The Southern tip of Illinois is one of the most established wine making regions in the Midwest. Connecting nine award-winning wineries along a 25-mile trail through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The group of wineries attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. For an extended getaway in the heart of Illinois Wine Country, many of the wineries offer cozy bed and breakfasts and suites. For more information visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail website. greatriverroad also covers many other regions in the Middle Mississippi River Valley containing wineries. Click here to learn about other regions.
Alto Vineyard
8515 State Route 127 North
Alto Pass, IL
618-893-4898
The Renzaglia Family invites you to taste some of the finest wine produced in the United States. Located on the scenic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this family-owned vineyard and winery offers the unique flavors of Southern Illinois wine. Enjoy the beautiful vineyard scenery for the genuine Southern Illinois wine experience.
Blue Sky Vineyard
3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road
Makanda, IL
618-995-9463
Anchoring the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, this winery offers "The Romance of Italy in the Hills of Southern Illinois." Open year-round, 7 days a week, to provide great Illinois wine. You are invited for wine tasting, a variety of hearty sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks.
Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery
410 Thorn Lane
Makanda, IL
618-995-2307
In the summer of 2017, Randy and Renee Feather purchased Orlandini Vineyard. Randy, a southern Illinois native, fell in love with winemaking while in graduate school and knew that one day he would be a winery owner, even mentioning this to Renee while on their first date. As time passed, and the relationship grew, Randy’s dream became a passion for them both. Making their dream a reality in southern Illinois, they look forward to carrying on the tradition of great wines and friendly service that began with Gary Orlandini while adding their own unique touches.
Hedman Vineyards
560 Chestnut Street
Alto Pass, IL
618-893-4923
At this vineyard in the Shawnee National Forest you can Browse through the Scandinavian Gift shop while tasting Estate wines. Dine at the Peach Barn Cafe', serving authentic Swedish cuisine and stay overnight at the Peach Barn Bed and Breakfast, and relax the peaceful surroundings of Southern Illinois.
Hickory Ridge Vineyard
1598 Hickory Ridge Road
Pomona, IL
618-893-1700
Come to Hickory Ridge and enjoy the best view on the trail from their cozy tasting room, one of the decks, or one of the vineyard picnic tables. Hickory Ridge’s excellent dry wines as well as award-winning whites and roses are made from grapes grown solely on the premises.
Honker Hill Winery
4861 Spillway Road
Carbondale, IL
618-549-5517
Honker Hill Winery takes pride that all of its fine wines are produced from its own fruit. The winery is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest. Relax with friends and family, listen to live entertainment, observe nature from the out-door fireplace and gazebo, or enjoy a stroll around our pond.
Kite Hill Vineyards
83 Kite Hill Road
Carbondale, IL
618-684-5072
Kite Hill is a small vineyard and winery producing fine wines from grapes grown in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois. Their goal is to create enjoyable wines that are unique as the place they were grown.
Lincoln Heritage Winery
772 Kaolin Road
Cobden, IL
618-833-3783
Lincoln Heritage Winery is the newest winery in southern Illinois. The winery is all about quality wine, good food, and good friends. There’s a great outdoor space and a friendly and warm atmosphere. Bring a picnic basket, listen so some great music, and enjoy one of our great wines.
Monte Alegre Vineyard & Cellars
473 Ponce Trail
Carbondale, IL
618-549-3952
Monte Alegre is the first vineyard and winery within the city of Carbondale. Come stroll down Ponce Wine Trail and taste the wines grown in this beautiful region of the heartland. Monte Alegre offers spectacular vineyard views and prime red and white wines that have made Southern Illinois a favorite tourist destination.
Pomona Winery
2865 Hickory Ridge Road
Pomona, IL
618-893-2623
Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Shawnee National Forest, taste award winning exceptional fruit wines made from locally grown fruits other than grapes including seven table wines and three fortified dessert wines, and savor the wooded setting from our covered decks or the garden picnic area.
Rustle Hill Winery
8595 New US Highway 51
Cobden, IL
618-893-2700
Located at the crossroads of the Shawnee Wine Trail, Rustle Hill Winery features music, art, a full restaurant, over 65 beers, and romantic cabins for rent.
StarView Vineyards
5100 Wing Hill Road
Cobden, IL
618-893-9463
StarView Vineyards is home to a family owned and operated vineyard and winery. StarView grows and produces fine boutique wines. At Starview each vine is individually nurtured to produce the highest quality grapes that are then used to produce the finest wines in the region.
Von Jakob Vineyard
Alto Pass, IL
230 Illinois 127
618-893-4600
Established in 1996, owners Paul and Rhoda Jacobs made the decision to plant grapes outside their countryside home. Their grape-growing efforts have sprouted into a thriving business with over 20 varieties of wine, a brewing company. The Alto Pass location offers panoramic views of the winery’s orchards and vineyards with a picturesque backdrop of the Shawnee National Forest.