SHAWNEE HILLS WINE TRAIL
Set among the scenic countryside of Southern Illinois, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail brings together welcoming tasting rooms, charming towns and a region rich in history, so every visit feels like an experience, not just a stop.
1995
Founded
40+ mi
Signed Route
2006
AVA Designation
UNITED BY WINE, ROOTED IN SHAWNEE HILLS
WHO WE ARE
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail began with just three pioneers, Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery, and Owl Creek Vineyard, and has blossomed into a collection of 11 unique wineries across Southern Illinois. Today, each stop along the trail pours its own personality, offering handcrafted wines, heartfelt stories, and opens up to unforgettable views of the Shawnee National Forest.
Hospitality
Friendly tasting rooms and knowledgeable teams ready to guide your journey.
Collaboration
Member wineries working together to promote local wine, food and culture.
Place
Distinctive terroir within the Shawnee Hills AVA—wines with a sense of where they’re from.
Mission
Inspire visitors to discover, taste and connect with Southern Illinois through authentic, memorable wine experiences—delivered with hospitality and cooperation.
Vision
Be a nationally recognized wine‑tourism destination where every guest finds a favorite wine, a new view and a reason to return.
Crafting wines, shaping memories since 1995
OUR HISTORY
1980
Roots in the hills. Ted Wichmann plants vines that would later support Owl Creek and the region’s growth.
1993
Early pioneers. Alto Vineyards plants new varieties (1984). Pomona Winery becomes licensed (1991) and releases its first apple wines (1993).
SUMMER
1995
1995
Trail founded. Alto, Pomona and Owl Creek, with local tourism partners, launch the first wine trail in Illinois.
TODAY
Eleven member wineries. A 40‑mile signed route, year‑round events and a community that keeps growing.
More Than Wine. A Journey.
Discover the spirit of
Shawnee Hills
Loading map…
Wineries & Tastings
11 Scenic Wineries
Meet the family‑owned wineries that make the Trail special. Start with any stop—there’s no wrong order.
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Kite Hill Vineyards
Charming property with scenic beauty, welcoming staff, and wines best enjoyed with friends.
DETAILS
Alto Pass, IL
Owl Creek Vineyard
Boutique winery & bed & breakfast in Southern Illinois, in Shawnee Hills AVA.
DETAILS
Alto Pass, IL
Alto Pass, IL
Pomona Vineyard
Specializes in wines made from locally grown fruit other than grapes;
DETAILS
Alto Pass, IL
Wichmann Vineyard
Small, cozy vineyard focused on wines made from grapes grown primarily in the Shawnee Hills AVA;
DETAILS
Alto Pass, IL
StarView Vineyards
A family-owned vineyard & winery in rural Cobden, IL,
DETAILS
Let’s plan your trip...
We’ve created a map to help guide you through the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail so that you can spend more time sipping and relaxing and less time sweating the details of your trip.
Download the map