Things To Do | Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Discover the nuances of unique wineries along the expansive wine trail.
Our cabins are walking distance to beautiful Blue Sky Vineyard.
Pick up your wine glasses, a bottle to go, and stroll back to your cozy hidden cabin.
What's your flavor?
Not only does Southern Illinois have award winning wines but you'll also find refreshing sangrias and award winning craft brews.
Talented local regional musicians will be at the wineries on any given weekend.
Did you know the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is open all year round?
Savor a crisp glass of Rose on a warm summer day or watch the winter sky in hues of blue close down the day.
Anytime of year is a good time to relax on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Experience the unique ambiance and specialties of each winery on the trail
The heady scent of wisteria while sipping a velvety Widow's Kiss at Hickory Ridge Vineyard then a finish of a superb Swedish dinner at Hedmand's Vineyard - a treat for the senses.
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail (and Craft Breweries)
Take your time to meander along the 40 miles of the Shawnee National Forest dotted with 11 wineries that belong to the SHWT along with several more individual wineries. For the dry red connoisseur, a lover of sweet wines, or always a cold crisp white favorite, you will find all of these award winning wines and everything in between along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Yes, there is a beer trail! The new Southern Illinois Beer Trail boasts unique and award winning craft breweries.
On the Trail
Rocky Comfort Cabins is located on the Eastern side of the wine trail. Out of view of all three of our cabins but just past the tree line, take a short stroll and you are within minutes of a taste of Tuscany at Blue Sky Vineyards. Get a bottle to go along with something off of their cafe style menu and head back to your cabin if you wish for more privacy. You can even just walk back with your glass of wine. Now that's living!
Boating, Hiking, Zipline, Lakes
We are located directly on the wine trail, but we are also a mile from the trail head of Panther's Den Wilderness Area. Our cabins are three miles southeast of the Shawnee Canopy Tours Zipline and within a few minutes drive of Cedar Creek Lake, Little Grassy Lake, and hidden and not so hidden waterfalls and natural areas.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Out of view of all three of our cabins but just past the tree line, take a short stroll and you are within minutes of a taste of Tuscany at Blue Sky Vineyards. Get a bottle to go along with something off of their cafe style menu and head back to your cabin if you wish for more privacy. You can even just walk back with your glass of wine. Now that's living!
Other unique wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Just a stones throw from Rocky Comfort Cabins, be sure to visit Orlandini's for a wine tasting.
Owl Creek VineyardThe founding Shawnee Hills Vineyard, Owl Creek now has a menu and music. We just tried their Owl's Leap Reserve. Smooth.
StarView VineyardsStarView has a fun and unique balance of wine, food, and music. In the more temperate days, enjoy the view on their beautiful wrap around porch. In the cooler months, feel the warmth as you settle in with a glass of wine next to the fireplace. There is always something going on at StarView.
Hedman VineyardWhen is the last time you were able to savor the flavors of authentic Swedish cuisine? Hedman's, run by Anders and Gerd Hedman, has a full, exquisite swedish menu.
Pomona WinerySpecializing in wines made from locally grown fruits other than grapes, offering seven table wines and three fortified dessert wines.
Pomona, Illinois
Don't miss a stop at Kite Hill for a complimentary wine tasting.
Hickory Ridge VineyardThe only winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to make 100% of their wine from grapes they grow themselves. We love dry reds and our favorites are their Norton, Widow's Kiss, and Rose.
One of the original vineyards in Southern Illinois, The Renzaglia family has been perfecting their wines for decades.
Monte Alegre WinesVisit the Ponce Wine Trail and Monte Alegre Vineyard and Cellars in Carbondale, Southern Illinois!
Von Jakob winery and BreweryExperience a little taste of Germany at Von Jakob.
Walker's BluffBeautiful scenery forms the backdrop for gourmet cuisine, pleasurable pastimes and world-class entertainment. Check out their website for upcoming musicians.
Lincoln Heritage WineryEnjoy a wine tasting and be sure to take home a bottle of their Chocolate Cherry Cordial.
Each and every winery on the Shawnee Trail has its own unique atmosphere. Take your time and sample each vineyard. Since there are so many, you'll have to come back and stay at one of our cabins another time to discover them all, or revisit your favorite.
One of the original vineyards in southern Illinois, The Renzaglia family has been perfecting their wines for decades.
Monte Alegre WinesVisit the Ponce Wine Trail and Monte Alegre Vineyard and Cellars in Carbondale!
Von Jakob winery and BreweryA little taste of Germany at Von Jakob.
Walker's BluffBeautiful scenery forms the backdrop for gourmet cuisine, pleasurable pastimes and world-class entertainment. Check out their website for upcoming musicians.
Lincoln Heritage WineryEnjoy a wine tasting and be sure to take home a bottle of their decadent Chocolate Cherry Cordial.
The Craft Beer Trail is Growing Every Year!
Southern Illinois not only has an excellent award winning wine trail, but it also boasts blossoming breweries creating their own unique craft beers. Check out Scratch Brewing Company (have you ever had beer from the forest?) and the Facebook page for the Southern Illinois Beer Trail.
What to do first? Relax.
