2015 Great Rivers Country Winery Guide
Transcription
2015 Great Rivers Country Winery Guide
Great Rivers Country Winery Guide Great Rivers Country Welcome to Great Rivers Country! Great Rivers Country is a diverse region bordered by the Mississippi River and the Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway on the West and the Illinois River on the East. Great Rivers Country covers 33 counties, works with 11 convention and visitors bureaus, and more importantly over 30 wineries! In Great Rivers Country, you can visit the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area and part of the Upper Mississippi Valley American Viticultural Area. Take a tour of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the Illinois River Wine Trail, and Nauvoo, home to the oldest vineyard in Illinois. The information in this publication was provided by our tourism partners. We are not responsible for errors or omissions. Please call ahead for more information. For additional information call us at (309)837-7460 or visit us on the web at GreatRiversCountry.info. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, and Pinterest. For statewide information call 1-800-2CONNECT or visit EnjoyIllinois.com Cover photo by: LARRY LUEALLEN Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Jo Daviess County presents the finest local award-winning wineries and vineyards in Illinois. Our county is at the southern end of the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area, the largest of its kind in the United States. Indulge in one of four area wineries, and enjoy a day of learning about the talent of wine making and specialty wine tastings. Before you stop for a taste, make sure to get hands-on with the vineyards to discover how grapes are nurtured in Illinois. After you meet the winemaker, stay a while with a bottle of your favorite, newly-discovered wine, cheese, and crackers. The four vineyards in the Galena area create marvelous flavors for every type of wine connoisseur. For more information, visit Galena.org or call the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau at (877)464-2536. Wine Events: Wine Lovers’ Weekend March WineLoversWeekend.com Great Galena Balloon Race’s Wine Flights June GreatGalenaBalloonrace.com Corkless Galena June CorklessGalena.com Galena Oktoberfest October GalenaOktoberfest.com Nouveau Wine Weekend November NouveauWeekend.com Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery Vineyard: 4746 North Ford Road, Galena Tasting Room: 515 South Main Street, Galena (800)397-WINE GalenaCellars.com Galena Cellars harvests acres of rolling farmland hosting 22 different specialty grapes, produces 60,000 gallons of wine per year among 40 wine varieties, manages three tasting rooms and thirty plus years later have grown many cherished friendships. The Lawlor family is proud to have created a three generation legacy. Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery 4595 Speer Road, Hanover (815)591-2126 Fergedaboudit.com Rosario Bruno was out in the countryside looking for the perfect valley to start his boutique vineyard. He knew, after stumbling across a forgotten farm, exactly where his lifelong dream of growing his owns grapes and producing his wine would take place. Enjoy life and warm hospitality at Fergedaboudit. Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Rocky Waters Vineyard/Winery Inc. 2003 West Hanover Road, Hanover (815)591-9706 RockyWaters.net Rocky Waters is a boutique winery dedicated to the pursuit of delicious Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, and St. Croix grapes, along with white varietals of Lacrosse and St. Pepin. The magnificent winery, built on a bluff overlooking the vineyard, features gorgeous views of this family owned, 25 acre vineyard. Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Massbach Ridge Winery Vineyard: 8837 South Massbach Road, Elizabeth Tasting Room: 117 South Main Street, Galena (815)291-6700 MassbachRidge.com Escape your hectic schedule and exhale at our family owned and operated winery and tasting room. In the tranquil rolling hills of northwest Illinois, Massbach Ridge Winery has been crafting estate-grown wines since 2003. With a diverse selection, our friendly staff will help you discover a taste you’ll fall in love with. Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau Located in the heart of scenic northwest Illinois, the Blackhawk Waterways region encompasses the four counties of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside… 2700 square miles of unique experiences, attractions, destinations, and adventures that await your personal discovery. The region is an outdoor recreation paradise: 10 state parks, a 2200-acre state forest, great golf, and over 125 miles of superb boating and fishing water courtesy of the scenic Rock River and the mighty Mississippi. We boast exciting wildlife viewing, miles of hiking and biking trails, and unobstructed views that give our pastoral landscape its special flavor. Significant historical sites, monuments, museums, and points of