Southern Illinois Wine Country and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail require a 5-6 hour drive from Chicago, but it is a trip worth taking. No matter what your level of experience, there is a lot to do, learn and taste in Southern Illinois Wine Country.

My favorite wineries seemed to have several characteristics in common. I enjoyed wineries that had a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, did not force you to make specific wine tasting selections, and had a relaxed atmosphere. I hope you find this information about Southern Illinois Wine Country to be informative.

Southern Illinois Wine Country – Favorites
Pomona Winery
Owl Creek Vineyard
Hogg Hollow Winery
Southern Illinois Bed & Breakfast

For more information about Southern Illinois Wine Country, visit the official Shawnee Hills Wine Trail website.

Hogg Hollow is a family owned business that was started by two friends. After learning to brew wine in their basement, the tandem decided to go big and open their own winery. A few years later, they have assembled one of the tastiest lists of wine in Southern Illinois Wine Country.

The staff at Hogg Hollow Winery is all family and everyone seemed to love what they were doing. The Hogg’s were even gracious enough to give us a quick tour of their facility so that we could learn a bit more about the wine making process.

If you’re staying at one of the Bed & Breakfasts along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, you’ll need to make a small trip to get to Hogg Hollow, but it will be a trip well rewarded.

For more information visit the official Hogg Hollow Winery website.

When we arrived at Owl Creek Vineyard we were greeted by happy puppy who dropped a ball at my feet. I tossed the ball into the grape vines and he happily ran off to retrieve his toy. After a few more games of fetch, we headed inside and upstairs to the tasting room.

After tasting their entire menu of wines and their specially made sangria, we bought a bottle and took a seat outside on their deck. There is currently a deck expansion underway, but there was no construction going on while we were there. The deck provides a great place to sit and relax after a long day of wine tasting.

For more information visit the official Owl Creek Vineyard website.

The staff at Pomona Winery was very informative and they led us through their entire wine list. As they poured, they would teach us a bit, talking a lot about the types of food that would complement each wine. All of the wines at Pomona were delicious and it was a great way to start our day on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.

With their unique variety of fruit and desert wines, knowledgeable staff and friendly atmosphere, Pomona Winery is one of the sure-fire stops on your trip to Southern Illinois Wine Country.

For more information visit the official Pomona Winery website.

Two Nights of World Class Rock at the 27th annual World’s Largest Block Party. The Block Party is a Chicago Summer tradition not to be missed – each year nearly 20,000 people enjoy two blocks of music, food and fun. Tickets are $40 in advance; $45 at the gate, a two-night pass is available for $75. The price of admission includes five FREE beverages; a choice of beer, wine, soda or bottled water. You could get your beverage from a host of local celebrity bartenders.

Friday, July 15
Mainstage
Farraday—5:40 p.m.
Cobra Starship—7:40 p.m.
Plain White T’s—9:00 p.m.

South Stage
Out for Hours—5:30 p.m.
Spazmatics—7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 16
Mainstage
No Love For Linus — 5:30 p.m.
Matt Nathanson – 6:50 p.m.
Barenaked Ladies—8:50 p.m.

South Stage
South of 80—6:15 p.m

Click Here to Buy Tickets

Where: The entry gate is located at Madison and Des Plaines in Chicago’s West Loop and the Party takes up two full city blocks!

Why: Proceeds support the church and the Center for Social Concerns on the Old St. Pat’s campus, which houses the following outreach programs: Horizons for Youth; Career Transitions Center of Chicago; and Global Alliance for Africa.

World’s Largest Block Party

The host of the event, Old St. Pat’s Church, is Chicago’s oldest public building and a treasured historic landmark. The World’s Largest Block Party is Old St. Patrick’s major fundraising event of the year. The Block Party proceeds support the mission and outreach activities of Old St. Pat’s including the Education Center, the Outreach Group, CARA Job Placement and Mentoring Program, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa.

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