This Tiny Winery Town in Illinois Is a Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Centuries ago, long before it became a state, Illinois was one of the country's foremost wine-producing regions. Believe it or not, the Prairie State's relationship with wine goes back to the late 1600s, thanks to European explorers. Prohibition may have siphoned the cask dry, so to speak, but Illinois hasn't let go of its vineyard roots. You'll see that clearly in Nauvoo, a winery town in Illinois, which is home to a rich winemaking and cultural history in the region.

Why Nauvoo Is a Wine Lover’s Dream

Being a town of fewer than 1,000 residents, Nauvoo doesn't have a ton of wineries. In fact, it has two. What makes it special, though, is twofold: it has the oldest winery in Illinois, and the town is small enough that it isn't always overrun by thirsty tourists, especially in the shoulder seasons. First, wine aficionados will want to drop in at Baxter's Vineyards, Illinois' oldest operating winery, founded in 1857. Even 150 years later, it is still operated by the family and is open daily.

While not as old as Baxter's, Press House Winery and Koechle Vineyards has been making wine for over a century. In addition to wine, they're beloved for their wine slushies, a welcome treat on humid summer days in Illinois. Just down the street from the hobbit hole-style Nauvoo Halfling House, the winery is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays or by request. Given Nauvoo's historic charms, these two vintage vintners fit right in.

More To Do Beyond Wine

Even with its small population, Nauvoo is a font of knowledge—seriously. This little town, once the largest city in Illinois, is home to 20 museums, offering visitors a taste of how much history can be preserved—like a fine wine. This museum fact is such a part of Nauvoo's story that the town refers to itself as Museum City, claiming the most museums per capita in the U.S.

Part of the reason there are so many historic sites there is its relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was once headquartered here and was a boon to the town in the 1840s. Many of those frontier-era sites and artifacts have been preserved so that future generations of visitors can see firsthand the town's legacy. These include the Joseph Smith Museum as well as Historic Nauvoo and Carthage Jail, both of which explore the town's religious history.

Is It Worth the Trip?

As a history buff who also loves a wine tasting, Nauvoo is particularly worthwhile. Heck, the Rheinberger Museum combines the two by showing you the oldest vineyard in town inside Nauvoo State Park. Keep in mind that if, like myself, you are not a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints, you cannot enter the Nauvoo Temple. However, you can still visit the grounds and the temple visitor center or just enjoy a carriage ride through town.

If you're more into a fine vintage merlot than a restored 1840s home, though, Nauvoo is also part of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail, making other wineries in the area easily accessible. This little town drenched in history is ideal for travelers who love nature, wine, and history.