It’s Saturday, March 31 and many in the area are enjoying all types of fun activities for Spring Break. Several fun-loving people decided to spend this particular day with me on a Wine-Oh! Tour.
We departed from Evansville at 8:00am and headed for our first stop at Blue Sky Vineyard. We were welcomed by Brandy, who had helped me arrange a very special experience for my tour guests. After a wine tasting in the tasting room, we were met by Karen, Blue Sky’s own wine-maker and taken out into the warm sunshine to stand among the vines and learn about the process of grape growing in Illinois. Karen guided us through the entire wine-making process, which ended in the barrel room. We then enjoyed an exclusive tasting from the barrel and a delicious lunch prepared especially for us in the barrel room.
After lunch we made our way to Orlandini Vineyard. Gary Orlandini was once the wine-maker for Blue Sky, but now has his own winery and tasting room. We were welcomed by Mr. Orlandini himself and treated to a private tasting. We took some time to relax on the deck overlooking the lake and vineyard before continuing on the trail.
Just a short drive from Orlandini’s place we found ourselves at Starview Vineyards and were treated to yet another wine tasting experience. Starview’s Wine-a-Rita slushies were a big hit along with their wines. Some chose a glass of their favorite beverage and proceeded to the deck, where they enjoyed live music and a view of the lake and surrounding countryside.
From Starview we took a meandering drive through the countryside. We made a stop at the scenic overlook to take in the view of Bald Knob Cross and Shawnee National Forest, before continuing on to Alto Vineyards. The friendly staff at Alto Vineyards welcomed us for a wine tasting in their tasting room.
Von Jakob Vineyard was our next winery to visit on the trail. They offer wine tastings as well as tastings of beer from their own micro-brewery. The weather was gorgeous and the breeze on the deck offered a comfortable respite for everyone after their tasting here.
Our final visit was to be Hedman Vineyards. Winery owners Anders and Gerd Hedman are from Sweden. They offer a menu of Swedish inspired dishes at their Peach Barn Café, where we had a delicious meal to bring a lovely end to a lovely day on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
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Join us for our next adventure to some of Indiana’s premier wineries on April 21 on our Cheese and Wine Lovers Day Trip. We would also love to prepare a custom itinerary for your group of friends, bachelor or bachelorette party, club, company or organization.