It all started in 1984, when Guy Renzaglia established Alto Vineyards by planting 5 acres of then unheard of grape varieties - Chancellor, Chambourcin, Vidal, Villard Blanc - varieties now widely accepted by Midwestern wine drinkers. Word got out, curiosity grew, and by the time the winery was built and the first wine released in 1987, people were standing in line waiting to buy this new Illinois wine as fast as the crew could label it. 

Renzaglia's success was noted with interest by another pair of would be winery owners, George Majka and Jane Payne.  Majka and Payne had been making wines from apples and other local fruits for over a decade.  In 1989, they broke ground for the Pomona Winery at a location as far away from people as you can get and still be in the state of Illinois. They became a licensed winery in 1991, and released their first two apple wines in 1993.

Another piece fell into place in 1994 when Ted Wichmann built Owl Creek Vineyard and released their first wine in 1995.  Wichmann had established his vineyard in 1980, and had worked as Alto Vineyards' first wine maker. Now owned and operated by the Genung family, Owl Creek Vineyard and winery produces wonderful dry, barrel-aged wines, lighter sweet wines, and delicious dessert wines made from grapes grown in their vineyards and in those of local family growers. 

In 1997, Dr. Paul, a local optometrist, and Rhoda Jacobs opened Von Jakob Vineyards and became the wine trail's fourth member. The Jacobs' original location in Pomona is planted with their vineyards and offers a warm, cozy atmosphere.  Their second site in Alto Pass on 127 provides breathtaking views of their orchards and is a perfect place for gatherings of any size.  

In 2003, Inheritance Valley Vineyards, owned and operated by Tim and Kendall Waller, joined the wine trail, bringing the total number of wineries to five. The Wallers believe that by keeping things as simple as possible they are best able to produce quality grapes and wines to be enjoyed by a diverse group of wine drinkers.  

Hedman Vineyards opened as the sixth winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in June, 2005. Originally from Sweden, Gerd and Anders Hedman took over a peach orchard in Alto Pass, planted a vineyard and began selling their peaches and grapes to local wineries.  Now producing and selling their own European-styled wines, they also own and operate the Peach Barn Cafe', specializing in Swedish cuisine.  In addition, Hedman Vineyards has a Scandinavian gift shop and a Bed & Breakfast, all located in their historic 3-story peach barn.  

Having been a dream for years, Blue Sky Vineyard opened its doors on July 4th, 2005.  Barrett Rochman and Jim Ewers brought a taste of Tuscany to the eastern end of the wine trail with their winery, a Tuscan villa surrounded by 12 acres of grape vines, nestled in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest.  Blue Sky Vineyard also has two suites available for rent year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy their extended visit to Tuscany right here in Southern Illinois.  

Also joining in 2005, StarView Vineyards became the eighth member of the wine trail when Scott Sensmeier brought his wife and two small children back to his home town of Cobden to begin their winery. The Sensmeiers purchased a mature vineyard and their first harvest yielded six award-winning wines, medaling in national and international competitions. The Sensmeiers have expanded their vineyard and host many events throughout the year.

A more recent member of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is Kite Hill Vineyards.  In 2006, Jim and Barbara Bush purchased this little bit of heaven off 127, which includes a small boutique winery and Bed & Breakfast.  Kite Hill offers guests who stay at their B & B a three course breakfast, wine tastings, and a relaxing stay after a full day of Southern Illinois activities. 

The newest member Orlandini Vineyard in 2008 became the tenth winery to join the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Gary and Noella Orlandini began roots in 1988, when the first vines were planted. Orlandini Vineyard is located on one of southern Illinois' highest ridge tops, deep in the heart of the Shawnee A.V.A. Orlandini Vineyard began releasing wines to the the public in 2001. A new tasting room was opened in 2008.

The rest, as they say, is history.  As the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail continues to expand, it is becoming more difficult to travel the whole trail in one day. Many Bed & Breakfasts have popped up in the area and most are booked solid throughout the year. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail looks forward to increasing growth and success in the years to come, and is especially proud of the new American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. This is a very exciting time for wine in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois.