By CELESTE HUTTES
Illinois Farm Bureau Partners
While the proverbial “road not taken” might appeal to poets, wine lovers prefer a trail well-traveled. In the southernmost stretch of Illinois, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail proves fine wines and the great outdoors are the perfect pairing.
A Wine Trail Is Born
The roots of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail stretch back 40 years ago to a visionary farmer.
“It all started in 1984 when Guy Renzaglia established Alto Vineyards by planting five acres of then-unheard-of grape varieties – chancellor, chambourcin, vidal, and Villard blanc – that are now widely accepted by Midwestern wine drinkers,” said Carol Hoffman of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. “Word got out, curiosity grew, and by the time the winery was built and the first wine released in 1987, people were standing in line waiting to buy this new Illinois wine as fast as the crew could label it.”
By the summer of 1995, the owners of Pomona Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard had joined Alto Vineyards and – with the help of local tourism bureaus – Illinois’ first wine trail was born.
Today, the trail spans 40 miles and 12 wineries, each offering striking views and their own unique spin on fine wine, good food, and fun times. In 2006, the region earned the prestigious American Viticultural Area designation, recognizing Shawnee Hills as a unique wine grape growing region. Along with eccentric wines, the area boasts a range of outdoor activities and other attractions, plus views that will take your breath away.
“Along the trail, you’ll encounter an array of specialty shops, farms, unique eateries, art galleries, and a growing number of breweries,” Hoffman noted. “And the Shawnee National Forest provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest.”
Peaches and Dreams
According to Hoffman, the trail adds an estimated $126 million to the local economy every year and welcomes 150,000 visitors, including people like Jenny Schroeder.
When not working as a nurse anesthesiologist, Jenny’s favorite pastime involved visiting wine trails in Illinois and Michigan with a group of friends.
During one visit, Jenny had an “aha! moment,” while chatting with a server.
“She mentioned she had friends who had retired and opened a winery,” Jenny recalled. “It hit me like a lightning bolt that maybe my husband, Scott, and I could do that, too.”
The unexpected dream became a reality when the Schroeders, originally from Watseka, purchased the Peachbarn Winery and Cafe in Alto Pass in 2020.
Scott, a former construction contractor, volunteer fire chief, and beer-over-wine guy, began learning the ropes of grape farming and winemaking. Jenny took the reins of managing and rebranding the business, which had previously specialized in traditional Swedish food and formal dining.
“We try to stay authentic to our roots,” Jenny remarked. “The Peachbarn Winery and Cafe is in a real barn that was once a livestock and produce barn built in 1946. The kitchen used to be a horse stall, and the rental suite in the basement was once a manure pit – it’s fun to tell guests that.”
The Schroeders grow red grape varietals Corot noir and chambourcin, which is similar to merlot, and chardonel, a white grape similar to chardonnay – and, of course, peaches.
“We only make wine from grapes that grow right here,” Jenny continued. “We are definitely known for our Peach Fuzz wine – it’s pretty unique. It’s like biting into a fresh peach. In the winemaking world, if you’re making a non-grape-flavored wine, you typically start with a white wine base. But our peach wines are 100 percent peaches. Even more unique is that we have a dry peach wine, too.”
From the sangria to the salads, the Schroeders strive to incorporate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into their menu, like the lavender that grows at the farm just down the road every June.
“It’s really fun to feature something from local farms in our creations,” Jenny said. “The farms and restaurants in this region are mutually supportive. We all try to source ingredients from area producers.”
Camaraderie vs. Competition
The mutual support helped seal the deal for the Schroeders to do business in southern Illinois. It becomes even more critical today, as area grape growers navigate challenges related to weather and higher costs.
“There is an obvious camaraderie in the way the Shawnee Hills wineries support each other and emphasize each others’ strengths,” Jenny stated. “Even as a customer, I could see the cohesiveness of the trail. As winemakers and wineries, we want to produce the highest quality and most regionally authentic wines.”
From the sweet peach wines and rustic charm of Peachbarn Winery and Cafe to the Apple Knocker hard cider and outdoor entertainment at Owl Creek Vineyard, you’ll find something special at every stop along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
As the trail’s slogan suggests, you may come for the wine, but you’ll stay for the experience, which Jenny learned firsthand.
“It’s gorgeous down here, and the people are really laid back and friendly,” she said. “The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail has always been my happy place.”
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit ILFBpartners.com.
Breakout box:
If you go…
Planning a visit to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail? Carol Hoffman with the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau offers these tips.
- Choose four-to-five wineries to visit in any one day. This allows you ample time to learn something about each winery and experience its full tasting experience without overwhelming your palate.
- If you have a large group, call ahead. This helps the wineries better prepare for your visit.
- Stay overnight and make the most of your visit. Many of the wineries offer lodging options, and there are many lodging opportunities along the trail – from cabins to bed and breakfasts – to make your visit more enjoyable.
- Consider booking a shuttle to drive you around.
Mark your calendars
Every year, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail hosts popular wine-and-food pairing events on the first weekends in March, August, and November. A tasty way to experience the entire trail, each winery offers a mouthwatering bite paired with their wine of choice. Tickets are required. For event updates and more information, visit shawneewinetrail.com.
Visit shawneewinetrail.com to learn more.
This story was distributed through a cooperative project between Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Association. For more food and farming news, visit ILFBpartners.com.