DISCOVER
DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS
Barreled, Bottled Brewed and
Welcome
Welcome to the Discover Downstate Illinois Barreled, Bottled, and Brewed Guide, your comprehensive companion to exploring the finest distilleries, wineries, breweries, and the sole cidery across our 21-county region. This publication is designed to lead you through a curated selection of the most exceptional beverage producers in the area.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore, savor, and immerse yourself in the craft beverages that enrich our region. Be sure to check out our other publications, each crafted to help you discover more of what Downstate Illinois has to offer. You can request them on our website for FREE at downstateil.org. And don’t forget to share your adventures with us by tagging @downstateil and using the hashtag #downstateil— drink responsibly and enjoy!
Distilleries
1. Old Monroe Distilling Co.
2. Schomaker Distillery
3. Witness Distillery
Cideries
4. Eckert’s Cider Shed
Wineries
5. The Weingarten
6. Schorr Lake Vineyards
7. The Pour Vineyard
8. Jo-Al Winery
9. Hidden Lake Winery
10. Copper Dock Winery
11. Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery
12. Twelve Oaks Vineyard
13. Crooked Creek Winery/Downtown
14. Homestead Vineyards and Winery
15. Berryville Vineyards
16. Fox Creek Vineyards
17. Lasata Wines, L.L.C.
18. Irene’s Vineyard
19. Cameo Vineyards
20. Warren James Winery
21. Castle Finn Vineyard & Winery, Inc.
Breweries
22. Shoehorn Brewing Company
23. Peel Brewing Company
24. Millpond Brewing and Incubator
25. Stubborn German Brewing Company
26. Hopskellar Brewing Company
27. Lieferbrau Brewery
28. White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery
29. St. Nicholas Brewing Company
30. Excel Bottling and Brewing Company
31. Schlafly Highland Square
32. Gatter Brewing Company
33. Lot 50 Brewing
Barreled
Downstate Illinois has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft distilleries, showcasing a remarkable selection of exceptional, small-batch spirits that transform cocktail crafting into a true art form. Here in the barreled section, we will go into detail about our region’s impressive selection to satisfy every palate, from smooth flavored vodkas to rich, oak-barrel aged bourbons. Regardless of your preferred spirit, our distillers have you covered.
SO IL Peach Bourbon Smash:
2 oz. Old Monroe Bourbon
1 oz. Unbroken Peach Vodka
1 oz. Maple Syrup
1 Peach
Juice from 1/2 a fresh lemon
Club Soda
Ice
Peach slice for garnish
Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker with no ice, muddle together 1 peach, 2 oz. Old Monroe Bourbon, 1 oz. Unbroken Peach Vodka, 1 oz. maple syrup, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Now, add ice to your shaker. Shake well. In a separate glass with ice, strain your cocktail. Top with club soda and garnish with a peach slice and a lemon slice. Enjoy!
Cherry Eighth Gin-Ski:
2 oz. Old Monroe Eighth Gin
1 oz. Grenadine
Ski Soda
Ice
Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
Choose your favorite glass and fill it with ice. Pour 2 oz. Eighth Gin and 1 oz. Grenadine into the glass. Slowly top off with Ski Soda.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and lemon slice. Enjoy!
Old Monroe Distilling Co.
1727 Centerville Rd, Columbia
Located on an 8th generation family farm, Old Monroe Spirits offers a true taste of farm-to-table craftsmanship. Once known as Stumpy’s Spirits, this beloved distillery has perfected a lineup of award-winning whiskeys, bourbons, vodkas, and gins that showcase their dedication to quality and tradition. Every sip tells a story, connecting you to the rich history and care behind each bottle. Exciting changes are on the way, as Old Monroe is expanding with a breathtaking new wedding and event venue. A public tasting room is set to open in 2025, offering even more ways to enjoy their exceptional spirits and create unforgettable memories.
Schomaker Distillery
5258 Co Hwy 17, Nashville
Schomaker is a craft distillery located in Nashville, specializing in small-batch spirits using locally sourced grains and fruits. Owned and operated by the Schomaker family, the distillery offers a range of handcrafted products, including whiskeys, vodkas, and liqueurs, all produced and bottled onsite. Visitors can enjoy their Schomaker’s intimate distillery set on a private country property. Enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and a warm, family-like atmosphere.
