Wally's Red

Illinois

Illinois is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in the Midwest. Spanning from the Mississippi River to the rolling hills and fertile plains, Illinois' American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) cover a wide array of terroir. The cool, fresh waters of the Great Lakes play a major role in moderating Illinois' vineyards, sending breezes and tempering the daytime heat. This allows grapes to ripen slowly and fully. Cooler-climate grape varieties thrive in the northern regions, while further south, bigger, bolder wines prevail. Illinois' growing wine industry is crafting exceptional wines that reflect the state's unique and dynamic environmental conditions.