Illinois winemaking

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 While information sharing can work, hired specialists and official seminars speed the industry’s growth. “The wine industry is very good about helping its new people, but we don’t want to go back to that model exclusively,” McCartney says. After losing General Assembly appropriations that once totaled $500,000 per year, the association is putting more money into festivals and events in an effort to rebuild its budget through shared gate revenues.

Illinois wine is different from that produced in other regions. Here, winemakers use grapes like Chambourcin, Seyval and Vignoles, which are known as French hybrids. These grapes withstand cold weather and can flourish in our fickle climate. The big question, of course, is whether local wines can compete with their out-of-state counterparts. McCartney believes they can. “In my 13 years with the association, I’ve noticed a tremendous increase in quality. We like to ask people what kind of wine they like. Once we find a close match from Illinois, they are usually pleasantly surprised by its flavor,” he says. Harvesting starts in late summer, but the entire season is a ripe time to get out and explore this local industry.

Zach Baliva is a filmmaker living in Springfield, soon to be moving to Rome.

Summer wine events

Experience the Seventh Annual Wine & Music Festival on May 29 and 30 at the Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford. Sunday is bluegrass day with music from 1 to 6 p.m., while Monday is reserved for blues bands. This year, Hickory River Smokehouse will present a whole hog roast. Call 217-635- 9900 for more information.

The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association is sponsoring the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition held June 27-29 at Lincoln Land Community College. The contest is open to Illinois commercial wineries and Midwestern amateur winemakers who will be judged on color, balance, aroma, clarity, taste and finish. For information, call enologist Bradley Beam at (309) 635-9463.or visit illinoiswine.com.

On July 1, it’s Pork Meets Cork, hosted by a partnership between the Illinois Pork Producers and the Illinois Wineries. Secret Recipes will prepare numerous pork dishes as guests sample Illinois wines and Eli’s cheesecake. Bands take the stage at Union Square Park at 7 and 8 pm. Tickets are $20 or $30 for two and include food and wine vouchers. More information at www.presidentincoln.org or 217-558-8934 Those attending the State Fair (Aug.

12-21) will want to check out the Illinois Wine Experience offered daily from noon to 10 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom. There, fairgoers may sample from almost 20 Illinois wines while enjoying live music. Admission is free, and sampling tickets are just $1. More info at www.agr.state.il.us/isf/tents/wine.htm.