Southern Illinois Wine Trail
Tour Southern Illinois Vineyards and Wineries
Spend your afternoon, or the whole weekend, unwinding and chatting over a glass of locally prepared wine with southern Illinois wine trails. Feel free to enjoy a quiet stroll through a vineyard, or attend one of the many festivals offered nearly year-round at the wineries. Music festivals, local artisans, and even grape-stomping are featured activities of wineries in southern IL! Enjoy the good life taking in the breathtaking scenery of Southern Illinois, while visiting the region’s booming wine industry.
Which winery will you love the most?
When you come to the Shawnee Hill wine trails, you know you are not here for the wine but the experience. The southern Illinois wine trails feature 11 spectacular wineries along a 35-mile scenic drive along Highway 127 and Highway 51 in the Shawnee Forest. As you visit one winery to the other, remember to take a moment to explore the small towns, local eateries, shops, and opportunities for memorable outdoor adventure. Along the way, have a picnic, go on a hike, and stay in a cozy cabin rental.
Tips before you visit the wine trails
- How many locations to visit – Select four to six wineries in a single day. You can get enough time to learn something about the winery and experience their full tasting experience without feeling overwhelmed.
- What to bring – Do not get alcohol onto the winery premises. You may bring soft drinks and snacks onto the van but leave them on the shuttle.
- Prepare – Enjoy snacks and drink enough water between or during the winery visits. Snacking throughout the day will help you avoid over-sipping wine.
The best time to visit the wine trails
The Southern Illinois wine trails are open year-round, but you will have a wonderful time visiting them during the winter. If you plan your visit over a weekend, they will be quieter, and you can even enjoy live music and other events.
Plan a spring, summer, or fall trip to experience the beautiful outdoor patios and breathtaking views. However, It’s up to you what type of experience you are looking for, as you can’t go wrong with any of the seasons in Southern Illinois.