interest are seemingly everywhere retelling stories of our rich heritage and important past. Tour the John Deere Historic Site, witness the birthplace and boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, or travel stretches of the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Visit our many small towns and charming villages and you’ll be greeted by shopkeepers with rare and genuine hospitality as you search for eclectic hand-crafted gifts, artisan items, and antique treasures and collectibles. Our region hosts many special events, fairs, festivals, celebrations, and cultural happenings; there’s always something exciting and wonderful going on here! Our location, just 2-3 hours from Chicago, makes us an ideal destination for a weekend getaway escape or just a scenic drive-in-thecountry daytrip. VisitNorthwestIllinois.com or call (800)678-2108 for more information. Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau Silver Moon Winery 21305 Zier Road, Lanark (815)493-6888 SilverMoonWineryInc.com Wine tasting with friends at Silver Moon Winery is an experience to savor. Try the New Moon Tasting—we match our wines with simple bites of foods seasonally selected with the moon in mind. Refine your palate, soothe your spirit, and let your senses flow. After tasting the wines, experience our exclusive extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar. Open weekends April through December. Check our website and Facebook page for hours and special events. Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau The Quad Cities is where the Mississippi River runs east to west and is comprised of Moline/East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and the surrounding communities. You’ll find a marvelous variety of things to see and do, including riverboat cruises, exciting festivals year-round, live music, museums, golf, art galleries, casinos, shopping, and more. Explore over 75 miles of riverfront bike trails, mountain bike trails, kayak and boat rentals, and a new transient boat dock. Along with wineries, visit the microbreweries and distillery and enjoy locally-owned restaurants from casual to fine dining. The Quad Cities is the home of John Deere’s world headquarters with attractions, and the #1 minor league ballpark in the country! Discover your marvels on the Mississippi River! Visit VisitQuadCities.com or call (800)747-7800 for more information. Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau Creekside Vineyards, Winery & Inn 7505 120th Avenue, Coal Valley Tasting Room: 1667 U.S. Highway 67, Preemption (309)787-9463 CreeksideVineyards.com Whether it’s an interest in wine-making and viticulture or you desire a relaxing getaway, Creekside Vineyards offers “Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas & Flavorful Wines.” Spend a night at the inn, visit the tasting room, or enjoy the seasonal wine terrace. Vineyard tours are available by appointment and are available for Creekside Vineyards Inn guests. Henry County Tourism Bureau Renew your spirit along our back roads! Relive our heritage; recreate rural, relaxing fun while you hike, bike, boat, and angle. Connect with old and new friends with a warm, friendly hello in our restaurants and specialty shops. Sleep under the stars and stay at one of the seven campgrounds in Henry County. Sleep in a tent, a cabin, a yurt, or in one of the many RV sites. There is no shortage of fun in any season you visit Henry County. Colorful blossoms line the road in spring. Summertime brings homegrown festivals and warm weather to explore our communities. In the autumn season we gather our bounty of harvest. Families visit for rural recreation to pick pumpkins and learn about our agricultural roots at fall festivals. Winter provides a landscape to invigorate your soul. We invite you to Henry County during any season, have a great time and come back often! For more information go to VisitHenryCounty.com or call (309)761-8473. Henry County Tourism Bureau Lavender Crest Winery & Banquet Facility 5401 U.S. Highway 6, Colona (309)949-2565 LavenderCrest.com Nestled in the countryside outside of the Quad Cities, Lavender Crest Winery in Colona offers a unique winery experience. Sample award winning wines in the tasting room, tour the wine production facility, or enjoy one of Chef Kelly’s creations. Chocolates, wine, and collectibles are available in the gift shop. Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Peoria, Illinois is rooted in industry, built on Midwestern values, and highlighted by a spirit for adventure! Discover a city that celebrates its ever-expanding metropolitan hubs while proudly preserving its breathtaking, expansive landscapes. Experience boutique shopping and award-winning restaurants, alongside world-class art, exceptional golf courses, and local, award-winning wineries. Peoria area has a wine country all its own for you to explore and enjoy! Whether you are interested in learning more about the tasting process or consider yourself a wine connoisseur, our area wine trail will quench your thirst for quality vino. Visit EnjoyPeoria.com or call (800)747-0302 for more information. Wine Events: Valentine’s Day Dinner Kickapoo Creek Winery February International Music, Wine, and Beer Festival Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Memorial Day Weekend Art & Wine Festival Mackinaw Valley Vineyard July Annual Grape Stomp Festival Kickapoo Creek Winery August Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival Mackinaw Valley Vineyard September Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Kickapoo Creek Winery 6605 North Smith Road, Edwards (877)594-6782 or (309)495-WINE KickapooCreekWinery.com A family-owned vineyard and winery located in the Illinois River Valley, Kickapoo Creek Winery focuses on handcrafting wine in small batches from locally sourced grapes. Willett’s Winery & Cellar 105 East Market Street, Manito (309)968-7070 or (309)264-9000 WillettsWinery.com Willett’s Winery and Cellar offers something for everyone and wines for every pallet. During your visit you can tour the vineyard, peruse wine related gift items, enjoy live music on Friday evenings, join in a Murder Mystery Dinner, and sample our wines created from grapes grown in Willett’s vineyard. Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Mackinaw Valley Vineyard 33633 Illinois Route 9, Mackinaw (309)645-5054 or (309)359-WINE MackinawValleyVineyard.com Enjoy the beautiful view while visiting the winery, tasting room, and gift shop! Visit us on a summer weekend for a concert or festival, or come for trivia or a murder mystery dinner in the fall and winter. Savor a selection of award-winning red or white wines by the glass or bottle. Come visit us at “wine country in your own backyard!” Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau The Quincy Area offers five wineries, some are as new as 2012 and others have been around since 1857. Each produces award winning wine coupled with settings as unique and varied as bluff views of the Mississippi to panoramas of outdoor wonderlands and serene lakes. With names like Lincoln’s Noose to Windmill White, all tell a part of the area’s rich history and attractions. The Quincy Area offers premier lodges with historical and architectural tours offered year-round. A culinary and wine trail experience awaits you along the Illinois Great River Road from catfish sandwiches to the nostalgic Maid Rite loose meat sandwich. Visit SeeQuincy.com or call (800)978-4748 for more information. Wine Events: An Uncorking Adventure 2nd Saturday in June AccessIL.org (217)285-2464 Backwoods Festival August LakeHillWinery.com (217)357-2675 Nauvoo Grape Festival Labor Day Weekend NauvooGrapeFestival.com (217)453-6648 Shrimp & Crawfish Boil 1st Saturday of June HopewellWinery.com (217)285-2759 Great River Grape Escape 4th Weekend in September QuincyGrapeEscape.com (800)978-4748 Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Baxter’s Vineyards & Winery 2010 East Parley, Nauvoo (217)453-2528 NauvooWinery.com Located 11 blocks east of the Great River Road, Baxter’s Vineyards offers complimentary tastings, self-guided tours, and a large gift shop featuring gourmet cheeses, bulk foods, snacks, and wine-themed gifts. Also located at Baxter’s Vineyards is The Wine Barrel, a full bar, Carol’s Pies, and the Nauvoo Grand Bed & Breakfast. Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Lake Hill Winery 1822 East County Road 1540, Carthage (217)357-2675 LakeHillWinery.com Lake Hill Winery is a new winery and vineyard set on 63 gorgeous acres just west of Carthage Lake, complimented by a beautiful outdoor wedding gazebo, and bridge. The winery touts a great tasting room, bar, and two banquet halls. Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Spirit Knob Winery 2211 East 640th Place, Ursa (217)964-2678 SpiritKnob.com Nestled on the bluffs with the vineyard nearby, the backdrop is an ever changing panorama of the Mississippi River Valley. Estate wines made with French-American hybrids and delicious fruit wines, produced onsite, have won over 100 medals. The award-winning wines may bring you, but the warmth and hospitality will make you stay. Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau The Village Vineyard & Winery 337 North Vermont Street, Camp Point (217)509-9463 VillageVineyardandWinery.com Enjoy a lazy afternoon off the beaten track, with 20 excellent wine varieties and a relaxing patio overlooking the vineyard. The Village Vineyard & Winery has a spacious banquet room perfect for large groups, ample outdoor seating, and a new, full menu restaurant open on premises. Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Hopewell Winery 19048 U.S. Highway 54, Rockport (217)285-2759 HopewellWinery.com Scenic and relaxed, Hopewell Winery offers 10 wines by the bottle or glass with hospitality provided daily, as well as complimentary tastings. For beer seekers, three dark drafts and five lagers are on hand. Brown County Brown County, Illinois is a small, agricultural community that is known for their prime hunting of deer and turkey. Brown County has numerous small town businesses, stores, restaurants, churches, and community organizations. Some of the major events within the county include: Brown County Fair, Versailles Fall Festival, Mt. Sterling Fall Festival, Timewell Toy Show, 4th of July Celebration, and St. Mary’s School Deer Classic. Brown County is unique in the fact that it has one school district for the whole county, along with a faith based school. The school systems are rapidly improving student performances and raising academic expectations. Brown County is home to the Hornets! Enthusiasm for school spirit prevails here whether we are striving for smarter Hornets in our classrooms or stronger Hornets on our playing fields. For more information visit BrownCountyIL.com. Wine Events: Mardi Gras February Ridge View Winery Shrimp Fest May Ridge View Winery Grape Stomp September Ridge View Winery Octoberfest October Ridge View Winery Masquerade Ball October Ridge View Winery Brown County Ridge View Winery 529 200N Avenue, Mount Sterling (217)289-3300 RidgeViewWinery.com Enjoy fine red and white wines where Pike, Adams, and Brown Counties converge to become the outdoor wonderland called “The Little Ozarks.” The view features heavily wooded ravines and valleys, magnificent stands of oak, maple, and cedar, and grassy meadows. Join us for beautiful scenery, great entertainment, and remarkable Illinois wine. Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Adventure awaits at every turn during a journey to the Meeting of the Great Rivers in Alton. Whether it’s parasailing high above the Mississippi River, zip lining through the river bluffs, or enjoying a spine-tingling ghost tour of the “Most Haunted Small Town in America,” it’s easy to discover amazing adventures along the convergence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers. This unique landscape, located just minutes from St. Louis, is home to a rare blend of history, adventure, and natural wonders. Watch eagles soar along the rivers while discovering the Lincoln Civil War Legacy Trail. Cruise the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel boat or experience bustling river transportation eight stories high at the newest lock and dam on the Mississippi River. And after all of that, relax and take in the sights at the many family-owned restaurants and wineries located alongside the mighty rivers or nestled high in the river bluffs boasting some of the best views in the Midwest. For more information visit VisitAlton.com or call (800)258-6645. Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Mary Michelle Winery Tasting room: 13653 Lodge Boulevard, Grafton (618)786-2331 PMLodge.net Mary Michelle Winery is known for its nationally recognized white wines made from native grapes grown at their vineyard in Carrollton, Illinois. The winery hosts two private labels— Mary Michelle and Illinois Cellars. Their award winning wines are served exclusively in their tasting room at Pere Marquette Lodge, located in scenic Pere Marquette State Park. The Lodge’s patio and river view terrace make it a perfect wine tasting venue. Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Grafton Winery & Brewhaus 300 West Main Street, Grafton (618)786-3001 TheGraftonWinery.com Award winning wines and brew are prepared on–sight from a combination of California and locally grown grapes and fruits. More than 15 wines are featured under the Grafton Winery label. Ice House Winery 214 West Main Street, Grafton (618)786-2737 JeniJ.com Stop into this wine boutique featuring local Illinois wines and beyond. The shop also offers wine-related clothing and accessories. Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Aerie’s Riverview Winery 600 Timber Ridge, Grafton (618)786-SIPS AeriesWinery.com The view from on top the bluff is incredible from the decks at Aerie’s. Enjoy a selection of national and regional wines. Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Grafton Harbor Floating Winery 215 West Water Street, Grafton (618)786-7678 GraftonHarbor.net Slip on down to the Grafton Harbor to taste these creativelylabeled wines that are sure to tingle the taste buds. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Enjoy “Wine Time” in our expansive ILLINOISouth region! We have seven lovely wineries in Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph Counties, many of which are set in great locations all over the countryside. The facilities offer everything from small tasting rooms to expansive banquet centers, and everything in between. Three of those seven wineries are members of the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, a group of 12 wineries located in Southwestern Illinois. For more information on all the great winery getaway opportunities in ILLINOISouth, please visit TheTourismBureau.org or call us at (800)442-1488. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth The Winery at Shale Lake 1499 Washington Avenue, Williamson (618)637-2470 ShaleWine.com Rent a 4-wheel Surrey bicycle and take a bottle of wine down to the lake. Six varieties of wine are made on site. You’ll love the picturesque setting: the wine garden, deer running across the field, wild turkeys making their way into the woods, and lots of rabbits. Campgrounds are available for anyone who wants a real getaway. