Indian Creek Vineyard

About

Leave your worries behind while relaxing on the second story veranda, sipping a glass of fine Illinois wine. Sunsets of breathless beauty disappear over the ridge behind the six acre vineyard.

Utilizing pasture-land, owned by the Sams family since 1841, they along with students from Blackhawk College planted 1,500 grape plants on three acres west of the house. Preparation work began that fall to extend the vineyard. The following spring, another three acres were added bringing the total to six acres containing 3,000 plants.

Joining a coalition of experienced grapegrowers and winemakers throughout the state, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Fred decided to plant varieties suitable to the climate in Stark County and also be the grape of choice for producing the best quality wines. Marechal Foch and Frontenac, red varieties, make up most of the acreage with a small number of white varieties including LaCrosse, St. Croix and St. Pepin.