A wine region is just as it sounds, an area where the produce used to make wine grows, most notably grapes. Grapes, however, are not versatile and need different geographical and environmental factors to thrive. This is called terroir and contributes to the different taste of the grapes, which then make different tasting wines. For example, a dry wine will require grapes to be picked off the vines early to create a more bitter taste, whereas a sweeter wine will need grapes that are harvested late to achieve sweetness.
In Illinois, there is one wine region in southern Illinois and one in the northwestern portion of the state. In southern Illinois, the first AVA is the Shawnee Hills, which sits in Rep. Paul Jacob’s district and the second is in northwestern Illinois, called the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA, with parts in Leader Tony McCombie’s district.
The Shawnee Hills AVA covers 2,140 miles in the most southern portion of the state, spanning over 11 different counties. The actual wine trail, The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, is 40 miles long and features 12 wineries, all within the Shawnee National Forest. On the wine trail, is Von Jakob Vineyard, a winery and brewery that is complete with a restaurant, bed and breakfast, and weekly live music from local artists. The vineyard was formerly owned by Rep. Paul Jacobs and his wife.
“The wine industry is alive and well here in Illinois, with Southern Illinois leading the way, with the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail being one of the best in the Midwest,” said Rep. Jacobs. “As a former owner of a winery on the trail, I understand the great impact wineries and regions have on our economy here in Illinois.”
Also included in the Shawnee Hills AVA is a plethora of events, lodging, restaurants, and attractions for those visiting. The trail offers shuttle and tour guide services for guests, draft itineraries for those unfamiliar with the area, and information on wine and food pairings.
In northwestern Illinois, the Upper Mississippi Valley AVA is the largest in North America, covering land in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, spanning almost 30,000 miles. The Great River Road Wine Trail covers 138 miles and connects all four states. The wine region represents over 50 wineries and hundreds of vineyard acres.
Galena, which sits in Leader Tony McCombie’s district, is a key hub of the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA with four different wineries and tasting rooms. The Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, one of the wineries in Leader McCombie’s district, offers lodging and event booking on top of the gorgeous views and delicious wine tastings. One unique attraction offered in Galena is the Hoof it and Sip It spot, which allows guests to take a hike with goats and then enjoy wine and goat cheese after their treks.
“Wineries and wine regions have played a significant role in shaping our state’s rich cultural and economic history,” said Leader McCombie. “The Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA represents more than just a wine-producing area—it is a vital hub for community building, the preservation of tradition, and economic development across our state.”
Wineries are now abundant in Illinois, but that was not the case just a mere 28 years ago. In the last quarter of a century, Illinois has grown to have 165 wineries and tasting rooms, compared to just 14 in 1997. To see all the wineries in Illinois, both along and outside of the wine trails, see the links below.
- Shawnee Hills AVA- Winery options
- Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA- Wineries listings
- Enjoy Illinois- Illinois wineries