Photo Credit: @StlBucketList
Witness Distillery
330 W Gallatin St, Vandalia
As one of only three craft spirit distilleries in the Downstate region, Witness Distillery delights visitors with a diverse lineup of handcrafted vodkas, bourbons, rums, and liqueurs. Step into the Whiskey Underground Bar and Lounge to savor a perfectly crafted drink, or join their exclusive Private Barrel Club for a personalized spirit experience. For an even deeper connection, take a guided tour to see the artistry behind the scenes.
Eckert’s Cider Shed
951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville
Eckert’s Cider Shed in Belleville, is a charming destination where visitors can enjoy a taste of handcrafted hard ciders made from the farm’s own apples. Located on the grounds of the family-owned Eckert’s Orchards, this cozy spot offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative flavors, making it a must-visit for cider enthusiasts. The Cider Shed offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink while taking in the rustic beauty of one of Illinois’ oldest orchards.
Photo Credit:
Welcome to the Bottled section, where we explore the world of Downstate wineries and the stories of craftsmanship, passion, and tradition that helped build them. In this section, we launch an expedition through the rolling vineyards of the region, exploring the artistry and science behind the production of exquisite wines from the Wabash to the Mississippi. Whether you’re a seasoned wine-lover or an adventurous novice, join us as we unveil the hidden gems of Downstate Illinois’ wine-making community.
Common Illinois Wines
Reds
Chambourcin
This late-ripening wine is very reminiscent of Merlot and is one of the most prevalent varieties you will find in the Downstate region. With a full-bodied feel, moderate tannins, and notes of dark fruits, these wines are an excellent selection when you’re in the mood for a nice red. You will recognize Chambourcin by its deep ruby coloring and earthy aroma.
Maréchal Foch
Due to Maréchal Foch’s ability to withstand cold climates, it is widely popular across the region. This French-American hybrid produces full-bodied wines with a deep inky purple color and mild tannins. Enjoyers will be greeted by aromas and flavors of dark fruits like blackberries, plums, and cherries. Winemakers often age Maréchal Foch in oak barrels, which impart sweeter aromas such as vanilla, coffee, and toasted wheat.
Cabernet Franc
For fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc will be an inviting introduction to the popular red wines of Downstate Illinois. Wines of this variety tend to change characteristics depending on the climate of the region. When produced here, they give off hints of strawberry, raspberry, and herbaceous notes. Most bottles maintain a medium-bodied feel that is very acidic, making it an excellent table wine to pair with a variety of foods.
Marquette
Marquette wines are notable for their deep ruby coloring and full-bodied mouth feel. Like the other red wine grapes on this list, dark fruits dominate the flavor and aroma profile of most wines produced from Marquette grapes. With a high level of acidity and moderate tannins, this is another excellent wine to enjoy with dinner!
Whites
Seyval Blanc
With a flavor profile falling between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval Blanc is a crowd favorite amongst vintners in the Downstate region. Consumers can expect fruity notes such as peach, pineapple, and grapefruit along with subtle and light aromas. The highly acidic, lightbodied dry white wine is the perfect drink for a relaxing summer afternoon.
Chardonel
Created as a hybrid combining the best characteristics of both Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, Chardonel wines are well-rounded and refreshing in nature. Their aromas and flavors are a beautiful mixture of acidic citrus notes from the Seyval Blanc and buttery smooth textures from the Chardonnay. All of these aspects make it an excellent general-purpose wine that can be enjoyed in almost any situation.
Traminette
Traminette is an American-Italian hybrid wine that exhibits dry, crispy textures with light to medium body. The main flavor profiles are grapefruit, green apple, and melon with reminiscent aromas of Chablis. These light pink wines are the perfect pairing for seafood or relaxing drinks with friends.
