Illinois Wine Experience

The Illinois Wine Experience will be located in the fairground’s Artisan building, with additional operations also near the grandstand and in the Village of Cultures, providing fairgoers the chance to taste a variety of homegrown wines that will show the breadth and depth of how the industry has improved and grown over the years.

“Illinois wineries are exploding with talent and tasty wines,” said Lisa Ellis, director of the IGGVA. “We are thrilled to be featured in the State Fair’s Artisan building, where fairgoers can sample award-winning wines for all taste preferences – white, red, rosé, dry, sweet, semi-sweet wines from all over Illinois. Our additional locations near the giant slide and the grandstand will bring Illinois Wine to even more fairgoers, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Tasting experiences like this allow consumers to become more familiar with the grape varieties grown here in Illinois, like Chambourcin, Chardonel, Cabernet Franc and Vignoles, and find new favorites.”

           Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 1:00pm to 10:00pm    
           Monday - Thursday - 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Your $10 entry fee provides six tasting tickets and a complimentary stemless wine glass. Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase, enabling you to sample award-winning wines for all taste preferences (White, Red, Rosé, dry, sweet, semi-sweet). Cool off and relax with the winemakers while you sample, sip and stock up for home (purchase a case or more and your wine gets a ride to your vehicle on the fairgrounds). Must be 21 to sample/purchase wine.

           Thursday Aug 8- 4:00pm to 8:00pm
           All Other Fair Dates - Noon to 9:00pm

The Illinois Wine booth at Village of Cultures will feature one winery per day selling glasses, bottles and our world-famous wine slushies!

Visit the Village of Cultures' page for list of food and entertainment.

           Everyday - 11:00 am to 8:00pm

The Illinois Wine Experience is sponsored by The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). IGGVA established in 1992, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois through information exchange and cooperation among Illinois grape producers and vintners.

The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries and tasting rooms in 1997 to 165 today, according to a 2019 economic impact study. The Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact to the state approaching $5 billion annually, paying more than $320 million in state taxes and generating a significant impact on state tourism activities. The wineries across Illinois have also contributed to their local communities, including growth of charming bed and breakfasts, restaurants and local crafts businesses.