Category: Wine

When I need to make a trip that takes me close by a winery, you can bet I will take the opportunity to visit if possible. Even though it may be a little off my I-55 route in West-Central Illinois, I took time recently to visit Vixen Hill Winery on my way home from St. …

Recently my wife and I had the pleasure to join a group of our dear friends for a private wine tasting at Whisk Coffee & Wine Bar. Whisk is located on the east side of Mahomet, IL just a short distance from I-74.  A perfect opportunity for a quick detour or for locals to hang out. …

Recently I was on a trip home from St. Louis on I-55 in Illinois and decided to check out a winery along the way.  After a quick search of the wineries in the area, I chose West of Wise Winery. The decision was made both on the wine varieties they produce as well as the …

It’s always so interesting to me as to how owners come to open new wineries. What drives a person, or in the case of Tres Rojas Winery, a couple, to want to take on the tremendous work involved in planting Barry Vineyards, opening a winery, and then a tasting and event venue. For Bob and …

Hickory Ridge Vineyards & Winery is a quaint establishment owned by Ron and Sylvia Presswood in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Located back off the road, nestled behind trees and overlooking the vineyards, the small rustic tasting room provides a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.  My recent visit occurred during a slow …

If you are interested in something a little different, how about a winery that uses only locally grown non-grape fruits in their wines?  Pomona Winery is a small rustic looking place with decks and a garden picnic area, and even though it is roadside, you’d swear you are in deep in the woods. The staff are knowledgeable …

Located just south of Carbondale in the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, you will find Kite Hill Vineyards. Not only do owners Jim and Barbara Bush have the vineyards and winery, but they also operate a Bed & Breakfast that is located at the vineyard.  My recent visit occurred on a Friday afternoon, during a slow period, so it …

From engineer, to farmer and horse breeder/trainer, to viticulturist, to winemaker, David Ponce and his wife Beth, of Monte Alegre Vineyards & Cellars, have made their mark in the Southern Illinois wine scene. The property originally had three old vines of Fredonia grapes, which eventually became used for cloning, but the small vineyard started growing commercially in …

I’ve had Alto Vineyards wines before, but this was my first visit to the winery in Alto Pass. Located in southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards is one of the founding three wineries of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which was the first wine trail in Illinois. A friend and I greatly enjoyed the tasting and because we were the …