Illinois State Fair Wine Experience Photos
The Illinois Wine Experience at the Illinois State Fair moved to a new indoor location this year. Nearly 20 wineries served wine to visitors in the Twilight Ballroom on the Fairgrounds in Springfield....
Category: Illinois
“Locavores Drink Local” at Kendall College Photos
On July 30th, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance hosted “Locavores Drink Local” at the Kendall College River Works Campus in Chicago. Illinois varietals were paired with foods...
Illinois Harvest Report from Chicago Sun Times
Today’s Chicago Sun Times reports that Southern Illinois’ grape harvest was adversely effected by a combination of spring frost and summer drought during 2012. Barb Harp of Two Oaks Vineyard in Southern Illinois told...
Midwest Wineries Start Using QR Codes
With over 50% of Americans now having smartphones, Midwest wineries are finding QR codes help them engage with their customers both in retail stores and at their wineries. The Midwest wine industry is seeing...
Chicago Loses Illinois Wine Pioneer Bob Rohden
Bob Rohden, an original supporter of Illinois wine, passed away last month. Bob was a friend and consultant to many Illinois wineries. Publisher’s note: During June, Bob, who often went by “BobZaguy,” and I...
Growing Organic Wine Grapes in The Midwest
Frontenac Grapes at Famous Fossil Winery, Freeport, Ill. Until the Japanese beetles came, Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery in Freeport, Illinois was certified biodynamic. That status changed in July, 2011, after Ken Rosmann discovered the...
Drought Tipping Point: Vines Risk Long Term Damage
As the drought continues to worsen and temperatures across the Midwest exceed 100 degrees, viticulture experts warn that grape growers could face long-term vine damage. If there is no significant rain in the coming days,...
Montelle and Augusta Team Up for Eckert’s Pairing Event
On July 12, 2012 Eckert’s Country Store and Restaurant in Belleville, Illinois hosted a wine and food pairing demonstration with Montelle Winery and Augusta Winery, both from Missouri. Eckert’s is a seventh generation family...
Sleepy Creek Winery Produces “Up The Creek” Comedy Series
Motivating non wine drinkers to give wine a try is a common challenge for regional winery owners. Sleepy Creek Vineyards in Illinois has now come up with a novel way to make wine...
Illinois State Fair Wine Competition Results
Nearly 400 wines were presented at the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition in Springfield, Illinois which was held June 25 through June 27th. Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery in Galena, Illinois captured three of...