by Ronald

Wineries in Southern Illinois | Shawnee Hills

June 11, 2024 | Wine Country Travel

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Wineries in Southern Illinois | Shawnee Hills

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Every vineyard in Southern Illinois has its own tale, much like the stories we cherish here at Wander Wine Carriers. As we explore the charming Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, I invite you to uncork the unique narratives and rich flavors that each bottle from this region has to offer.

If you’re looking for a unique and authentic wine experience, look no further than Southern Illinois. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, located in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois, is home to a passionate group of wine growers who take great pride in producing award-winning wines. The trail boasts over a dozen member wineries, each with its own distinctive character and style.

The trail spans across the Shawnee National Forest, the highest point in Williamson County, and the scenic countryside of Southern Illinois.

Along the trail, you’ll find cozy tasting rooms, beautiful wineries, and exclusive offers.

In addition to wine tastings, the trail offers a variety of activities, including hiking, shuttle services, and craft beer tastings.

The region also features unique local restaurants and plenty of rental cabins, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.



Key Takeaways:

  • The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is home to over a dozen award-winning wineries, each with its own distinctive character and style.
  • In addition to wine tastings, the trail offers a variety of activities, including hiking, shuttle services, and craft beer tastings.
  • The region also features unique local restaurants and plenty of rental cabins, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

If you’re a wine lover, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a must-visit destination. Located in Southern Illinois, this wine trail is home to several award-winning wineries and offers a truly authentic wine culture.

The trail is located in the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), which boasts a unique terroir that gives the wines distinctive character.

Shawnee Hills AVA and Its Unique Terroir

The Shawnee Hills AVA is a federally designated wine region that covers an area of over 2,000 square miles in Southern Illinois.

The region’s rolling hills, scenic countryside, and proximity to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers create a unique terroir that is ideal for growing high-quality grapes.

The AVA is home to several microclimates, which allow winemakers to produce a wide variety of wines with different styles and flavors.

Just as the Shawnee Hills AVA offers a unique terroir, the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon presents its own distinct wine-making conditions. Learn more about how these unique climates influence the flavors of their wines in our detailed exploration of the Applegate Valley Wine Trail.

Notable Wineries Along the Trail

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is home to several award-winning wineries, each with its own unique style and personality. Some of the most notable wineries along the trail include:

  • Alto Vineyards: This winery was the first on the trail and is located in the small town of Alto Pass. They offer a wide selection of wines and have a cozy tasting room with a beautiful outdoor patio.


  • Pomona Winery: This winery is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and offers a breathtaking view of the hills. They specialize in fruit wines and have a fun and laid-back atmosphere.


  • Honker Hill Winery: This winery is located in Carbondale and offers a wide variety of wines, including some unique blends. They also have live music on weekends and a beautiful outdoor patio.


  • Owl Creek Vineyard: This winery is located on a 50-acre farm and offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on the property. They have a cozy tasting room and offer a shuttle service to and from nearby hotels.


  • Starview Vineyards: This winery is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They specialize in dry wines and have a beautiful outdoor patio.

Exploring wineries isn’t limited to Illinois. If you’re captivated by the charm of rural wineries, you might also enjoy our journey through the Black Hills, where wineries and vineyards offer both history and unique varietals.

Year-Round Attractions and Events

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is open year-round and offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to wine tastings, many of the wineries offer gourmet food, live music, and fun activities such as hiking and picnicking.

The trail is also home to several craft breweries and cideries, as well as a variety of rental cabins and bed and breakfasts.

Some of the most popular events on the trail include the Wine and Food Festival, the Wine and Art Festival, and the Wine Trail Christmas.

While enjoying the vibrant events of Southern Illinois, don’t miss the opportunity to explore another fascinating wine region in our guide to the best wineries of Springfield, MO, where the Ozarks’ wines offer rich tastes and compelling stories.

Culinary and Cultural Experiences

Wineries in Southern Illinois | Shawnee Hills

Pairing Wine with Local Delicacies

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the culinary experiences that await you on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The wineries here are known for their fine wines, but they also offer a range of gourmet food options.

Many wineries feature on-site restaurants, where you can savor a delicious meal paired with their award-winning wines.

You’ll find a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

If you’re looking for something more casual, you can also enjoy wine tastings paired with local cheeses, chocolates, and other delicacies.

Some wineries even offer picnic areas where you can enjoy a bottle of wine and a picnic lunch in the beautiful countryside.

Cultural Hotspots and Community Engagement

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is not just about wine and food. It’s also about engaging with the local community and experiencing the unique culture of Southern Illinois.