Vidal Blanc
Hailing from France as a hybrid between French and Tuscan grape varieties, Vidal Blanc produces pale-colored, brightly acidic, and complex wines that feature notes of citrus, honey, apricot, and floral aromas. They tend to be full-bodied and dry-styled wines with naturally high residual sugars and acidity. When allowed to age, flavors of pear, orange, and caramel become more pronounced. Many of the Vidal Blanc varietals found in the Downstate region are best enjoyed as dessert wines.
Fruit Wines
Fruit wines are the most common variety of wine in the region. Local vintners craft these wines using a variety of berries and fruits—like blackberries, peaches, and apples—resulting in vibrant, complex flavor profiles that are both refreshing and unexpected.
Cave to Cork
With a legacy forged over the course of seven generations of Illinois dairy farmers, the Marcoot Jersey Creamery is the perfect place to find exquisite local cheeses to pair with the wines you pick up on your travels through Downstate Illinois. Their signature cave aged cheeses rival even the best international selections, making each one a great addition to any charcuterie board. Shop for a variety of cheeses online or in-person at their farm located at 526 Dudleyville Rd in Greenville!
Pair these Marcoot Artisan Cheeses with local Illinois wines:
Cave Aged Alpine
Crooked Creek Traminette
Cave Aged Gouda
Cave Aged Heritage
Creamy Havarti
Gouda
Smoked Gouda
White Cheddar
Irene’s Riviere Rouge
Castle Finn’s Bell Ridge White
Twelve Oaks Chardonel
Lasata Illinois Sunset
Pour Vineyard’s Marquette
Berryville Vineyards’ Proprietor’s Reserve
The Weingarten
1780 East IL-15, Belleville
The Weingarten in Belleville is a perfect place to gather and hang out with friends on a relaxed evening. While it’s an amazing spot any time of year, their open-air wine bar and private event space make it the ideal get away during the warmer months. Their offerings include signature, house, white, red, and sweet wines. A food menu is also available for when hunger strikes, featuring shared appetizers, salads, wraps, and flatbreads.
The Pour Vineyard
9665 S Prairie Rd, Red Bud
Unwind at the Pour Vineyard in Red Bud, where you can bask in the sun and take in the carefully groomed landscape while you enjoy your afternoon or evening at the winery. While still new to the scene, you can still enjoy a variety of red, white, rosé, and fruit wines from their extensive offering list. The Vineyard also offers a small food menu, including local salsa and tortilla chips, garlic bread, local meat, cheese and cracker platters, and a few other things.
Schorr Lake Vineyards
1032 S Library St, Waterloo
Schorr Lake Vineyards started in 1994 when the vineyard was only 7 acres and had 16 varieties of grapes. Today, the winery is a labor of love that has stood the test of time, with the vineyard producing and growing all their wine fruits on the property. Visitors are always welcome, and the beautiful scenery just a short distance from the St. Louis metro makes it well worth the trek!
Hidden Lake Winery
10580 Wellen Rd, Aviston
Start your next trip with a visit to Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston and be encapsulated by the beautiful scenes of the Silent Forest that surrounds it. Their wines cover a wide array of flavor profiles, from bottles with rich tropical aromas to varietals with a smooth mouth feel and undertones of pear or apple. They also offer a food menu with various appetizers and entrée options, such as sandwiches and salads.
Jo-Al Winery
10213 State Rte 177, Mascoutah
Jo-Al Winery has a variety of unique fruit wines such as peach, razzle-dazzle raspberry sweet, and so much more for you to discover. They also have a gift shop where visitors can buy candles, soap, and gift baskets to remember their time at the winery. The hand-crafted wines produced at the Vineyard can be purchased by the case, with online ordering and shipping available as well.
Copper Dock Winery
498 White Oak Ln, Pocahontas
Join Copper Dock Winery for beautiful scenery with the lake, outdoor patio, and pretty landscape while you enjoy a variety of cocktails, spirits, and wine. Their wine is locally made and bottled, and ranges from sweet to semi-sweet white, semi-dry white, and then semi-dry to dry reds. While enjoying your drinks you can explore their food menu, which includes shareable appetizers and main entrées alike.