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Springers Creek Winery 817 North Illinois Route 157, Edwardsville (618)307-5110 SpringersCreekWinery.com If you can get past the cushy chairs, fireplaces, antiques, two wine gardens, and welcoming hospitality, you will certainly enjoy the wine! The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Villa Marie Winery 6633 East Main Street, Maryville (618)345-3100 TheVillaMarieWinery.com Set in the rolling countryside near Maryville, the vineyard grows Carot Noir, Noiret, Vignoles, Norton, and Traminette grapes. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Jo-Al Winery 10213 State Route 177, Mascoutah (618)566-9463 Jo-AlWinery.com Come experience some of Illinois’ finest sweet and semi-sweet fruit wines. The country store features homemade jelly, candles, soaps, and much more. Gift baskets are available. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth The Weingarten 1780 East State Route 15, Belleville (618)257-WINE TheWeingarten.com Enjoy unique, hand-selected wines and beers from around the world, as well as 5 signature wine blends. Food is available. Live music Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ask about our private party space. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Schorr Lake Vineyards 1032 South Library Street, Waterloo (618)939-3174 SchorrLakeVineyard.net Relax on the deck that overlooks the lake and vineyard. Enjoy the estate-grown and produced table and fruit wines. The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth Red Bud Winery 1522 State Route 3, Red Bud (618)282-9463 RedBudWinery.com Come sample world-class dry, semi-dry, and fruit wines in a casual, sophisticated atmosphere. This is a perfect place for a day trip, weekend getaway, special event, or wedding. Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind art, wine, or antiques, or exploring the great outdoors, Southernmost Illinois is the place to be. The trail begins in the rolling Southern Illinois countryside where you can sip your way along and discover truly surprising and authentic wine culture on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Bed and Breakfasts dot the region and are great launching pads for wine tasting, hiking, and biking enthusiasts. Cabins in the area can offer a secluded getaway right in the Shawnee National Forest, which offers hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and some of the best fishing around, along with miles of scenic trails. A fitting place to end, or begin, the scenic drive is Fort Defiance Park at Cairo. From the observation deck you can watch the blue waters of the Ohio River flow into the muddy waters of the Mississippi. Cairo was a strategic site during the Civil War and served as headquarters to Ulysses S. Grant. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Custom House Museum, the Safford Memorial Library, and Magnolia Manor. Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau The Bluff ’s Vineyard & Winery 140 Buttermilk Hill Road, Ava (618)763-4447 TheBluffsWinery.com Come in for a relaxing visit, a fine bottle of wine, and live music. While visiting Great Rivers Country contact any of the following for more information: Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau 720 Park Avenue Galena, IL 61036 (877)464-2536 Galena.org Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau 201 N. Franklin Avenue Polo, IL 61064 (800)678-2108 VisitNorthwestIllinois.com Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 456 Fulton Street Suite 300 Peoria, IL 61602 (800)747-0302 EnjoyPeoria.com Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 2163 East Main Street Galesburg, IL 61401 (800)916-3330 VisitGalesburg.com Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau 1601 River Drive Suite 110 Moline, IL 61265 (800)747-7800 VisitQuadCities.com Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 532 Gardner Expressway Quincy, IL 62301 (800)978-4748 SeeQuincy.com Henry County Tourism Bureau P.O. Box 634 224 W. Third Street Kewanee, IL 61443 (309)761-8473 VisitHenryCounty.com Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 201 S. Lafayette Street Macomb, IL 61455 (309)833-1315 MakeItMacomb.com Schuyler County SchuylerCountyIllinois.com Brown County BrownCountyIL.com MtSterlingIL.com Greene County VisitWestCentralIllinois.com EldredHouse.com Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau 200 Piasa Street Alton, IL 62002 (800)258-6645 VisitAlton.com The Tourism Bureau ILLINOISouth 4387 N. Illinois Street Suite 200 Swansea, IL 62226 (800)442-1488 TheTourismBureau.org Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau Cottage #1 1000 N. Main Street Anna, IL 62906 (800)248-4373 SouthernmostIllinois.com Great Rivers Country Regional Tourism Development Office 581 South Deere Road, Macomb, IL 61455 (309)837-7460 GreatRiversCountry.info