Wineries & Breweries
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
In the summer of 1995, the owners of the first three wineries in southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery and Owl Creek Vineyard recognized the untapped tourism potential of the region. With help from our local tourism bureaus and hard work from a passionate group of wine growers, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail became the first wine trail in the state of Illinois. Today, over 20 years later, they look forward to continued growth and many more years of sharing their passion with you.
Set among the scenic countryside, they invite you to visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail of southern Illinois. Enjoy the distinctive character of each of our wineries, charming towns that dot the trail, unique local restaurants and a region rich in history. Be sure to give yourself an extra day or more to discover new adventures that present themselves along the way.
Southern Illinois Wine Trail
Sip, savor, and unwind on the lesser-known Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Experience serenity, adventure, country farmland, and tasting rooms as you explore Southern Illinois.
On the Southern Illinois Wine Trail you will spend time at the Cache River Basin Vineyard & Winery, Bella T Winery, and Hogg Hollow Winery.
Spend the day with us, and you’ll leave satisfied. Located in the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.
The Hop Brewery
This fun environment is a great place to enjoy both locally brewed beer and drinks as well as some more known brews! With a large selection of small batch beers, this may be the only time you are able to discover the beer you never knew about!
Address:
203 W E Market St
Christopher, IL 62822
Phone: 866-724-4677
Website: www.thehopbrewery.com
White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery
Founded sometime in 2009 or 2010, White Rooster is the brainchild of three construction workers consumed in the search for the perfect beer. Started at a literal farmhouse, White Rooster quickly developed into a small-batch brewery located in Sparta, Illinois – mainly offering sours and other farmhouse style ales. However, when visiting the tasting room one will find an array of different styles of beer on tap.
We strive to preserve the art of traditional Belgium brewing through the practice of using a variety of mixed and spontaneous fermentation processes to create farmhouse-style barrel aged beers. From natural inoculation to clean style beers, we use a unique mixture of yeast, hops, wheat, grain, and fruit to balance flavors and potencies.
Address:
113 W Jackson Street
Sparta, IL 62286
Phone: 618-449-2077
Website: www.whiteroosterfarmhousebrewery.com
Big Muddy Brewing
Big Muddy Brewing is located in Murphysboro, Illinois. This microbrew quietly puts out small batches of craft beer for enthusiast to enjoy. Stop in for a tour, and stick around for a sample, next time in town! They are most famous for their two brews below!
Vanilla Stout
A traditional Milk Stout infused with Madagascar vanilla. Subtle vanilla flavor throughout with roasted notes and a slightly sweet, smooth finish.
Saluki Dunkeldog
This is what happens when an American Amber meets a German Dunkel. Aromatic and Munich malts yield a slight sweetness balanced with a hint of chocolate roast. The result is a very approachable beer with a smooth distinctive taste.
Address:
1430 N 7th St
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: 618-684-8833
Website: www.bigmuddybrewing.com
Scratch Brewing
Scratch Brewing Company is a farmhouse brewery located five miles from the Shawnee National Forest in Ava, Illinois. Named one of the top four breweries for foraged beer by Outside Magazine, and one of the most beautiful places to drink beer in the world by All About Beer Magazine, Scratch Brewing Company focuses on farmhouse beers and other styles brewed with home grown and locally farmed and foraged ingredients. The brewery has an ever rotating selection of styles enhanced by the innovative addition of local ingredients, such as nettle, elderberry, ginger, dandelion, maple sap, hickory, lavender, juniper, and chanterelle mushrooms.
Owners Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon create beer with a diverse array of farmed and foraged ingredients that showcase the “terroir” of Southern Illinois. Kris Pirmann and Adriane Koontz, founders of River to River Farms in Ozark, Illinois, are the brewery’s farmers, produce processors, and baker, monitoring the extensive gardens, and helping to plants for the beer and kitchen.
Address:
264 Thompson Road
Ava, IL 62907
Phone: 618-426-1415
Website: www.scratchbeer.com
Route 51 Brewing Company
With live music and local beer, you’re sure to have a great time.
You get the full brewery experience all while enjoying a meal or a few drinks at your table. The uniqueness of the facility is right up with the beers they brew. Enjoy live music and laughs with the other patrons who are having just as much fun as you! Like a beer you tried? You can have your favorite beer canned right then so that you can bring it home with you!
Address:
18967 N US Hwy 51
Elkville, IL 62932
Phone: 618-568-2739
Website: www.route51brewery.com
