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.

           Sunday - Thursday - 12:00pm to 8:00pm
           Friday, Saturday - 12:00pm to 9:00pm    

Step into the historic Artisans Building, beautifully restored with its original hardwood floors and powerful air-conditioning. This welcoming, spacious venue is the perfect place to relax, taste, and explore the very best of Illinois wine—all in the premier showcase of the fairgrounds.

Ready to swap crowded tours for hidden gems and mass-produced bottles for truly distinct flavors? With over 100 wineries, dozens of weekend getaway options, 4 unique wine trails and 2 AVAs, Illinois isn't just a flyover state; it's a hidden gem for wine lovers. Discover award-winning vintages crafted from diverse varietals, all served with the warmest Midwestern hospitality! Visit the Illinois WIne Experience and learn more about our growing community.

$10 Wine Experience—Taste, Sip & Explore

Begin your Illinois Wine Experience with a $10 ticket, which includes six tasting tickets to kick off your tasting adventure. With more than a dozen wineries from across the state gathering in Springfield, you’re invited to sample at your own pace from a wide variety of winery vendor booths. The Wine Competition booth also returns this year, featuring over 100 award-winning wines recognized in the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition.

Discover an incredible array—whites, reds, rosés, and everything from dry to sweet—showcasing the diversity of Illinois winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned taster or simply curious, browsers are always welcome to enjoy the sights, sounds, and festive energy inside the fair’s most iconic indoor setting.

All guests must be 21 or over to sample or purchase wine.

Why Experience Illinois Wine Here?
Experience the welcoming, historic charm of the spacious, air-conditioned Artisans Building—enjoy award-winning Illinois wines, lively live music every weekend, and a festive, comfortable atmosphere perfect for relaxing and celebrating local flavor.

Sample the wines that set Illinois on the map, brought to you by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association.

Taste the Tradition. Celebrate the Craft. Make it a Fair to Remember.

           Thursday Aug 13- 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.