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Winemaking began in Illinois in the early 1800's when the first vineyards were planted in the Galena area. In 1857 Emile Baxter and Sons opened a winery in the town of Nauvoo. Baxter's Vineyards & Winery remains Illinois' oldest operating winery.

By the early 1900s, Illinois had grown to be the fourth largest grape growing state in the Union. In recent years, there has been an exciting regrowth in the Illinois wine industry using classic European varieties, American hybrids and locally grown fruits.

In 1990, there were only five wineries throughout the state. Today, there are more than 300 vineyards in three separate regions and with the success of the wines in the international arena there is good reason to think that the growth will continue.

Find out more about wine tastings, tours and festivals throughout the state in our guide to the great Illinois grape...

Illinois Wine - Illinois Grape Growers and Vinters Association - Informaton on the association, a directory of vineyards and wineries, factsheets on Illinois winemaking and grape growing in PDF format, and find out what's going on throughout the state right now via an interactive events calendar.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail - The wine trail began in 1995 with three independent wineries in Southern Illinois. It has since expanded to eight vineyards that sell bottled wines from the grapes and fruit that grow in the region.

A Guide to the Wineries & Vineyards of the Mississippi River Valley - Now-archived overview of select Illinois wineries with still-working links and contact info (be safe, call ahead first) with info on individual wines, hours of operations and travel tips to area attractions.

Illinois Wine Country - The short, illustrated course in getting to know featured wineries and vineyards in various regions throughout the state, including their specialty wines, tasting schedules, special events and related attractions and lodging.

Northern Illinois Wine Tasting & Dinners - Current listings of events and wine happenings throughout upstate with descriptions, locations and contact info and more on Southern Illinois events.

also see -> Illinois Beaches | Illinois Tourist Attractions

Illinois Fall Foliage