Missouri and Illinois Gems!

When you think of wine, what locations come to mind?  France, Italy, California?  While we all know wonderful wines come from these locations, some don't have the luxury of traveling to exotic locations to enjoy wine.  The Stay At Home Winos are frequently asked about local wineries in the midwest, whether within driving distance or, at most, those that would require an overnight stay.

Illinois and Missouri are home to numerous wineries, some that utilize locally grown grapes and some that get their grapes elsewhere.  Below are just a few examples of local wineries in Missouri and Illinois:

Interestingly, the first federally approved American Viticultural Area (AVA) was Augusta, Missouri, being named so in June of 1980.  Augusta is approximately 70 miles from where the Winos hail from in Illinois.  Augusta has several fantastic wineries including Augusta Winery, Mount Pleasant Winery and Blumenhof Winery.  Many of the wineries in this area are located on the Katy Trail, allowing guests to ride bikes between wineries, enjoying the outdoors.  

Near this area is the Hermann Wine Trail.  The wineries in this area include Hermannhof Winery, Oak Glen Winery and Stone Hill Winery.  Many of these wineries welcome buses, provide food and area able to host guests overnight.  

The Augusta and Hermann areas are home to many exciting events all year round.  During the summer, Stone Hill Winery in Hermann hosts bands, private tastings, big band dances and BBQ wine trail events.  In the fall, Augusta hosts the weekend-long Harvest Festival.  The big season at Missouri wineries is October!  Octoberfest is held all four weekends in October at Stone Hill Winery.  Make your reservations early, it gets very crowded! (missouriwinecountry.com)

In Southern Illinois, a few local wineries have cropped up and are getting a lot of attention.  The Weingarten in Belleville, Illinois is an open air winery and wine bar.  The Weingarten has daily beer and wine tastings and offers a light menu fare including flat bread pizza, Hors D'oeuvres, cheese and sausage plates, wraps and salads.  The Weingarten is available for weddings and other events.  This would be an amazing setting for any event.  Six signature wines are offered that will please any preference! (theweingarten.com)

Hidden Lake Winery and Banquet Center is located in Aviston, Illinois.  Hidden Lake offers wine tastings and an extensive menu including, appetizers, salads, burgers and pizza.  This winery boasts six banquet rooms that can cater to a variety of events.  For those who want to make their visit to Hidden Lake an overnight event, check out their accommodations!  There are 8 deluxe cabins and 2 honeymoon cabins, that are well appointed and reasonably priced!  Hidden Lake offers wines for all palates and, with names like "Wise Ass" Chardonnay and "Mary Me" Merlot, who can go wrong!  (hiddenlakewinery.com)

Villa Marie Winery and Banquet Center in Maryville, Illinois boasts Illinois-grown grapes for their wines.  To pair with your wine of choice, Villa Marie offers soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches!  Banquet rooms offer space from 30 to 300 for your event.  Whether you want a glass of wine, dinner or a place to say your "I do's", Villa Marie is the place for you!  (thevillamariewinery.com)

Grafton, Illinois is also home to several wineries!  The combination of river views and fun outdoor settings give Grafton a feeling all its own.  Wineries in this area include: Floating Winery at Grafton Harbor, Piasa Winery and Pub and Grafton Winery and Brewhaus.  This area offers accommodations such as hotels and bed and breakfasts for weekend getaways.  (visitalton.com)

For more information on visiting wineries in Missouri and Illinois, visit missouriwine.org and illinoiswine.com.

Cheers!

Mary Jo