Location Makanda, Illinois, USA Founded 2000 Known for Chambourcin Reserve | Appellation Shawnee Hills First vintage 2003 Phone +1 618-995-9463 | |
Key people Barrett Rochman, Jim Ewers, Karen Hand Address 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA Hours Open today · 12–6:30PMSunday12–6:30PMMonday(Casimir Pulaski Day)11AM–5:30PMHours might differTuesday11AM–5:30PMWednesday11AM–5:30PMThursday11AM–5:30PMFriday11AM–7PMSaturday11AM–7PM | ||
Blue Sky Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery in Illinois, owned and operated by Barrett Rochman, Marilyn Rochman, and Jim Ewers. Blue Sky Vineyards is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Located within the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area, an area that is federally designated and recognized for its uniqueness in grape growing, Blue Sky Vineyard uses Illinois grapes to produce a number of wines. Karen Hand, Blue Sky Vineyards' winemaker, was the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association's Winemaker of the Year for 2006. They currently produce 17 different kinds of Illinois wine and 5 American wines ranging from dry to sweet. The Tuscan inspired architecture and interiors of Blue Sky Vineyard's main structure and banquet addition were designed by Nancy Karen Brian, MFA, NCIDQ #015635, and tenured professor at California State University Fresno in consultation with Blue Sky Vineyard's owners.
Contents
Blue sky vineyards tour
Showings on TV
Public broadcasting station WTTW's "Wild Chicago" traveled over 350 miles to do a "10-minute segment highlighting the Southern Illinois Wine Trail, specifically Blue Sky Vineyard." This is the furthest south that the show has ever traveled for one of its specials. Id.
In July 2006, Blue Sky Vineyards was featured in CBS 2's Illinois Getaway Guide.