September Is Illinois Wine Month

September 2007 marks the states third annual Illinois Wine Month.  Traditionally, September is the beginning of grape harvest for Illinois vintners and in 2005 Governor Rod Blagojevich established September as Illinois Wine Month to recognize the Illinois grape and wine industry.  Today, the state includes over 70 wineries and has an economic impact of over $250 million annually.

Many events are scheduled throughout the month of September to celebrate the birth of a new vintage wine.  The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Festival is scheduled for the first weekend in September and Blue Sky Vineyard has their annual Harvest Festival.  Other events include Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois Wine and Art Festival at Rend Lake.  

If you have ever wanted to experience an authentic wine country getaway, September in Illinois offers many unique festivals, wineries and vineyards that offer travelers a memorable experience near the comforts of home.