Starved Rock Country Fall Wine Guide

Explore the viticulture of Starved Rock Country with a fall road trip to five of the region’s best wine bars and wineries. From Morris to Ottawa and Utica to Princeton, you’ll discover hidden gems and sample local offerings along the way.

August Hill Winery Tasting Room

106 Mill St., North Utica

augusthillwinery.com

In downtown Utica, August Hill’s sophisticated tasting room offers award-winning, locally produced wines for all seasons. Soak in the relaxing atmosphere while you enjoy a glass of its acclaimed Berlyn Red, share a wine flight on the 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 winemaking methods also carries over to its sister brand, Illinois Sparkling Co. 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 it a legion of committed fans, who eagerly await the latest releases. Check out August Hill’s events calendar for a full list of live music performances, special events and interactive classes.

Montage Wine Bar & Spirits

307 Liberty St., Morris

montagewinebar.com

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. The bar’s small-batch craft spirits, signature cocktails and craft beer menu are sure to cater to any non-wine enthusiasts who may tag along on your trip.

Montage also offers a curated selection of globally inspired small plates and charcuterie. From protein bowls and Korean pork bao buns to its signature BBB brisket sandwich and ahi tuna salad, there’s a tempting variety of dishes to enjoy and share. For the latest wine selections, follow Montage Wine Bar on Facebook.

CatsEye Wine Bar

724 La Salle St., Ottawa

facebook.com/CatsEyeWineBar

In downtown Ottawa, CatsEye Wine Bar fuses 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 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 seasonal cocktails and regional craft beers. Visit CatsEye’s Facebook page for wine-by-the-bottle specials and updates on seasonal menu additions.

Bar Dolci

702 La Salle St., Ottawa

bardolci.com

This new concept, located next to its sister restaurant The Beach House in downtown Ottawa, offers an upscale lounge experience, delicious desserts, small bites and an expansive drink menu complete with a fine selection of wines and sparklings. You’ll find a robust selection of imported and domestic whites, reds and dessert wines, along with ports, brandies and cognacs.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of gourmet pizzas, baked pastas and handcrafted cocktails before the space transforms into an evening Champagne and dessert lounge. Featuring curated wines, craft cocktails and indulgent treats such as crème brûlée and gelato, the late-night spot also serves small bites, including truffle popcorn, designed to complement its artisan drinks.

Clarks Run Creek and Clarks Run Antiques, Gifts & Wine

143 Mill St., North Utica

215 N. Division St., North Utica

ClarksRunCreek.com

Clarks Run Creek offers an impressive, eclectic selection of wines from around the world. Sip a glass while enjoying live acoustic music in the cozy upstairs lounge, or grab a bottle to go for a picnic. The shop also stocks Illinois favorites, including Prairie State, Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek and Pheasant Hollow wines. Browse quirky seasonal gifts and explore the craft beer selection, too.

Nearby sister store Clarks Run Antiques is a must-visit for wine lovers exploring Starved Rock Country. The eclectic antique shop features an upscale wine bar with rustic seating and an expansive wine rack. Sip a glass while enjoying live music on the patio, then browse the store’s thoughtfully curated collection of antiques and collectibles. Vendors specialize in home decor and hard-to-find treasures, and you’ll also find a variety of Starved Rock-themed souvenirs and apparel.

Beetz Me!

952 N. Main St., Princeton

beetzme.com

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 downtown Princeton shopping, Beetz Me! features a fully stocked wine bar, where you can enjoy a glass along with a freshly made chocolate confection.

Beetz Me! also hosts BYOB sip-and-paint classes at The Knack, its creative arts and crafts space. An experienced instructor guides participants step by step as they create an original work of art to take home. All supplies are provided. Visit Beetz Me!’s Facebook page to explore featured wines and learn about upcoming sip-and-paint classes.