live music events and monthly local artist spotlights, Cat’s Eye will provide a novel drinking experience every time you return. Pull up an antique chair, order a charcuterie plate and enjoy an evening of good company and great wine! Be sure to check out the Cat’s Eye Facebook for discounts on wines by the bottle and new seasonal additions to their menu. For more information, visit: facebook.com/ catseyewinebar/ CLARKS RUN CREEK 143 Mill Street | North Utica (815) 691-8047 The Clark’s Run Creek wine store stocks an impressive, and eclectic, selection of wines from around the world. You can enjoy a glass while listening to some live acoustic music in their cozy upstairs lounge, or take your favorite bottle to-go for a picnic. The store stocks a variety of Illinois grown favorites, like Prairie State, Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek, and Pheasant Hollow. You’ll also find a selection of quirky seasonal gifts and a craft beer menu. For more information, visit: www.clarksruncreek.com Bonus: Nearby sister store Clarks Run Antiques (215 N Division St, North Utica, IL 61373) features a beautiful wine bar inside an eclectic antique store. Enjoy a glass while listening to live music on their brand-new patio. ILLINOIS RIVER WINERY 723 S. Clark St. | North Utica (815) 667-4012 This spacious tasting room, located just two short minutes from the entrance of Starved Rock State Park, offers a selection of more than 30 hand-crafted, locally produced wines. Illinois River Winery takes their viticultural seriously, they’ve been perfecting the practice of growing great grapes in Starved Rock Country since the 1990s.You can enjoy Find enjoylasallecounty on
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the fruits of their labor on a beautiful outdoor patio, where live music is featured every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, May through October. While you’re there, be sure to stop for a selfie with Illinois River Winery’s 1928 Model A vineyard truck, which sits proudly in the front of their tasting room. For more information, visit: illinoisriverwinery.com OTTAWA 2 RIVERS WINE FEST 101 W. Main St. | Ottawa (630) 450-4193 Located in the heart of historic downtown Ottawa, the 2 Rivers Wine Fest brings together the state’s best winemakers all under one tent! Come join in this relaxing weekend filled with live jazz, delicious food and unbeatable wines! Back for its 10th year, you can also purchase a fresh Maine Lobster, or take a stroll along the festival’s Arts and Crafts vendor market, where you can find amazing items like hand carved charcuterie boards or customized wine glasses. Clear out your calendar for June 5-7, 2020! Head to ottawa2riverswinefest.com for more information. VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FEST 2500 IL-178 | Oglesby Vintage Illinois, held every year at the picturesque Matthiessen State Park, is the largest wine festival dedicated to showcasing the Illinois-made wines! This massive outdoor festival gives guests a chance to sample wine from more than 25 of the state’s best wine growers. This two day event, slated for Sept. 19th and 20th, 2020, is sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois. Visit vintageillinois.com for more information. ENJOYLASALLECOUNTY.COM
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