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery
15469 State Rte 127, Carlyle
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery, located just two miles from Carlyle Lake, is the ideal spot to end any hot summer day. The owner’s love for South African culture and wine inspired them to build this sprawling winery with an open-air bar and firepits where visitors can relax. Bretz is also a great place to find live music, with acts playing almost every weekend in the summer. When your group gets ready for dinner, their full-service kitchen has a large menu featuring appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
Twelve Oaks Vineyard
18975 Vogel Rd, Carlyle
Surrounded by the beautiful grounds of Twelve Oaks Vineyard, guests can enjoy an assortment of boozy refreshments. Visitors are encouraged to peruse the winery’s wide-ranging wine list or pick from a variety of specialty drinks like sangria, frozen drinks, and signature cocktails in search of the perfect beverage. Fruit wines are their specialty, with offerings that exhibit hints of blackberry, cherry, plum, raspberries, pineapple, and much more. They also have more traditional wines, with various reds, whites, and rosés making appearances on the menu.
Crooked Creek Winery
Crooked Creek Winery 24585 W 10th St Rd, Centralia Crooked Creek Downtown 107 N Oak St, Centralia
Crooked Creek Winery in Centralia, along with their downtown location, are must-go stops on any wine tour through Downstate Illinois. The owners, who moved from California and took over Crooked Creek in 2004, have a deep passion for great wine and take immense joy in sharing that passion with others. From whites and rosés to fruit wines, the Cooney family is sure to produce a bottle that suits anyone’s fancy. The owners main goal was to provide a space where people could gather and create connections with a few adventures along the way, and they have done so successfully.
Homestead Vineyards and Winery
1785 County Rd 775 E, West Salem
Homestead Vineyards has the biggest selection of fruit wines in the region. When combined with the gorgeous view of the grounds, visitors can unwind and enjoy their wine with a view. Homestead also offers live music and multiple festivals throughout the summer. Add Homestead to your list of wineries to visit this summer for an afternoon of relaxation and fun.
Berryville Vineyards
1955 N Prairieton Rd, Claremont
Tucked between Mulberry Hill and the town of Berryville you will find the picturesque Berryville Vineyards. Family-owned for generations, they produce a variety of exciting wines. Whites with unique names such as Dragonfly, Earthquake, and Wildflower and reds named Cardinal, Proprietor’s Reserve, and Blue Tail make up their vast offering list. They also have fruit and rosé wines for those who want more of a dessertstyle bottle, all of which derive from homegrown plants.
Fox Creek Vineyards
5502 N Fox Rd, Olney
This family-owned and operated winery is set amongst the rolling hills and old orchards of Richland County. The area has ideal conditions for French-American hybrid wine due to the intense climate variation between seasons, this contributes to many of the region’s wines having a very pronounced fruity aroma. Additionally, the grounds are available for events of all sizes and occasions.
Lasata Wines, L.L.C.
8880 Lasata Ln, Lawrenceville
Nestled in a wooded hollow near Robeson Hills sits Lasata Winery. Beautiful scenery abound, this is the perfect place to sip locally crafted wines and get away for an evening. Their offerings cover all the bases, with blush, sweet to dry whites, and dry to semi-dry reds making up the bulk of the menu. And for those with fellow wine lovers in their life, Lasata’s custom gift baskets make for an excellent gesture no matter the occasion.
Cameo Vineyards
400 N Mill Rd, Greenup
Looking for a family-friendly vineyard? A place where the whole family can enjoy and relax on the patio and kids can run around? Then Cameo Vineyards in Greenup is your spot! This family run winery has been growing grapes and perfecting their wine-making skills for over thirty years, bringing smiles to guests the whole time. They serve a broad range of wines that will ensure everyone an inviting experience.
Irene’s Vineyard
8500 N 2250th St, Oblong
Irene’s Vineyard is a beautiful vineyard set along North Fork Creek in southeast Illinois. Their offerings range from dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and fruit. Their most popular bottle, White Trash, boasts fruity aroma and smooth, sweet taste. Irene’s has a beautiful outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy their wine while indulging in their comforting homemade pizzas.
