Central Illinois Wineries

Category: Quick Stops

The hunt for beautiful vineyards often takes wine connoisseurs to Sonoma, Napa, Tuscany, Rhone—and central Illinois.

It may sound like a bit of a stretch, but it’s true. The state, known for its fertile soils, is home to as many as 80 wineries and 450 vineyards. And 10 scenic wineries are located right in central Illinois (plus the rest are within easy daytrip distance).

Fall is a terrific time to visit central Illinois wineries—in many instances, you can enjoy sunny autumn weather and striking fall foliage in addition to scenic views of the vineyards. Plus special events—some of which are listed below—ensure there’s never a dull moment when you embark on your next wine-tasting adventure.

Alto Vineyards 
4210 N. Duncan Rd., Champaign
217.356.4784

This family-owned winery and vineyard is located in the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest, but if you don’t want to make the trek to Southern Illinois you can also visit the winery’s tasting room in Champaign.

Baxter’s Vineyards
2010 E. Parley St., Nauvoo
217.453.2528

Enjoy free wine tastings and self-guided winery tours daily at this family-owned winery located near Nauvoo State Park. Plan a trip for the last weekend in October to hit up the Halloween in Boootiful Nauvoo celebration, with hundreds of jack-o-lanterns, a parade, a haunted house, and more. Next year, be sure to visit Nauvoo during Labor Day weekend for the annual grape festival.

Hill Prairie Winery
23753 Lounsberry Rd.
217.635.9900

Surrounded by native Illinois prairie grasses, Hill Prairie Winery and its vineyards boast plenty of history (the winery is housed in an original 1911 building). Aside from the usual tasting options, the winery hosts Murder Mystery Dinner Theater events (left this year: “Murder on the Disoriented Express” on October 30 and “It’s a Wonderful Death” on November 20 and December 18), live entertainment each Sunday, and a harvest festival and fish fry the first weekend in October.

Indian Creek Vineyard
R.R. 2, Toulon
309.286.5302

Located on a family farm near the land once occupied by the last settlement of Pottawattamie Indians, this winery is known for its Marachel Foch, Fronenac, Lacrosse, St. Pepin, and Leon Melot varieties of grapes. Stop into the Old Red Barn for a wine tasting on Saturdays and Sundays from May through December.

Kickapoo Creek Winery
6605 N. Smith Rd., Edwards
309.495.WINE

This winery located offers wine tastings, lunch six days a week, and beautiful walking trails around the grounds. Or for a different view of the winery, take a tour on the Grape Train.

Long Creek Vineyards Winery
7185 E. Firehouse Rd., Decatur
217.571.0052

Award-winning wines are the name of the game at this Decatur-area winery, where the wine is aged in oak barrels downstairs. Head to the winery the first weekend in October to celebrate Octoberfest, or join the Wine Angel Club anytime to adopt a plant in the vineyard for five years and receive discounts on wine.

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
33633 State Rt. 9, Mackinaw
309.359.WINE

Sample some of the winery’s many varieties, then purchase a glass or a bottle to enjoy with cheese and crackers on the deck or patio overlooking the vineyards. Mackinaw Valley is known for its music nights on Saturdays from June through September or, to keep you entertained through the winter, try the upcoming winter trivia nights on some Saturdays from January through April.

Sleepy Creek Vineyards
8254 E 1425 North Rd., Fairmount
217.733.0330

If playful labels and wines with names like Bull Headed and Sour Puss aren’t enough to draw you to Sleepy Creek Vineyards, their location just down the road from Kickapoo Creek State Park may sell you on a visit. Wine tastings and wandering suit most, or for even more fun check out the schedule for live music. Members of the Purple Finger Club receive a t-shirt, wine discounts, access to special parties, and even get to help with seasonal activities including pruning, planting, vine training, harvesting, bottling, and labeling.

Spirit Knob Winery
2213 E. 640th Pl., Ursa
217.964.2678

Located on the bluffs overlooking the Missisippi River Valley, this winery is worth a stop for the scenery alone. The family-owned destination, located ten miles north of Quincy, offers complimentary wine tastings with an appointment.

Willett’s Winery & Cellar
10105 E. Market St., Manito
309.968.7070

Located in a restored 1893 building near Spring Lake, Willett's Winery & Cellar features a vineyard and apple orchard. After you sample the wine, wander the woodworking shop and nearby bakery, pottery, and chocolate shops. The winery regularly offers live music, so check the entertainment schedule before visiting to see what’s coming up.

Learn more about Illinois wineries at the Illinois Wine website.

Tags: Quick Stops | Central Illinois | Wineries | Vineyards | Festivals | Events |

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