BEST WINERY

Hill Prairie Winery

23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford, 635-9900 Wine isn’t just a beverage for the folks at Hill Prairie, it truly is a way of life. The Lounsberry family that owns and runs the place has loved and farmed this Menard County land for five generations. A few grapes are imported from New York state, but the overwhelming majority are grown by the family on nine acres of vineyards or purchased from other Illinois vineyards. Wine, of course, can be drunk most anywhere, but Hill Prairie gives the thirsty good reason to travel. There is live music on weekends and murder mystery theater during the fall and winter, served up with dinner and your favorite wine or beer. Fantastic barbecue is available during warm weather. In business since 2004, this winery just keeps getting better. Oh, and the wine, chiefly dry reds, dry whites and sweet wines, is pretty darn good, too. Traditionalists can stick with chardonel or vignoles, the adventurous can sample such offerings as Prairie Berry, which features blueberries and blackberries, and Autumn Spice, a red that includes cinnamon and cloves. Runner-up: Walnut Street Winery