As late summer fades into fall, it’s harvest season at wineries around Illinois.
From August through October, vineyards are hives of activity as grapes reach their peak ripeness, ready to continue on to their vino destiny.
White grapes like Seyval, Vignoles, Chardonel, and Vidal Blanc tend to be up first, while reds such as Chambourcin take a little longer to reach their full flavor. Location makes a difference, too. For example, the warm days and cool nights in Southern Illinois push harvest time past that experienced further north.
But the season isn’t just for the grapes and the winemakers—it’s for you, too. Harvest festivals and events give you the chance to join in on the fun. Visit the vineyards, take part in a grape stomp, enjoy tastings, and get a behind-the-scenes look at all the winemaking magic.
With more than 165 wineries and tasting rooms to explore, Illinois wine country is full of stories to be discovered and vintages to be sipped. Harvest season is the perfect opportunity—so raise a glass and celebrate!
Fall Wine Festivals, Events and Experiences in Illinois
A recipe for a grape time
Celebrate Illinois wines during the month of September at any of these 10 wine festivals and events. While you’re in town, take time to explore a local attraction.
Chicago & Beyond
Wine Harvest Festivals in Northern Illinois
Grapes in Northern Illinois often ripen by late August; the cool Lake Michigan breeze and limestone soil helping make Frontenac and Marquette varietals thrive. Come September, you'll find vineyard teams working fast to beat the early frost. Every sunny day matters for the harvest, so you're going to feel some energy and excitement in that crisp fall air!
Festival of the Vine, Geneva (early September)
Purchase tickets to sample food and taste wine while listening to live music. There’s additional wine tastings at local establishments.
While in town: Explore downtown Geneva with more than 100 restaurants and specialty shops, including the town’s 100-plus year-old specialty store, The Little Traveler. Here, shoppers will find gourmet food and wine, plus home decor and more.
Vintage Illinois, North Utica (late September)
The state’s largest wine festival returns to Carey Memorial Park along the I&M Canal. Tickets are good for both days and include a commemorative wine glass and tasting tickets.
While in town: Take a fall color tour through Starved Rock State Park along the Illinois River. For visitors who want a closer look, the park has 18 canyons and 13 miles of trails.
Land of Lincoln
Live Music at Central Illinois Vineyards
Central Illinois grape picking hits full swing in mid-September. Hot summers help Vignoles and Seyval Blanc grapes grow sweet, while plenty of sunlight ensures optimal ripening. But there's still a lot of care and attention needed from winemakers to balance that sweetness with acidity. Pick too early? Your wine's thin. Too late? You've got grape juice. It's all about picking just the right time to pick.
Wine Rocks, New Berlin (various dates in September)
Danenberger Family Vineyard hosts your favorite tribute bands on their centennial farm. Check the schedule for shows, ages and times (the gates often open 90 minutes prior to the show).
While in town: In downtown Springfield, build your own cheese board at Ad Astra Wine and Tapas Bar, in a 100-year-old row building with exposed brick walls and a tin ceiling.
Music at the Vines, Champaign (multiple Saturdays in September and October)
A nominal fee ($5) pays your cover charge at Alto Vineyards, where a band plays from 7–10 p.m. Enjoy wine, beer and slushies while listening to music at southern Illinois’ oldest winery.
While in town: Wander through The Hartley, one of many gardens at the University of Illinois Arboretum. The U of I alumni logo sits at the center of this 3-acre sunken garden with fragrant annuals and perennials.
Great Rivers Country
Wine Harvest Festivals in Western Illinois
Near the Mississippi River, grapes tend to be ready in early September, with Chambourcin and Norton vines in particular doing well. The river keeps temperatures steady, often letting grapes grow longer. That extra time can often be tasted in the glass, with richer fruit flavors and fuller-bodied profiles.
Annual Grape Stomp and Festival, Mackinaw (early September)
Get your feet wet while listening to live music at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. The annual one-day grape stomp channels the iconic episode of “I Love Lucy,” with a look-alike contest and prizes.
While in town: Stop into the Mackinaw Depot, a tearoom and gift shop in a restored train station. The Tea Room serves soup, salads and paninis, plus desserts for lunch.
Hoof It and Sip It, Galena (every Sunday in September)
Goats accompany guests sipping wine provided by Fergedaboudit, a local vineyard and winery, during a trek through the forest. Plan to traverse uneven terrain; the trail is a 1.25-mile loop.
While in town: See fall at its finest at Apple River Canyon State Park. Limestone bluffs and deep ravines reward hikers. Pine Ridge, the easiest of the five trails, is less than a mile long.
Massbach Stomp!, Elizabeth (late September)
After the harvest, stomp grapes at Massbach Ridge Winery. The one-day event invites participants to join in the fun while listening to music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
While in town: Stop into Dittmar Farms and Orchards. Admission to the family farm includes a hayride, petting zoo and music. You can also pick your own apples.
Galena Cellars Fall Harvest and Art Festival (late September)
Sign up to stomp grapes ($10 adults) at this annual free event. There’s also live music, and food trucks, plus local artists sell their goods.
While in town: Rent an e-bike from Nuts Outdoors and follow the Galena River Trail along the Mississippi River where cyclists pass Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, home to Native American burial mounds.
Trails to Adventure
Live Music and Wine at Southern Illinois' Vineyards
In Southern Illinois, grape picking starts in August and can last until November. The Shawnee Hills create warm spots perfect for Chardonel and Traminette grapes. Each vineyard has its own small climate because of the hills, forests, and varied soils. That's why wines from this area can taste so different from one another, even when grown just a few miles apart.
StarView Vineyards, Cobden (every weekend in September)
Choose a seat inside, outside or in the shade under the giant oak tree and listen to three hours of live music. The winery is family and pet friendly—everyone’s welcome.
While in town: Marvel at massive limestone rocks at Giant City State Park while hiking the 1-mile Giant City Nature Trail, one of eight trails.
Saturday and Sunday in the Park, Makanda (every weekend in September)
Spend your afternoon listening to live music at Blue Sky Vineyard where talented artists play from 2 to 5 p.m. Located in the Shawnee Hills National Forest, Blue Sky is part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
While in town: Eclectic shops line the Makanda Boardwalk, including Rain Maker Studio. The artist owner makes metal jewelry, sculptures and more.
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