August Hill Winery Tasting Room
106 Mill Street North
Utica, IL 61373
815-667-5211
Located right in the heart of downtown Utica, August Hill's sophisticated tasting room offers a selection of award winning, locally produced, wines for all seasons. Soak in the relaxing atmosphere while you enjoy a glass of their award-winning Berlyn Red, share a wine flight on their beautiful patio or even purchase a case of your new favorite wine, to enjoy with friends and family back home.
August Hill's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional wine-making methods carries over to their sister brand, Illinois Sparkling Co, as well. All of ISC's grapes are grown at a vineyard in Starved Rock Country, creating a line of authentic, locally crafted, sparkling wines. August Hill's ever-growing lineup of wines and sparklings has earned them a legion of committed fans, who eagerly await the craft grower's latest releases.
To learn about August Hill's wine club and the special events they host throughout the year, visit: www.augusthillwinery.com and follow them on Facebook at August Hill Winery.
Clarks Run Creek
143 Mill Street
North Utica, IL 61373
815-691-8047
The Clarks Run Creek wine store stocks an impressive, and eclectic, selection of wines from around the world. You can enjoy a glass while listening to some live acoustic music in their cozy upstairs lounge, or take your favorite bottle to-go for a picnic. The store stocks a variety of Illinois grown favorites, like Prairie State, Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek, and Pheasant Hollow. You'll also find a selection of quirky seasonal gifts and a craft beer menu.
Nearby sister store Clarks Run Antiques (215 N. Division St., North Utica, IL 61373) is a must-see for wine aficionados traveling through Starved Rock Country. This eclectic antique store also plays host to a beautiful upscale wine bar, complete with plenty of rustic seating and sprawling wine rack. Enjoy a glass or two while listening to live music on their patio, then cap off your visit with a shopping trip around the antiques portion of the store. You'll find a keenly curated selection of vendors, many specializing in home decor and hard-to-find collectibles, as well as a great selection of Starved Rock-centric souvenirs and apparel!
For more information, visit www.clarksruncreek.com, and follow the stores on Facebook at Clarks Run Creek and Clarks Run Antiques.
Montage Wine Bar
307 Liberty Street
Morris, IL 60450
For more than a decade, Montage has been Eastern Starved Rock Country's signature wine bar, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere, along with an impressive selection of domestic and imported wines! This curated offering of bottles will appease any wine connoisseur, while the bar's small batch craft spirits, signature cocktails, and craft beer menu is sure to cater to any non-wine enthusiasts who may tag along on your trip.
This beautiful building, located in historic downtown Morris, now features an outdoor patio area where you can enjoy a plate of charcuterie along with your wine. Frequently, Montage also plays host to live music, mimosa and whiskey flight events, as well as other seasonal specials. Be sure to follow Montage on Facebook to see all their upcoming events and highlighted bottles.
For more information, visit: www.montagewinebar.com
CatsEye
724 La Salle Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-481-1389
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, CatsEye wine bar has fused together urban-vintage style, and a wonderfully eclectic wine menu, to create one of the most comfortable drinking destinations in Starved Rock Country. With an ever-changing roster of wines from around the globe, frequent live music events and monthly local artist spotlights, CatsEye will provide a novel drinking experience every time you return.
Pull up an antique chair, order a charcuterie plate and enjoy an evening of good company and great wine! If some of your party members aren't wine aficionados, don't fret. CatsEye also features a full menu of cocktails and regional craft beers. Be sure to check out the CatsEye Facebook page for discounts on wines by the bottle and new seasonal additions to their menu.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/catseyewinebar/
Beetz Me!
952 North Main Street
Princeton, IL 61356
Located inside an 1850s hardware store, complete with working ladders, original fixtures, and a gorgeous tin ceiling, Beetz Me! is a diverse shop that also happens to house one of the region's best wine bars! An excellent respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping in downtown Princeton, Beetz Me! features a fully stocked wine bar, where you can enjoy a glass along with a freshly made chocolate confection.
Each week, Beetz Me! highlights a new featured wine, like a 2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve from Two Mountain Estate in Washington, a hearty wine with a bright fruit base that's perfect for the fall season, or a bottle of August Hill's popular Carmel Apple, a sweet dessert wine that perfectly mimics the classic fall taste of fresh caramel apple. To see more of their featured wines, visit the Beetz Me! Facebook page.
For more information, visit: www.beetzme.com