This document provides a history of wine production in Illinois from early European settlement to the present day. It summarizes that while European grapes initially failed, native American varieties like Concord succeeded and catalyzed the industry in the mid-1800s. It then outlines the development of the industry over time, including the establishment of the oldest winery in 1855, challenges after prohibition, and the emergence of new French hybrid varieties in the 1900s that became the backbone of the modern industry. Finally, it provides details on the types of grapes grown and wine styles produced in Illinois today.

1. Vintage Illinois:History, development, and wines

2. Eastern U.S. history Wine production and early settlements Production of goods for use, trade by England Silk, oils, wine, tobacco European grapes failed repeatedly Native species Poor yields, strange quality mid-1800’s Emergence of chance V. labrusca hybrids ‘Concord’, ‘Delaware’, ‘Catawba’

3. Illinois history Labrusca hybrids catalyzed the industry Grape production common Mostly fresh, jelly, juice Commercial wineries?

4. Oldest Illinois Winery Baxter’s Vineyards, Nauvoo 1855 Icarians (French) Concord, Niagara, Catawba $0.25/gal. 500-600 acres Many others around IL, but little documentation

5. 1900 Census

6. Post-prohibition Industry still recovering Farmers turned to other crops Intense regulation of alcohol-related business Vineyards take 3-5 years to develop fruit Financial stress Political stress Change in consumer preferences Pre- 3:1 dry to sweet Post- 1:3 dry to sweet

7. European hybrids 1900 – 1950 New grape varieties emerged Seyval blanc, Villard noir, Villard blanc Vidal blanc, Chancellor, Chambourcin Marechal Foch, Leon Millot Selected for phylloxera resistance and wine quality Cold-tolerance added benefit to eastern U.S.

8. European hybrids Backbone of modern eastern U.S. industry Not ‘Concord’-like Moderately cold-tolerant Disease tolerant Productive

9. 1990’s Established cultivar trials around the state, including UIUC Established grape and wine resources council Enology and viticulture specialists Emphasis on the promotion of new growers, winemakers

10. Illinois terroir Continental climate Cold winters, hot summers Major challenges Disease pressure Hot, humid summers Rainfall Minimum winter temp Spring frost Lack of elevated sites Rich, fertile, deep soils Vigorous vegetative growth

11. Industry development Year # of Vines Acres 1900 1986 1999 2005 3,008,000 23,000 215,160 660,000 5400 38 326 1100

12. Illinois wine 77 Wineries Wines Fruit, mead Labrusca French-American hybrids New hybrids Cornell, UMN Vinifera Wide variety of styles

13. New Cultivars V. vinifera 2000+ yr. head start Sources Academic and private breeders Very little data, recommendations available

14. Consumer Acceptance Development of new hybrid wine enthusiasts Traditionalists Want wines to taste like Chardonnay, Cabernet Labrusca fans Want wines to taste like grandpa’s Agritourism Attach experience to product Market locally

15. Illinois wine grape varieties Labrusca grapes Concord, Catawba, Niagara, Delaware Grown throughout IL Wine styles Sweet, dessert

16. Illinois wine grape varieties Vinifera grapes Chardonnay, Cabernet franc Viognier, Syrah Southern Illinois Minimal acreage, but on the rise

17. Illinois wine grape varieties Hybrids Reds Chambourcin, Norton/Cynthiana, Chancellor, Noiret, Corot Noir, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, Marquette, Frontenac Whites Vignoles, Seyval blanc, Chardonel, Traminette, Vidal blanc, Valvin Muscat, Edelweiss, St. Pepin, La Crescent, Frontenac gris

18. Chardonel Hybrid of Chardonnay and Seyval blanc Crisp acidity Citrus aromas Oaked or unoaked, dessert Pairs similar to Chardonnay

19. Seyval blanc Wine style varies Typical peach character Can include tropical fruit and grassiness Sauvignon blanc Pairing depends on style Seafood, salad Mahi Mahi with Mango sauce

20. Traminette Gewurztraminer descendent Intense floral aromas Citrus notes Best with spicy foods Thai, Vietnamese Original cross made by Herb Barret at UIUC in 1965

21. Frontenac Grown more in northern ½ of Illinois Versatile Red, rose, sparkling, dessert Outstanding Port-style wines Garnet color Distinct cherry nose Low tannin, crisp acidity Chocolate desserts

22. Cabernet Franc True Vitisvinifera Bordeaux, Loire Grown in southern IL Dry table wine Moderate color Dark fruit, black pepper Great structure and tannin Pairing: Beef, lamb, rich foods

23. Chambourcin The premier red wine grape of southern Illinois Shawnee Hills AVA Versatile Dry, sweet, port Cherry/tobacco nose Low tannin Best with parmesan pastas, lean red meats, BBQ

24. Norton Native American Grape 1873 “Best red wine of all nations” Vienna international competition Small cluster, berry size Very dark red wine Dark fruit, rich pipe tobacco, smoke Great with rich, smoky meats

25. Thanks! www.illinoiswine.com