Recently, yours truly (Nietzsche) and my crew (driver and scribe), visited Shawnee Winery. Shawnee Winery is a cooperative formed to create a market for small grape growers in the southern Illinois area, and is owned by five growers. This winery is supported by the USDA and the State of Illinois, and provides a secure market for each year's harvest, as well as a vehicle for the sale of wine made from the members' grapes. We tasted wines, visited with Sonya, and had a great time. In general what we found was a very pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, and great wines at very affordable prices. No matter what your preference, I think you will find something to your liking here. The tastings are free, and the visit was well worth the drive. In general, we definitely recommend a visit when you next find yourself in the area. Hours are Mon thru Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun 12-6pm.
Visit their website for more - http://www.shawneewinery.com/
Call for info - 1-888-659-WINE
Our favorites:
Just Peachy - the description of this wine, does not do it justice. In short, if you sip with your eyes closed, your brain will be confused! I could have sworn I had just bitten into a sweet ripe peach on a warm summer day! Mouthwatering from the first small sip, we brought home two bottles, one is a gift, one is being saved for the first warm day on our porch this spring. A Definite Winner in our book.
Dreamcatcher - The description is "A Picnic in a Bottle". This blend of Concord and Niagra grapes really has a sweet grapey flavor, and a very nice nose. I would definitely agree with the winery to say this blush compares to a Muscadine.
Razzle Dazzle - A sweet raspberry flavored wine with a great light Chardonel nose and a blast of raspberry flavor, definitely has that WOW! factor.
Tiffany's Gold - Named aptly, this semi-sweet golden wine is a delicious blend of 4 locally grown grapes, and delivers a great nose with a pallet pleasing tropical twist.
Chambourcin - 100% Illinois Chambourcin wine offering a beautiful ruby color, bare minimum of oakiness and no must. The winery calls this a medium bodied wine, and compares it to a Merlot. We say warm blanket in front of the fire, nice full glass of wine, instant contentment!
Voyage into Night - A delightful full bodied sweet dark wine, made from brandy fortified Dutchman's Port. If you like the richness of chocolate , married to the sweet berry flavors, this is the one for you!
