The Epic Wine Festival In Illinois You Don't Want To Miss This Year
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 10, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Illinois has a festival for just about everything, so it should come as no surprise that there’s one celebrating our many vineyards. For one weekend only, you can taste all your favorite local wine at one location.
Festival season isn’t just about music in Illinois. Keep scrolling for a look at one of the best fests to hit our state.
In Oglesby, September 16-17, 2017, Illinois will host one of its best festivals - the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival. It is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Since it began in 2003, the fest has taken place at Matthiessen State Park along the Illinois River. The cost to get in when tickets are bought ahead of time is about $25 ($30 at the door), and it includes tasting tickets, a wristband, and a souvenir glass.
While the festival recommends leaving pets and children with another caretaker, both are allowed on the grounds. Designated drivers only pay $5 to $7 and get several free nonalcoholic drinks.
The festival has live music playing every day throughout the entirety of the celebration. Guests can bring their own blankets and chairs to relax in or share tables set up around the grounds.
While you cannot bring your own drinks into the festival, outside food is allowed. But you may be more interested in something hot and fresh off the grill, which you can buy on site.
