2025 Marks the 30th Anniversary of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

© Courtesy of Southernmost Illinois Tourism

2025 Marks the 30th Anniversary of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery, a glass of wine, and the company of your closest friends or someone special. Whether you're dreaming of a girls' weekend filled with laughter or a romantic escape with your partner, look no further than southern Illinois— particularly the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which celebrates 30 years of fantastic wine this year. What better way to escape than to raise a glass to cozy accommodations, award-winning wines, and breathtaking views?

CHEERS TO 30 YEARS

What started with just three wineries in 1995 has grown to a trail of 12 individual wineries showcasing a variety of award-winning wine styles and unique experiences.

Don’t limit yourself to just one winery when you can take a scenic drive along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and explore 12 different wineries, all offering 12 different experiences while being surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest in in Jackson and Union Counties. All 12 award-winning wineries are just a few minutes from each other, allowing for seamless travel between each stop on your Shawnee Hills wine-tasting tour.

MORE THAN GRAPES

With 12 unique wineries to explore, you can indulge at your own pace, whether on a day trip or spread out over a long weekend. You can start the trail from either end or jump on somewhere in the middle. Several of the wineries serve delicious bites

alongside their glasses, from sandwiches to full meals. To make a good thing better, most of the wineries even offer picnic areas for you to bring along picnic baskets and enjoy your lunch or snacks— paired with an award-winning Southern Illinois wine, of course.

In addition to great wine, Alto Vineyards offers picnic baskets, gift baskets, wine accessories, T-shirts, gourmet food items, local crafts, and much more, so you can take a piece of Shawnee Hills home with you.

Explore Southern Illinois

The Shawnee National Forest provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest, which means that rolling hills and picturesque vistas are the backdrop for the various vineyards and wineries. You’re sure to find countless photo opportunities, such as under the shadow of the 110 feet tall Bald Knob Cross of Peace that overlooks the forest.

For a unique experience, take a break between wineries and visit the nearby Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch to meet their charming alpacas. StarView Vineyard offers a serene escape with a deck overlooking vineyards, Southern Illinois hills, and a tranquil pond filled with koi and turtles, which visitors can feed. Inside the tasting room, you’ll find a gift shop and an art gallery featuring photographs and mosaics created by local artists.

Along the way, explore antique shops, orchards, and charming markets, perfect for discovering unique treasures and local goods. You have plenty of accommodation options for a more extended stay, including Blue Sky Vineyards, the Peach Barn Winery, Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, and several cozy inns, cottages, and cabin rentals.

Ready to plan your trip? We can help! Contact the Southernmost IL Tourism Bureau at 618-833-9928 or visit southernmostillinois.com