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WINERIES
Area Wineries: A Unique — And Tasty — Experience
W
hile many people may not associate Central Illinois with wine making, picturesque wineries and vineyards located in the region will delight visitors’ taste buds with their unique wine offerings. Visitors are welcome to “unwine” off the beaten path as wineries in the region offer entertainment, B&Ws (Bed & Wine) and other accommodations amid the beautiful scenery and peaceful ambiance of Central Illinois.
Forsee Vineyards & Winery A part of the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, Forsee Vineyards and Winery, located at 18165 N. 4th Ave., Coffeen IL, in Montgomery County, opened in early 2008. The winery and vineyard are nestled in a landscape of rolling hills, peppered with oaks and vines. According to Diane Forsee, “We originally sold beef that we raised on our farm. We decided to find something to complement steak and wine was an easy choice. We planted grapes in 2003, built the winery in 2006 and began making wine. By 2008, the tasting room was opened and we have been open year-round ever since.” The cows have been replaced by 9 acres of vineyards, providing a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a picnic basket and a glass of Forsee Vineyards & Winery Forsee wine. Forsee Vineyards and Winery is located on Route 185 between Hillsboro, IL, and Vandalia, IL. Visitors can see the copper roofs shining from the highway. Forsee Vineyards and Winery offers a beautiful wooded setting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Patios and an open pavilion offer views of shaded woods and vineyards. Indoor seating is also available. Visitors may enjoy complementary wine tastings, choose their favorite from 15 wines, and then stroll the vineyards, glass in hand, with their favorite friend. Summer sausage, cheese and crackers are also available, as well as premium bottled beer and freshly made sangria. Live music is offered Saturday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. The schedule can be seen at www.forseevineyards.com or on the winery’s Facebook page. For information on accommodations, call 217-534-6347. Forsee Vineyards and Winery is open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 10 p.m.
Sleepy Creek Vineyards Wine country in east central Illinois? Sure, why not. At least that’s what Joe and Dawn Taylor said when starting second careers in the Illinois wine industry. Joe Taylor, having been self-employed most of his life, wanted to start something new and Dawn Taylor, having always worked for someone else, was ready to try something new, too. As a result, the pair started Sleepy Creek and opened the winery in 2007. According to the Taylors, growing 10 acres of grapes is hard but rewarding work, especially when the efforts result in a satisfying glass of wine and good company. Sleepy Creek Vineyards is located at 8254 E. 1425 North Road, Fairmount, IL, in scenic Vermilion County, near the Middle Fork, a National Scenic River, and the Salt Fork rivers. There is plenty to do during a visit to Sleepy Creek, as both rivers are great for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Also, Kickapoo Sleepy Creek Vineyards State Park, Middlefork Fish & Wildlife Area, and Kennekuk County Park are nearby. The parks offer hiking, biking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, bird watching and more for the outdoor enthusiast. Situated just 3.5 miles off Interstate 74 between Danville and Champaign/Urbana, the home of the University of Illinois, visitors are just a short drive from restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping, antiquing and a wide variety of entertainment. Another unique feature at Sleepy Creek Vineyards is its B&W (Bed & Wine). A perfect place to “unwine,” Sleepy Creek's B&W is located above the working winery and taste room in a rustic, timber frame barn. The scenic 10-acre vineyard is just steps away. Sleepy Creek Vineyards is open year round, seven days a week. For more information, call 217-733-0330 or email at info@sleepycreekvineyards.com or visit www.sleepycreekvineyards.com.
Tuscan Hills Winery Tuscan Hills Winery is a family-owned and operated business. The winery’s award winning winemaker and American Wine Society judge, Dr. Larry Jackson, has more than 30 years of wine making experience and is especially focused on creating well-balanced wines of the highest quality.
Wines produced from our own family orchard & vineyard
We can host your • wedding • corporate parties • birthday • anniversary 307 Second Street Alma, IL , 62807 • 618-322-3875 18165 North 4th Avenue, Coffeen, IL 62017 ZZZ IRUVHHYLQH\DUGV FRP
PAGE 48 | 2012 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois