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Welcome to the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area

 

The Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) became the first AVA in Illinois on December 27, 2006 after much research, hard work and determination from Ted Wichmann, the author of the AVA petition and owner of Water Valley Vineyard. This designation established the region within the Shawnee Hills boundary as a unique grape growing area in southern Illinois and brings validity to our beliefs in the promise of the area.

 

Shortly after the designation the Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association was formed to better promote grapes and wines grown within the AVA and to help communicate the excellence of the Shawnee Hills grape and wine industry. We are here to communicate the unique terroir of our region and serve as a central contact point for public relations, marketing and regional issues regarding the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.

 

We invite you to enjoy the fruits of our labor and savor some of the award-winning wines that display the distinct regional character of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area.

Special Thanks to Ted Wichmann



A special thanks to Ted Wichmann for his hard work and efforts in turning a dream into a reality.  Dr. Wichmann wrote the petition and founded the "Shawnee Hills" American Viticultural Area, Illinois' first AVA.

Amenities

Vacationers traveling to the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area will not only enjoy tasting some of the best wines that Illinois has to offer, but will also enjoy the rolling hills and sandstone scenery viewed from the wineries they encounter. The Shawnee Hills AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in southern Illinois and features some of the highest elevations in the state.

Ted Wichmann Grape Grower of the Year Award



Each year the Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association uses a select set of criteria to judge nominated vineyards within the Shawnee Hills AVA for vineyard management and overall quality of the vineyard.

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