Warren James Winery
5600 Lerna Rd, Mattoon
While Warren James Winery in Mattoon may be the new kid on the Downstate block, that doesn’t mean they don’t serve up wines that are aged to perfection. This classy, yet sleek and modern vineyard sits perched upon a private lake surrounded by 55 acres of some of the most beautiful land in Illinois. Their tasting room, which offers decadent food, specialty cocktails, live music, and 8 different wines made on the property, is the ultimate place to unwind in southeastern Illinois.
Castle Finn Vineyard & Winery, Inc.
1288 N 1200th St, Marshall
Castle Finn Vineyard, a small familyowned winery that opened in 2010, is off the beaten path among the corn and bean fields of Clark County. The vineyard sits in a beautiful open area with stunning natural scenery around the edge, creating a calming oasis for wine lovers to immerse themselves in life’s more simple pleasures. Sweet fruit wines and bubbly sparkling varieties are their specialties, making every day a celebration at Castle Finn. While they don’t offer full-service food options, charcuterie boards are available for purchase in their tasting room.
Brewed
In the Brewed section, we embark on a journey through the many unique breweries in Downstate Illinois. Passion, innovation, and heavy influences from the area’s deep-rooted German heritage come to a crossroads in Downstate, helping to nourish a flourishing beer culture that is second to none! Join us as we raise a glass to the brewers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, and discover the rich flavors, aromas, and experiences that await at the bottom of every pint.
Shoehorn Brewing Company
225 E Main St, Belleville
Situated along Historic Belleville Main Street, Shoehorn Brewing captures the essence of community and creativity in every pour. Their meticulously crafted beers showcase a blend of traditional brewing methods and innovative flavor profiles, catering to both seasoned beer aficionados and adventurous newcomers. With a cozy taproom ambiance and a dedication to supporting local causes, they invite patrons to savor more than just great beer. A visit to Shoehorn is an experience that celebrates camaraderie and craftsmanship.
Peel Brewing Company
104 S Cherry St, O’Fallon
Peel Brewing Company, located in the heart of O’Fallon, embodies a fusion of craft beer excellence and gourmet pizza mastery. With a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, they offer a diverse selection of handcrafted beers, ranging from crispy lagers to bold IPAs. When paired with their artisanal pizzas, Peel Brewing provides a vibrant culinary experience that captivates both beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Millpond Brewing and Incubator
308 E Washington St, Millstadt
Located in the charming town of Millstadt, Millpond Brewery represents the spirit of small-town craftsmanship and hospitality. Their handcrafted brews boast a harmonious balance of traditional styles and contemporary flavors, inviting visitors to indulge in a diverse range of beer experiences. With a welcoming taproom atmosphere and a dedication to community engagement, Millpond is a beloved local destination where friends gather to savor exceptional beers and create lasting memories.
Stubborn German Brewing Company
119 S Main St, Waterloo
Based out of Waterloo, Stubborn German Brewing Company stands as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the local craft beer scene. Their eclectic lineup of adult beverages showcases the union of German brewing heritage and contemporary experimentation. A cozy atmosphere welcomes visitors as Stubborn German invites patrons to share in the joy of great beer and lively conversation, making it a cherished gathering spot in the community.
Hopskellar Brewing Company
116 E 3rd St, Waterloo
Hopskellar Brewing is a 10-barrel brewpub located in historic Downtown Waterloo specializing in English-style ales and Northwest Coast American ales. Some of their popular offerings include creative spins on Pale Mild Ales, Raspberry Ales, “Illinois Common” Ales, and award-winning Northern English Brown Ales. Housed in a pre-Civil War building remodeled with reclaimed materials, Hopskellar also serves wood-fired pizzas, pretzels, and other beer-friendly fare, making it the perfect gathering place for great beer, food, and company.
Photo Credit: Nick Simmonds
Lieferbrau Brewery
118 E Market St, Red Bud
Nestled in quaint downtown Red Bud, Lieferbrau is a family-owned craft brewery with a flare for German-style beers. Their offerings include an array of traditional lagers, wheat beers, and seasonal brews. The brewery and taproom, operated out of a renovated historic building in the heart of town, provides a cozy atmosphere for visitors to enjoy an assortment of beers inspired by the rich beermaking traditions of Germanic culture.
