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Wineries
When people think of domestic wines they usually think of the vineyards of California. Illinois and Missouri are generally associated with fields of corn and soybeans, but there once was a time that both states were heavily involved in the winemaking business. Around 1830 in Illinois the first vineyards were planted around Galena and the western part of the state. By the early 1900s, Illinois had grown to be the fourth largest grape growing state and was responsible for approximately 25 percent of the domestic wine produced in the United States. By the turn of the century approximately 100 wineries in Missouri were producing two million gallons of wine each year. The wine business in both states were dealt a severe blow when the Prohibition era began with the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919 and many of the grape growers turned to other crops and the remaining vines were killed by pesticides. But the wine business is making a comeback in both states, led by the efforts of state funded agencies. In 1990, there were only five wineries in Illinois, while today the state hosts 29. The types of wines produced are different from those that are produced in California. Wine varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are too delicate for the cold winters and hot summers of the region. French hybrids such as Chambourcin and Vignole are more suited to the region and some wineries incorporated local fruits such as apple, peaches, cherries, and blackberries. Many of the local wineries offer wine tasting events, tours, and some provide Bed & Breakfast accommodations.
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