*Editor’s note: Just prior to the arrival of Covid19 and social distancing, I asked John Dunham, the advice sisters wine & spirits editor, to write a travel-centric piece on his visit to Illinois. We had been hoping to boost our first-person travel stories this year. Sadly, that will have to wait. However, if you’re planning to be in Illinois some time in the future, a visit to wine country might be a good addition to your trip.
Introducing Two American Vinicultural Areas (AVAs) in Illinois.
One cannot generally live on writing reviews of beverage alcohol products, so a day job is a necessity. Fortunately, part of my day job entails doing economic studies for the wine industry and various wine regions.
Therefore, I had to chance to experience the range of wines being produced in the two American Vinicultural Areas (AVAs) of Illinois.
When one thinks about wines produced in the United States, they are usually the ones along the West Coast, or maybe the East Coast.
But commercial winemaking in the US actually started in Cincinnati, and the Mid-West and Illinois is the beneficiary of much of this history.
The first winery in the United States to become commercially successful was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the mid-1830s. By the end of the century, Missouri was second only to California in wine production.
Illinois is Home to 165+ Wineries:
Today, Illinois is home to about 165 wineries with locations ranging from Galena in the north down to the border with Kentucky.
Illinois, as is much of the mid-west, is known for its sweeter wines. However, there is an amazing range of bottlings ranging from an excellent Cabernet Franc from Prairie State Winery ($25.99), to a cream “sherry” from Blue Sky Vineyard ($19.50).
There are also a lot of award-winning Rose wines coming from the state.
Galena Cellars, for example, produces an amazing fruit wine called Berry Berry Berry ($15.99) with a very colorful label.
Across the board, the dedication and passion that the winemakers in Illinois show suggest that more and more excellent wines will be coming from the state, and may soon be popping up in wine stores throughout the country.
Carbondale, Gateway to the Shawnee Hills AVA:
For now; however, it is likely that one has to travel to Illinois to experience these wines. I was fortunate to stay in the town of Carbondale, which is the gateway to the Shawnee Hills AVA.
Carbondale itself is a fairly large town with all of the normal amenities from shopping malls to fast food outlets. There is a lovely downtown with myriad restaurants and nightspots along S. Illinois Avenue.
There are a number of hotels, including a brand new Hyatt right downtown. If you want to visit Carbondale you can get there by Amtrak, by air from St. Louis, and by motorcoach.
It is also the home of Southern Illinois University.
Chester, Home of Popeye:
The nearby town of Chester is a must-see. Self-described as “the Home of Popeye” as it was the childhood home of Popeye’s creator, Elzie Segar, the town is awash in Popeye memorabilia and statues.
The annual Popeye Picnic and parade is held every year on the weekend after Labor Day.
Visiting the Wineries:
The region is dotted with nearly 20 wineries in addition to Popeye and Southern Illinois U, T.
I got the chance to also visit the Walker’s Bluff Winery right outside of Carbondale.
This winery and event venue is massive and features what seems to be miles of underground aging caves, and an amazing bar.
The Legends restaurant is a lovely venue for either lunch or dinner. I posted the menu above. The food was excellent!
Carbondale and the Shawnee Hills AVA is located between St. Louis, Memphis, Louisville and Indianapolis. It makes a great weekend getaway and a lovely spot for a wine tour.
For more information on Iliniois wines visit: https://illinoiswine.com/
