OAKFORD, Ill. (WAND) - When you think of wineries, you may think of states such as California, or even countries such as France or Italy. However, one local winery is working to make a name for itself in Illinois.
Hill Prairie Winery is located in Oakford, Illinois, and has been making wine in the central Illinois area for close to two decades. The winery offers 14 separate varieties of wines, made from grapes grown on the premises. Â
Success does come with its fair share of challenges, and one of the largest for Hill Prairie had to do with the grape growing process; specifically, the soil in which the grapes are grown. Owner Mark Lounsberry tells WAND News that Illinois' soil is too fertile, which could result in crops being too vegetative and not producing enough fruit. However, advances in genetics and disease management have allowed these grapes to thrive in this soil.
"To grow grapes you have to un-learn things you learned about traditional row crop farming," said Lounsberry.
In addition to manufacturing its own wine, Hill Prairie Winery also hosts several events, from class reunions and weddings to murder mystery dinner theatres. Wine produced at this location is also sold in many stores throughout central Illinois, including at County Market locations in Springfield, Chatham, Jacksonville, and Petersburg.
For more information about Hill Prairie Winery, click here.
