Why Do Grapes Grow So Well In Southern Illinois?

Illinois is part of the Ozark foothills.  Glaciers scraped most of Illinois flat, but stopped just short of where Carbondale now exists, giving Southern Illinois a beautiful landscape full of sloping hillsides that provide adequate drainage and prevent frost from forming on the grapevines.

The soil in Southern Illinois is packed full of limestone, which is a great source of calcium for grapes.  Also, the soil has a mild clay content, which allows for easy water absorption and drainage.

The climate in Southern Illinois is also ideal for growing grapes, with a warmer, longer growing season allowing the vines to become fully mature.  Winters are also more mild here, than in other areas.