5 Must-Visit Wineries Near Marion

The area near Marion features some of the best wineries in southern Illinois. Many of these must-visit wineries are situated along the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail, which became the first wine trail in the state when it was formed in 1995. If you find yourself on a scenic drive in the Marion area, make sure you find time to try a glass or two of wine from these five wineries.

Honker Hill Winery

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A family-owned winery and vineyard, the Lucas Brothers’ Honker Hill Winery dates back to 1980 when the family purchased 90 acres of land to develop a private hunting wildlife club. The family expanded the business in 2004 when it established a vineyard, eventually opening a winery to the public a few years later. Since it opened, the winery has become a destination for local and regional wine lovers to enjoy a few glasses in a family-friendly environment while listening to live music. The winery is also located on the highest point in Williamson County.

The winery offers five different dry wines, including the Don’s Estate, which features the Vignole grape to produce a dry, crisp wine with a hint of grapefruit. It also features six types of semi-sweet wines, one of which, the Chambourcin Cranberry, is a new offering for 2022. The Chambourcin Cranberry highlights Chambourcin grapes paired with Wisconsin cranberries to produce delicious red wine. If white wine is more your style, try another new wine called Applecious. This Michigan apple wine has a hint of lemon. You can also opt for one of the winery’s five sweet wines.

Location: 4861 Spillway Road, Carbondale.

Hours: From noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Kite Hill Vineyards

The founder of Kite Hill Vineyard returned from wine country, hoping to open a winery in southern Illinois. He bought land to plant wine grapes, but he did so without consulting with his wife. When told of his plans, she told him to go fly a kite. This became part of the winery’s name when it opened in the 1990s. Jim and Barbara Bush purchased the property in 2006 and have produced award-winning wines. They broke ground on a dedicated wine production facility in 2010, so they can make their wines entirely on-site.

The winery has about a dozen wines to try in its tasting room. Try its Broadwing, a blend of two white varieties that exhibit flavors of apple and pear. If you’re searching for a wine that pairs nicely with pizza or barbeque, consider the Red Kite and its ripe berry and spice flavors. One of its dessert wines is the Mani, a port-style wine that elevates the rich flavors of dried fruits and cocoa. Small snacks are available, but you can also bring a picnic basket.

Location: 100 Tasting Room Road, Carbondale.

Hours: Summer hours (March 13 through Nov. 6) are from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and Tuesdays by appointment only.

Peachbarn Winery and Cafe

Originally a peach orchard dating back to the 1800s, Peachbarn Winery and Cafe serves award-winning wine and fresh and locally sourced dishes. Swedish natives Anders and Gerd Hedman arrived in Alto Pass in the 1990s and opened the Peachbarn Cafe with aspirations of serving Swedish gourmet food. They decided to plant grape vines and retain a smaller peach orchard. By the mid-2000s, they had renovated the barn’s main floor to include a wine-tasting space.

A few years ago, Scott and Jennifer Schroeder purchased the property so the Hedmans could return to Sweden. They added more house-made dishes to go along with the hand-crafted wine. Stop in to try one of its numerous wines, such as the dry Patina White, sweet Berra’s Berry, or Peach Fuzz specialty wine. While you’re there, order some food at its year-round café where the menu changes based on seasonal produce.

Location: 560 Chestnut St., Alto Pass.

Hours: From noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Pomona Winery

Specializing in wines produced from locally grown fruits other than grapes, Pomona Winery offers seven table wines and two fortified dessert wines. Several of its wines have earned accolades in regional, national, and international competitions. You can bring a picnic basket to enjoy some food along with the wine.

Location: 2865 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona.

Hours: From noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

StarView Vineyard

A family-owned winery nestled in the hills of Cobden, StarView Vineyard sells a variety of wines made from grapes grown on-site. The winery was founded in 2006 when it was known as Wing Hill Winery. In 2013, Brett and Regina Morrison moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois to continue their foray into the wine industry and purchased the property.

For a sophisticated white wine, you can’t go wrong with the Seyvel, which features flavors of white grapefruit. Another solid option is the SuperNova, which blends the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chambourcin. Its 2020 SuperNova won the 2022 Illinois State Fair Gold Medal. You can bring your own food or order appetizers and entrees from its menu. An added incentive for you to visit this winery is that you can stay in its four-bedroom, two-bathroom vacation rental that comfortably accommodates up to eight guests.

Location: 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden.

Hours: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

What do you think of the four best wineries near Marion provided by Volkswagen of Marion? Did you find one that you need to visit? Also, did we highlight all your favorite spots, or did we miss one? If we forgot one, reach out to us so we can add it to our list.