White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery
113 W Jackson St, Sparta
White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery sits just off the main drag in Sparta, Illinois. Housed in a rustic building, they offer a rotating selection of unique brews with a heavy focus on mixed-fermentation beers like Saisons and Sours. In addition to their taproom, White Rooster distributes their highly rated beers throughout Illinois and surrounding states, having gained recognition for their creativity and commitment to quality within the craft beer community.
St. Nicholas Brewing Company
12 S Oak St, Du Quoin 111 Ferry St, Chester 665 N Airport Rd, Murphysboro
Anchored out of the historic St. Nicholas Hotel in Du Quoin, St. Nicholas Brewing Company is a delightful brewpub that offers brewed in-house beers and delicious handmade American fare. The building itself dates to the late 1800s, and the brewery team aims to provide all visitors with a unique experience by combining great beer with an engaging, historic atmosphere. In addition to the main taproom, St. Nicholas operates multiple locations throughout the Downstate region, including Chester and Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, allowing beer fans across the region to enjoy their exciting brews.
Excel Bottling and Brewing Company
488 S Broadway, Breese
Excel Bottling & Brewing Company is a craft brewery and bottling facility located in Breese, specializing in producing a variety of flavored sodas and craft beers using vintage bottling equipment. The brewery utilizes cane sugar and returnable bottles to create its popular soft drinks and beers, offering a unique taste experience reminiscent of the olden days. In addition to its bottling operations, Excel Bottling provides a taproom where visitors can sample their latest craft beer offerings and immerse themselves in the brewery’s nostalgic ambiance.
Schlafly Highland Square
907 Main St, Highland
Located just 30 miles east of St. Louis, Schlafly Highland Square is a laid-back brewpub and restaurant that is worth a visit. Operated by the renowned St. Louis-based Schlafly Beer, this location features a full-service restaurant and bar serving Schlafly’s signature craft beers alongside pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. The Highland Square brewpub occupies a historic building in Downtown Highland, providing a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy beer and food in a charming small-town setting.
Lot 50 Brewing
112 E Court St, Paris
Since 2017, Lot 50 Brewing in Paris has welcomed beer lovers with their fun and inviting taproom. A diverse tap ensures that customers will never run out of exciting new flavors to challenge their palettes with. If beer isn’t quite your style, you can try their rotating selection of locally crafted mead, which can be savored on its own or mixed with any of the beers on tap to create a Braggot. Visitors are encouraged to use the extensive selection of board games Lot 50 offers and order food delivery from any local eateries within the vicinity.
Gatter Brewing Company
109 S Main St, Palestine
Our eastern region is home to Gatter Brewing Company, which is located in the small town of Palestine near the Wabash River. Housed in a historic building on Main Street, the brewery offers a cozy taproom experience where visitors can enjoy Gatter’s lineup of locally brewed beers. In addition to their core offerings, Gatter frequently rotates seasonal and experimental brews, providing a diverse selection for craft beer enthusiasts to explore.
Seasonal Beers
Downstate Illinois’ breweries produce a wide range of beers, ensuring that there is a brew for nearly any beer-lover’s preference. Just like food, craft beers rotate seasons to match the flavors of ingredients that are at their peak during that time of year. We have put together a short list of our favorite limited-run Illinois beers. Be sure to catch them before they’re gone and stock up on the ones you like the most!
Excel Winter Warmer
A straightforward English Strong Ale, this warm winter brew skips the added spices and lets its blend of four English hops do the talking!
St. Nicholas Strawberry 711 Blonde Ale
Based on St. Nick’s wildly popular 711 Blonde Ale, but with the added flavor of fresh Downstate Illinois strawberries! This brew is light, crisp, and fruity to keep the good times flowing all spring and summer.
Peel Summer Lager
Bright gold in color and packed with sweet, spicy, and citrus aromas, this is the perfect beer to cool you off from the scorching Downstate summer heat!
Millpond Bridge Lane Munich Helles
Another smooth golden lager that brings a sweet and malty flavor profile to the table. Subtle floral undertones make this one of the best springtime brews in the Downstate Region!
