If you’re craving fun in the sun or a relaxing romantic rendezvous this summer, bypass the travel headache and head for a nearby central Illinois winery.
The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association lists five wineries within an hour of Springfield, and one more that’s just outside of Peoria. Each of these is family-owned and offers a wide variety of wines, from the driest red to the sweetest fruit wine.
(23753 Lounsberry Rd., Oakford) is housed in a 1911 restored barn, surrounded by native Illinois prairie grass. Guests can sample several unique wines such as Prairie Berry, a blackberry and blueberry blend, and Autumn Spice, a hearty red infused with cinnamon and cloves. The winery stages murder mystery dinner theatre on select Fridays, and performances by local bluegrass, country and acoustic rock musicians on Sundays. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, beginning June 1. Go to www.hillprairiewinery.com for more information.
(south of Peoria at 33633 Illinois Route 9, Mackinaw), opened by Paul Hahn in 1997, won “Vineyard of the Year” from IGGVA in 2002. Alexander’s Conquest, a dry blend of Foch, Frontenac and Cabernet grapes, is named for Hahn’s oldest son; Eric’s Red, a slightly sweet blend of Foch and Frontenac grapes is named for Hahn’s youngest son; and Nicole’s Blush, a sweet blend of Seyval and Cayuga grapes is named for Hahn’s daughter. Saturday music nights run June through September. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, beginning June 1. Go to www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com for more information.
(52 miles north of Springfield off Route 29 at 105 E. Market St., Manito) offers a quaint European setting on a small-town street dotted with woodworking, bakery, pottery and chocolate shops. Located in a rebuilt 1893 harness shop, the winery features a selection of wines including four that sold out last year: Midnight Cherry, Red Raspberry Thrill, Cranberry Frost and Vidal Blanc. Enjoy the Market Street Experience with live music in the courtyard and food from the bakery on select Friday nights. Open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Go to www.willettswinery.com for more information.
(18165 N. Fourth Ave., Coffeen, southeast of Hillsboro), the newest member of the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, opened its doors in early 2008. The winery features French-inspired wines, from its Traminette, a sweet white with citrus notes, to its Norton, a dry red with full cherry flavor and a spicy finish. Guests can enjoy a scenic view of rolling hills and hear live music on Saturdays and Sundays. Open noon-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Go to www.forseevineyards.com for more information.
