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With Wineries And Nature Galore, Alto Pass Is The Best Small Town In Illinois For A Spontaneous Getaway

Alto Pass in Illinois offers a spontaneous small-town getaway with scenic wineries and nature activities.

Published Mar 18, 2022

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Sometimes getaways are hard to plan in advance, so if you're more the spontaneous type, we have an excellent suggestion for you. Surrounded by nature along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail sits Alto Pass, the perfect spontaneous small-town getaway in Illinois. Sip wine while surrounded by the forest and go for a hike if you feel inclined. Alto Pass is one restful and enjoyable place to spend some time.

Located within the Shawnee National Forest, Alto Pass is a village of just over 300 people. In this area, you will find plenty of nature as well as wonderful, scenic wineries.

A panoramic view of lush green hills and trees under a clear blue sky.
hammer/Flickr

Alto Vineyards

A scenic view of a venue with a gazebo and string lights, set against a twilight sky.
Alto Vineyards/Google

You can start your time at Alto Vineyards, the oldest vineyard in Southern Illinois. A multiple award-winner in both national and international wine competitions, this vineyard is hard to beat.

Five wine glasses filled with different wines, set against a backdrop of vineyards under a clear blue sky.
Alto Vineyards/Google

Spend some time touring this nine-acre vineyard and have your pick among the 20 different wines that are offered. There's also beer and live music. You can learn more about Alto Vineyards on the website.

Peachbarn Winery & Cafe

A sign for Peach Barn Cafe, a winery and cafe, with a rustic barn and green landscape at sunset.
Facebook/Peachbarn Winery & Café

At Peachbarn, you can dine on a gourmet meal as you sip a glass of wine. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available and wine flights for just $5!

A plate of colorful pasta topped with cheese, alongside a glass of red wine, set against a wooden Peachbarn Cafe sign.
Peachbarn Winery & Cafe/Google

Live music is also performed nearly every Saturday afternoon. Come here to enjoy the scenery, food, wine, and music. And if you're looking for a place to spend the night, this winery has a suite! Visit the Peachbarn Winery & Cafe website for more information.

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Three beverages on a wooden table: a beer bottle, a glass of beer, and a wine bottle, with a green landscape in the background.
Von Jakob Winery & Brewery/Google

If you enjoy both wine and beer, head on over to the 15-acre Von Jakob Winery & Brewery. This picturesque winery and brewery offers 20 Southern Illinois wines primarily produced here as well as over 15 beers on tap. On top of that, there is a bed and breakfast on the property. Find out more on the website.

Shawnee National Forest

A scenic trail lined with trees and rocky cliffs, under a clear blue sky, showcasing autumn foliage.
Brian Leneave/AllTrails

Surrounding Alto Pass is the Shawnee National Forest which offers hiking trails, wildlife, birdwatching, camping, and some of the best scenery in the state. Immerse yourself in nature and sip wine on a relaxing trip to Alto Pass in Southern Illinois!

How would you like to take a spontaneous small-town getaway in Illinois? Have you been to Alto Pass or anywhere else along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail? Let us know in the comments!

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