Illinois Wine

08/30/2026

Calling all Illinois wineries and vineyards - Let's play for !

08/26/2026

Illinois Wine is proud to celebrate another successful run at the Illinois State Fair and the debut of our new Illinois Wine photo opp!

We are grateful to the many fairgoers who stopped by to visit Illinois Wine in the Artisan Building, at the Village of Cultures and in the Commodities Pavilion. It is always a pleasure to spend time with our neighbors, share the story of Illinois Wine, and introduce visitors to the wineries and wines produced throughout our state.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to the Illinois wineries that participated and shared their time, wines, and enthusiasm with fairgoers. Their involvement is especially meaningful during an exceptionally busy and early harvest season. We greatly appreciate the winery owners and staff who stepped away from pressing harvest responsibilities to help tell the story of Illinois Wine.

We also extend special appreciation to our dedicated Illinois Wine staff—Lisa, Lyn, Vera, and Trent—for their commitment, professionalism, creativity, and hospitality throughout the fair’s 11-day run.

Thank you as well to our outstanding event crew members. Their long hours, flexibility, teamwork, and behind-the-scenes effort are essential to making an event of this scale possible. We truly could not manage three locations for the full 11-day State Fair without them.

Although the Fair has come to an end, the next opportunity to visit the Illinois Wine photo opp is just ahead. Join us at Vintage Illinois Wine Festival in September, held in Utica near Starved Rock State Park. We look forward to celebrating Illinois Wine with you—be sure to get your tickets, snap a photo, and raise a glass to our state’s wine industry during . 🍷

08/15/2026

08/13/2026

Our Grape Escape Refresher is entered in the Golden Abe Food Contest at the Illinois State Fair 🍇✨

One great drink — two purchase options:

🥤 Single-use cup: $5
🌈 Color-changing souvenir cup: $7

This Concord grape-inspired, zero-alcohol refresher is the perfect way to cool down while you enjoy the Fair. Find us at the Artisans Building, behind the Coliseum and above Happy Hollow.

Come taste it, vote for it, and escape with grapes! 💜

06/26/2026

🎡🍷 2026 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR WINE COMPETITION WINNERS 🍷🎡

The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Alliance is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, sponsored annually by IGGVA and supported by the Illinois Department of Agriculture!

🏆 Best of Show – Commercial Division

✨ Tres Rojas Winery – Dos Hombres 2024
Winemaker: Bob Barry

🍇 Governor’s Cups – Illinois-Grown Fruit

❤️ Red Wine: Twelve Oaks Vineyard – Chambourcin 2025
Winemaker: Doug Palm - Grower: Cunningham Vineyards

🤍 White Wine: Twisted Trail Winery – Vignoles NV
Winemaker: Scott Albert - Grower: Twisted Trail Winery

🌸 Rosé Wine: Clad & Cordon Vineyard – St. Vincent Rosé 2025
Winemaker: Ryan Phelps - Grower: Clad & Cordon Vineyard

🎨 Specialty Wine: August Hill Winery – Strawberry Peach Sangria NV
Winemaker: Mark Wenzel - Grower: August Hill Winery & others

✨ Sparkling Wine: Blue Sky Vineyard – Eclipse Crossroads NV
Winemaker: Kaleb Wilson - Grower: Blue Sky Vineyard

🍮 Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards – Porto di Guido 2023
Winemaker: Miguel Womac - Grower: Alto Vineyards

🌎 Top Awards – Wines from Any Appellation

🍷 Red Wine: Renzaglia Wines – Tempranillo 2023
Winemaker: Sam Renzaglia

🥂 White Wine: Twelve Oaks Vineyard – Vidal Blanc 2025
Winemaker: Doug Palm - Grower: Wilke Vineyard

🌹 Rosé Wine: StarView Vineyards – Dry Rosé 2025
Winemaker: Brett Morrison

🍷🍇 Specialty Wine: Pheasant Hollow Winery – Black & Blue 2025
Winemaker: Denny Franklin

🍾 Amateur Division Highlights
🏅 Best of Show: Greg Stricker – Chardonel 2024
🍇 Best Grape Wine: Greg Stricker – Syrah 2023
🍓 Best Fruit Wine: Laura Hale – Raspberry Blush

👏 Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s medalists and in raising a glass to Illinois-grown, Illinois-made wine! Special thanks to our amazing judges and event crew for an excellent competition!🎉🍷

Send a message to learn more

06/20/2026

Can't wait to see you in Galena!

Sunshine, river breeze, Illinois wine—yes, that’s your Saturday plan. ☀️🍷

Corkless Galena runs today from noon–6 pm at Depot Park along the Galena River, with 7 Illinois wineries pouring, live music on stage, and plenty of food so you can settle in for the afternoon. 🎶🧺

Don't have tickets? Not to worry...Just head to the gate for general admission tickets, grab your glass, and start exploring Illinois wine one pour at a time. 🚶‍♀️🥂

06/19/2026

🚨 LAST CALL! 🚨 Corkless Galena is tomorrow (June 20) and tickets are flying! Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of Illinois Wine, live music, and great food. 🍷✨

Heads up: GA ticket prices go up at the gate, and VIP sales close TONIGHT! Don't pay more later—secure your glass now before time runs out.

Grab your tickets NOW:

General Admission $25 Includes festival entry and 8 tasting tickets; commemorative glasses. GENERAL ADMISSION HOURS: 12 NOON - 6PM

06/17/2026

Heading to town for the Great Galena Balloon Race weekend? Make Corkless Galena your ultimate midday destination this Saturday, June 20! ⏳

Join us at Depot Park from Noon to 6 PM for a perfect afternoon of live music, local food, and incredible Illinois wine before the evening balloon launches take flight. 🍷✨

🎟️ Why buy in advance?
Save Money: Ticket prices go up at the gate!

VIP is Online Only: Get 12 tastings, a $5 wine coupon, and 11 AM early entry. VIP tickets are limited and will not be sold at the gate.

Grab your friends, pack your lawn chairs, and lock in your discount tickets before online sales close!

🍷Buy Now & Save: https://www.corklessgalena.com/tickets

06/11/2026

Wine fans please note the Illinois Product Farmers Market scheduled for tonight has been canceled because of last night's storms. We will see you all next week!

⚠️ Market Cancellation Notice ⚠️

Due to power outages and damage caused by the severe storms, the Illinois Product Farmers Market is canceled today, Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The safety of our vendors, customers, and staff is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone back at the market next week.

Thank you for supporting local Illinois farmers, producers, and businesses. Stay safe!

www.illinoisproductfarmersmarket.com
Illinois Wine Illinois State Fair