Chase Grapeness with Illinois Wine Month & 20 years of the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival!

Raise your glass and toast to the delicious wines of Illinois! 

From the lush vineyards of Shawnee Hills to the rolling hills of the Mississippi River Valley, Illinois offers a diverse range of wine-growing regions. Whether you’re a fan of rich reds or crisp whites, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of wines produced in this state.

Illinois Wine Month is the perfect opportunity to explore the local wineries, take part in tastings, and learn about the winemaking process from the passionate experts themselves. Discover unique flavors, uncover the stories behind each bottle, and support the local winemakers who pour their hearts and souls into creating these exceptional wines.

Celebrate Illinois Wine Month by raising a glass and savoring the flavors of the Land of Lincoln. Join us and over 20 wineries at the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival September 16-17.  Cheers!

Chase Grapeness with Illinois Wine Month

Foliage rich in orange and red hues. The gentle breeze and crisp aroma of the harvest season. There’s something magical about September in Illinois. Vineyards are bustling. Vintners are plucking ripe grapes from their vines and turning them into wine. It’s the ideal backdrop for the celebration of Illinois Wine Month.

Did you know Illinois has a vibrant winemaking history? In fact, the Land of Lincoln was one of the largest wine producers in America prior to prohibition. Pretty neat, right? Since 2005, we’ve paid homage to our grape-decked roots by raising a glass to the eclectic mix of distinctive wines only found in Illinois wine country.

During Illinois Wine Month, local natives and out-of-towners alike will enjoy a month-long celebration featuring tastings, festivals, tours, local farm-to-table fare, outdoor activities, and so much more. From dry to sweet, sample a variety of small-batch, handcrafted wines from over 160 wineries and vineyards dotting the state.

With 5 different climate zones, Illinois is home to a unique range of grape varietals – perfect for every taste palate. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a day trip with friends, or a fun-filled weekend with family, embark on an unforgettable adventure while supporting local winemakers.

Sip your way through award-winning wineries or travel along one of Illinois’ seven wine trails. During your journey, you’ll enjoy cave tasting experiences, wine slushies, grape picking, and tons of outdoor activities – all while exploring charming historic towns and picturesque scenery. And don’t forget to treat your taste buds to one of the 14 Illinois signature rosé wines, recognized for their unparalleled quality and remarkable flavors.

This year, you’ll be able to quickly locate wineries throughout Illinois right from your fingertips. Simply download the Illinois Wine App today to discover everything Illinois wine country has to offer.

Enter to Win: A wine paired dinner with Winemakers & Growers! 

To celebrate Illinois wine month we are offering a special chance to dine with local producers.

Each year the state’s best wines are the stars of the show at IGGVA’s Annual Awards Banquet. Never before open to the public – this year you could win 2 tickets to this exclusive industry dinner on February 28, 2024 in Springfield, Illinois.

It’s Illinois Wine Month and we want you to chase grapeness!

Fill out this form before September 30th, 2023 to enter! 

Attend the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival September 16-17

One of the highlights of Illinois Wine Month is the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival, a two-day event that showcases the best wines from around the state. This annual festival, held in the heart of Illinois, brings together wine lovers, local winemakers, and vineyard owners to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of both white and red wines.

The festival takes place in downtown Utica, Illinois and is a short walk from local restaurants and shops. As you stroll through the festival grounds, you'll have the opportunity to visit various winery booths, each offering a selection of their finest wines. The winemakers and vineyard owners are often present, eager to share their knowledge and passion for winemaking with festival attendees.

In addition to wine tasting, the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival also offers a range of live music to enhance your experience. Bands on Saturday, September 16 include: Dan Hubbard Duo, Steve Sharp Band, Jack Dupp and the Empty Bottles. On September 17 live music continues with performances by Mr. Falcon, Radium City Rebels and the Aaron Kelly Duo.

Get ready to sip, savor, and uncork the fun at this year’s Vintage Illinois Weekend as we celebrate our 20th anniversary of this wine festival!

Saturday, September 16, 11am-6pm

Sunday, September 17, 12-5pm

Carey Memorial Park, Downtown Utica, IL

Tickets are on sale and include three options:

• Bronze Level Weekend Taster - $30: Ticket includes commemorative event glass, wristband, and 8 tasting tickets.

• Silver Level Weekend Taster – $45: Extra Time ticket holders gain access to the grounds one hour early for set-up, tasting, or both! 

• VIP Gold Level Weekend Taster– $60: VIP Gold ticket holders receive a $5 coupon to be used with any vendor for the bottle purchase of your choice, a 20th anniversary poster (you can grab it on your way out) AND you will gain access to the grounds one hour early for set-up, tasting, or both! 

Tickets are not guaranteed at the gate. Save money and purchase now!

Check out the Vintage Illinois event website for tickets and more information!

Celebrating Illinois Wine Month

The celebration doesn't have to end here. Illinois wines are available year-round, ready to be enjoyed and shared with friends and family. So, whether you're sipping a glass of Norton by the fireplace or enjoying a crisp Vidal Blanc on a summer afternoon, remember to toast to the flavors of Illinois and the passion that goes into every bottle.

Cheers to Illinois Wine Month, and here's to many more glasses of Illinois wine in the future!