Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area
Our History
First in Illinois:
The 2006 Designation
The Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) became the first AVA in Illinois on December 27, 2006 after much research, hard work and determination from Ted Wichmann, the author of the AVA petition and owner of Water Valley Vineyard. This designation established the region within the Shawnee Hills boundary as a unique grape growing area in Southern Illinois and brings validity to our beliefs in the promise of the area.
Shortly after the designation the Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association was formed to better promote grapes and wines grown within the AVA and to help communicate the excellence of the Shawnee Hills grape and wine industry. We are here to communicate the unique terroir of our region and serve as a central contact point for public relations, marketing and regional issues regarding the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.
We invite you to enjoy the fruits of our labor and savor some of the award-winning wines that display the distinct regional character of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.
Shortly after the designation the Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association was formed to better promote grapes and wines grown within the AVA and to help communicate the excellence of the Shawnee Hills grape and wine industry. We are here to communicate the unique terroir of our region and serve as a central contact point for public relations, marketing and regional issues regarding the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.
We invite you to enjoy the fruits of our labor and savor some of the award-winning wines that display the distinct regional character of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.
2006
FIRST AVA DESIGNATION
2,139
SQUARE MILES
1.36M
ACRES
What Is an American Viticultural Area?
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated grape growing region in the US, distinguishable by geographic features. AVA’s have geographical boundaries defined by the Tobacco and Trade Bureau (TTB). These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic region.
The AVA Landscape
What Makes the Shawnee Hills Unique
Geography & Elevation
The Shawnee Hills AVA spans an un‑glaciated limestone ridge rising 400 to 800 feet above surrounding land. Many of Illinois’ highest elevations are found within these boundaries.
Climate & growing season
Higher elevations create a unique meso‑climate with warmer winters and a longer growing season, allowing grapes to fully ripen and develop rich aromas and higher sugar levels.
soils & topography
Thin loess soils and karst topography, featuring limestone bedrock, sinkholes, caves, and springs, provide excellent drainage and contribute complexity to the wines.
Terroir & Taste
The Role of Terroir
Terroir is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including such factors as soil, topography and climate.
The climate and characteristics of the land the grapes are grown in have such a profound impact on the wines we drink. Each wine is truly unique because of its terroir.
The Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association was formed in 2007 to represent the best interests of the Shawnee Hills AVA and the grape growers and wineries within its boundaries and to act as a vehicle, authorized by its members, to plan and execute a strategy for successful growth of its wine-grape industry.
The climate and characteristics of the land the grapes are grown in have such a profound impact on the wines we drink. Each wine is truly unique because of its terroir.
The Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association was formed in 2007 to represent the best interests of the Shawnee Hills AVA and the grape growers and wineries within its boundaries and to act as a vehicle, authorized by its members, to plan and execute a strategy for successful growth of its wine-grape industry.
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