Alto Vineyards – Alto Pass, Illinois
Did you realize that Illinois has some great vineyards that are waiting for you to visit and taste their products? The Alto Vineyards is owned and operated by the Renzaglia family and is located at the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. They have two tasting rooms for your convenience. One here at the vineyard and another in Champaign, close to the University of Illinois campus. The one in Champaign opened in 2001.
The vineyard first got its start in 1985. In 1986 they sold the first vintage of grapes to the Lynfred Winery in the Chicago area. Back in those days there were only 38 acres of commercial grapes being grown in the entire state of Illinois. Two years later Alto Vineyards released its first 1,500 gallons of Illinois wine. It was such a delight that it sold out in just 3 days. With only 6 other wineries in the entire state the desire for Illinois grown and produced wine was running high.
The winemaker for the Alto Vineyards and Winery is Paul Renzaglia. Mr. Renzaglia has been awarded the "Life Time Achievement Award" in 2009. This award is given to someone who exemplifies excellence within the wine industry in all aspects of the grape and wine business. With 20 years of experience and a continued devotion to the art of winemaking you can count on getting a great product from the winery.
The wines available from Alto are:
Shelf Talkers
•Alto Festa
•Chambourcin
•Chancellor
•Chardonel
•Cherry Berry
•Cherry Wine
•Dawg House Red
•Heartland Blush
•Heartland Port
•Heartland Red
•Heartland White
•Late harvest Reserve Gold
•Norton
•Porto Di Guido
•Rocko Red
•Rosso Classico
•Shawnee Gold
•Traminette
•Vidal Blanc
•Villard Blanc
•Wiener Dog White
The winery has two major festivals for those that enjoy great wine and great music. One is the SpringFest and the other ColorFest. As well as the two major festivals for the celebration of wine they offer free music at the vineyards from June through September. Stop over; enjoy some great wine and music!
In Champaign there is the Music Among the Vines where you can listen to great music, whether it is a local band or a nationally known one, they come to share their talents with you as you enjoy the wines available. So, regardless of which location you are closest to you will be able to enjoy great wine and entertainment provided by the Alto Vineyards.
Locations:
Alto Vineyards
P.O. Box 51
Highway 127
Alto Pass, IL 62905
Phone: 618-893-4898
Alto Vineyards
4210 North Duncan Road
Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 217-356-4784