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Welcome! The Northern Illinois Wine Growers association website is a communication, training and informational support tool for its members.  However, whether you're a member or not, please feel free to browse. We believe you will be amazed, as we are, by the vigor of the wine industry in Illinois. The growing variety of wines, the many vineyards and the increasing acreage of land focused on viticulture is breathtaking!

There is a revolution in grape growing and wine making in Illinois. Ten years ago, seven or eight wineries dotted the state and maybe 100 acres were devoted to grapes. Today, those numbers have ballooned to about 80 wineries and more than 2,000 acres of vines. Those who are involved in wine making here like to think that Illinois is where California was in the 1970s -- producing great wines that have only to be recognized.

In June 2009, the Upper Mississippi River Valley (UMRV) American Viticulture Area (AVA) was established by the U.S. Government. The AVA is the largest in the U.S and includes the driftless, or bluff-lands, regions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. The UMRV AVA boundary represents 32 wineries and 445 vineyard acres. 

For more information about the AVA: http://uppermississippirivervalleyava.org/

For information about the Northern Illinois Wine Trail: http://www.visitnorthernillinois.com/wineTrailWineries.html

Please contact us with any questions at NIWG2011@gmail.com or become a fan on Facebook!