Thoughts of Illinois often evoke images of Abraham Lincoln, the Chicago skyline and cornfields -- not wine country. Thinking “wine country” normally calls to mind the vineyards of California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys. As wine aficionados are discovering, however, Illinois wines rank among the best, winning national and international medals. Whether you’re visiting Illinois for the day or the weekend, plan a trip south to the state's largest wine-producing region. Enjoy a drive along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail (www.shawneewinetrail.com) and sample a glass or two at one of the 12 wineries and vineyards that dot the trail.
↧