You can explore the arts district in nearby Carbondale, which features a variety of galleries, studios, and shops.

If you’re looking for a fun activity, you can visit Paducah Beer Werks, one of the various microbreweries in the area.

You can also try some of the craft beer or variety of styles of Illinois beer at the local wineries.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Giant City State Park is a perfect spot for hiking, camping, and other fun activities.

The park offers breathtaking views of the Shawnee Hills and is home to the highest point in Illinois south of the Illinois River.

If you’re interested in wine competitions, you can attend international competitions where the wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail have won different awards.

Winemakers in Southern Illinois share a commitment to quality that echoes across the globe. For another perspective on world-class vineyards, see how Australia’s Great Western region, particularly Denmark Wineries, competes on the world stage.

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offers a truly authentic wine culture, with a passionate group of wine growers who take great pride in their hard work.

You can visit local wineries like Purple Toad, Dry Ground, or even the small town of Alto Pass, which is home to Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Jakob Brewery.

Whether you’re planning a corporate event, baby shower, or just a weekend getaway, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has something for everyone.

You can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet food, and fun activities while taking in the scenic countryside and engaging with the local community.

Elevate Your Wine Experience with Our Exclusive Accessories and Gifts

While exploring the delightful wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, why not enhance your wine journey with our specially curated selection of wine accessories and gifts? At Wander Wine Carriers, we understand the art of wine enjoyment. Our collection features precision-crafted openers, elegant racks, and luxurious wine tubs, designed to blend functionality with unmatched style.

Wine Accessories and Gifts

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or searching for the perfect gift for a fellow wine enthusiast, our accessories are not just products but a testament to ethical elegance and quality. Discover how you can enrich every cherished wine moment by visiting our Wine Accessories and Gifts collection today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated wineries to visit on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail?

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is home to some of the best wineries in Southern Illinois. Some of the top-rated wineries that you should visit include Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyard, and Pomona Winery.

These wineries are known for their award-winning wines, scenic countryside views, and cozy tasting rooms.

You can also check out Honker Hill Winery, Owl Creek Vineyard, and StarView Vineyards for a truly authentic wine culture experience.

Can you recommend any wineries in Southern Illinois that offer live music events?

If you’re looking for wineries that offer live music events, then you should definitely check out the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

Some of the wineries that host live music events include Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyard, and Kite Hill Vineyards.

You can also check out Pomona Winery and StarView Vineyards for some amazing music performances.

These wineries provide a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends.

Are there any wineries near Shawnee National Forest that provide unique experiences?

Yes, there are several wineries near Shawnee National Forest that provide unique experiences.

One such winery is Owl Creek Vineyard, which is located in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois.

The winery provides a breathtaking view of the Shawnee Hills and is known for its high-quality grapes.

You can also check out Giant City Winery, which is located in the heart of Giant City State Park. The winery offers a wide selection of wines and a variety of appetizers.

Which wineries along the Southern Illinois Wine Trail offer the best fine wines?

The Southern Illinois Wine Trail is home to some of the best wineries in the state of Illinois. If you’re looking for wineries that offer the best fine wines, then you should definitely check out Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery, and StarView Vineyards.

These wineries are known for their distinctive character and their wines range from dry to sweet.

You can also check out Blue Sky Vineyard and Feather Hills Vineyard for a wide selection of fine wines.

What are some Shawnee Hills AVA wineries with the most scenic countryside views?

The Shawnee Hills AVA is home to some of the most scenic countryside views in Southern Illinois. If you’re looking for wineries with the best views, then you should definitely check out Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyard, and Pomona Winery.

You can also check out Honker Hill Winery and StarView Vineyards for some amazing views of the rolling hills of Southern Illinois.

How can I find lodging or cabins close to the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail?

There are plenty of rental cabins and lodging options available near the wineries on the Shawnee Wine Trail.

You can check with the local tourism bureaus in Williamson County and Carbondale to find the best options.

Some wineries like Pomona Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard even have their own winery lodging options.

You can also find unique local restaurants, craft beer, and various microbreweries in the area.

If you’re planning to go hiking, then you can rent hiking gear and take advantage of shuttle services.

Some of the other places that you can check out include Paducah Beer Werks, Appleknocker Hard Cider, and Jakob Brewery.


As we wrap up our journey along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, remember that every sip of wine carries a story worth sharing. If you’re eager to create your own wine-tasting adventure right at home, subscribe to our blog today and receive a free step-by-step guide. This exclusive resource includes expert advice, perfect pairings, and printable tasting sheets to enhance your wine experience. Join us, and let’s continue to explore the wonderful world of wine together!


About the author, Ronald

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