Uncork the Flavor: Everything’s Coming Up Rosé in Illinois

National Rose Day is June 8, 2024 and what better way to celebrate than with Illinois wine? 

This quintessential summer wine is perfect for picnics, evening dinners, and outdoor events like the Illinois Wine Experience at the Illinois State Fair and Vintage Illinois. National Rosé Day is a day to celebrate the sweet, dry, still or sparkling pink we all know and love.

Illinois Signature Series Rosé

Did you know rosé is our official Illinois State Wine? This year Illinois wine features 16 Signature Series Rosé wines:

Wichmann Vineyard: Crush - Dry Rosé

Walker's Bluff: Estate Rosé

Twelve Oaks Vineyard: Chambourcin Rosé, Marquette Rosé

Tres Rojas Winery: Leon's Rosé, Landot Noir Rosé

StarView Vineyards: Dry Rosé

Spirit Knob Winery: Days End

Massbach Ridge Winery: Sunset Rosé

Kite Hill Vineyards: Flyway Rosé

Honker Hill Winery: Sunset Dry Rosé

Hidden Lake Winery: Peace, Love and Rosé

Galena Cellars Winery: Frontenac Gris, Crimson Pearl

Feather Hills: Estate Chambourcin Rosé

Blue Sky Vineyard: Chambourcin Rosé

August Hill Winery: La Belle Rosé

Each Illinois Signature Series Rosé receives extensive chemistry and sensory analysis, conducted by enology specialists, winemakers, and industry experts. 

To receive this distinction, this wine exceeds our world-class standards of quality, uses 100% Illinois-grown and produced grapes, and exhibits lovely fruit and floral flavors, a gorgeous color, and crisp finish. The wines pair well with a wide range of foods, but can shine all on their own. 

Three ways to celebrate Rosé Day 

Since National Rosé Day falls on a Saturday (June 8th, 2024), you have plenty of options to celebrate the delightful pink drink! Here are a few ideas:

Gather and Sip:

• Host a Tasting Party: Invite some friends and family over for an Illinois rosé exploration. Set out cheese, crackers, and light snacks to complement the wines. Have everyone write down their tasting notes for a fun and informative experience.

• Rosé Picnic: Pack a basket with your favorite Illinois rosé, cheese, fruits, and charcuterie. Head to a scenic park or enjoy your backyard for a relaxing afternoon.

Festive Fun:

• Rosé Themed Party: Go all out with pink decorations, dress in rose-colored outfits, and whip up some pink-hued snacks. It'll be a celebration of all things rosé!

• Rosé Cocktail Night: Rosé is incredibly versatile in cocktails. Look up some recipes for refreshing summer drinks like Frosé (frozen rosé) or a spritzer with sparkling water and fruit.

Wine Exploration:

• Visit an Illinois Winery or Vineyard: If you have one nearby, this is a great way to learn more about rosé production and taste different varieties. Illinois has over 100 wineries! Download our app and find wineries near you here. You can search by zip code or city. 

Wherever your rosé day takes you, tag your photos with #illinoiswine!

Sip, Savor, & Celebrate! Illinois Wine Takes Center Stage at 3 Events

Join us at the Illinois Product Farmers Market!

The Illinois Product Farmers Market is one of the best ways to spend your Thursdays, from May to September. From finding some healthy, local produce to homemade products & treats, while enjoying some Illinois Wine, there's something for everyone.

Plus, we will have wine slushies available! Live music starts at 5 o'clock and a food truck every week - You can stock up on your groceries and restock your wine cabinet while you're at it. 

The Department of Agriculture has created a healthy, local and fun way to do your grocery shopping so come out and join us at the Shed Building located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Every Thursday @ 3:30 pm - 7, starting May 16th - September 26th. Click here to see which winery will be at the Farmer’s Market each week.

Raise a Glass! Join us at The Illinois State Fair August 8 - 18

We have three locations at the Illinois State Fair! The Illinois Wine Experience is open daily in the Artisan Building. Your $10 entry fee provides six tasting tickets and a complimentary stemless wine glass. Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase, enabling you to sample award-winning wines for all taste preferences (White, Red, Rosé, dry, sweet, semi-sweet). Cool off and relax with the winemakers while you sample, sip and stock up for home (purchase a case or more and your wine gets a ride to your vehicle on the fairgrounds).

The Illinois Wine booth in Village of Cultures (formerly Ethnic Village) will feature one winery per day selling glasses, bottles and our world-famous wine slushies!

The Illinois Wine booth in the Commodities Pavilion, across from the Grandstand, will feature one winery per day selling glasses, bottles and our world-famous wine slushies! 

Visit here for all the details of the Illinois Wine Experience at the Illinois State Fair. 

Vintage Illinois Wine Festival

Get ready to sip, savor, and uncork the fun at this year’s Vintage Illinois Weekend as we celebrate our 21st anniversary of hosting this wine festival! The state’s largest – and most highly anticipated – Illinois wine festival is returning to North Utica with more delectable wines and culinary delights than ever before. 

Since its inception, Vintage Illinois has become a treasured staple for locals and out-of-towners alike. It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to sample their way through a roster of distinctive vintners, enjoy live music, and plan an event-filled getaway. 

Save the dates Saturday, September 21st (11 AM – 6 PM) and Sunday, September 22nd (Noon – 5 PM). During the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to shop local businesses and Canal Market vendors, as well as spoil your taste buds with bites from local restaurants and event food trucks. Check out the Vintage Illinois event website for more information.