1955 N Prairieton Rd, Claremont
- Phone: 618-869-2054
Berryville Vineyards is a labor of love built by Eric Pool and his wife Christina on a family-owned farm.
Berryville Vineyards is a member of the Wabash Wine Valley Trail. Visit it along with five other vineyards and wineries.
Their tasting room is open to the public from May through to October, on Saturdays from noon to 5 pm.
A highlight of Berryville Vineyards is the annual ‘Harvestfest’ where the winery releases a new vintage wine. The two days are full of fun activities for people of all ages.
10. Geneva Winery
- Price: $$
- Address: 426 S 3rd St Suite 1A, Geneva
- Phone: 630-402-0739
Geneva Winery offers a wide and splendid selection of red, white, rosé, and fruit wines. You can join the wine club for discounts, exclusive offers, and complimentary gifts. There are three different member tiers.
Enjoy daily wine bar tastings and regular live music. For private group tastings, a reservation has to be made at least 48 hours in advance. A group tasting should contain between 8 and 25 guests.
Taste your wine with snacks and appetizers on offer. You can also buy Geneva Winery gift cards! Digital gift cards are available too.
11. Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
- Price: $$$
- Address: 4746 N Ford Rd, Galena
- Phone: 815-777-3235
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This winemaking business has been in one family for three generations now. Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery has been a product of a family’s love and sacrifice since 1974.
It’s located in the charming historic city of Galena, with one location downtown and another in the countryside.
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery offers a one-bedroom suite and a two-bedroom farmhouse for overnight lodging options. Spend a night for expansive, relaxing views over the vineyard.
Enjoy daily wine tastings and live music every weekend.
12. Lincoln Heritage Winery
- Price: $$$
- Address: 772 Kaolin Rd, Cobden
- Phone: 618-833-3783
Lincoln Heritage Winery aims to provide a relaxed environment where people can learn about wine. It offers an amazing variety of hands-on classes that include Introduction to Wine Appreciation, German Wines, California Zinfandels, and Spanish Wines. The owners of the winery are experienced winemakers.
The winery also makes delectable wines. Enjoy them with provided cheeses and other snacks.
You can hold private parties in the winery’s tasting room. The venue is dog-friendly! Pack a picnic basket for a truly great experience.
13. StarView Vineyards
- Price: $$
- Address: 5100 Wing Hill Rd, Cobden
- Phone: 618-893-9463
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StarView Vineyards prides itself on making high-quality award-winning wines. Its scenic views and 4-bedroom vacation rental make it a great destination winery.
The establishment offers an entrée and appetizer menu so that you can wine and dine. Still, you can bring your food if you’d like!
You can enjoy live music every weekend throughout the summer. StarView Vineyards prides itself on being both family-friendly and pet-friendly. Don’t forget to keep your dog on a leash!
14. Honker Hill Winery
- Price: $$$
- Address: 4861 Spillway Rd, Carbondale
- Phone: 618-549-5517
Located at the highest point of Williamson County, Honker Hill Winery is named perfectly. The scenic property is also surrounded by Shawnee National Forest.
Honker Hill Winery is a key point in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
All the wines produced in the Honker Hill Winery come from grapes grown in its vineyards. Its state-of-the-art grounds and indoor rooms make it the ideal place to host a private ceremony like a wedding or birthday party.
Enjoy live music every weekend! Honker Hill Winery is very family friendly.
Summary
There you go, folks. Now you know the best wineries in Illinois! If you live in the Prairie State, drop into one of these fantastic places.
Taste some wine, picnic, schedule a tour, and even stay over for a night or two. Have a blast!
