How to Enjoy Blue Sky Winery
In 2005, Barrett Rochman opened his vision for southern Illinois wineries. Blue Sky is modelled on a Tuscan villa and was built with the intent of becoming the region's premier winery. Former Illinois Winemaker of the Year Karen Hand was brought on board to craft the finest wines the region had ever seen, and the marketing blitz was like none other. After just three years, Blue Sky Winery is the best-known of the Shawnee Hills AVA, and many of its wines are double gold winners at wine competitions around the country and around the world.
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Instructions
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Take Illinois 51 South from Carbondale to Water Valley Road. Turn left on Water Valley Road and follow the signs through the winding farmland of the Shawnee Hills American Viticulture Area, past Owl Creek Winery and about 8 miles east to Blue Sky Winery. The winding road is narrow and hilly, so be sure to drive carefully.
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Park in the main lot surrounded by bronze sculptures and enjoy the view of the vineyards, the lake and the hills as you approach the Tuscan-style villa that houses the winery. Three varietals of grapes are grown at the vineyard to help make the award-winning wines, including a Cabernet Franc that has won double-gold and may be soon considered a world-class vintage. Marvel at the huge carved wooden doors that mark the entrance to the winery and the hand-painted mural that runs along all four walls.
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Sit inside in the air conditioning with the sunlight streaming in from the huge picture windows or grab a bottle and a pair of glasses and head to the tables outside. Tables are available on the veranda of the villa and down by the lake.
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Taste the award-winning wines. The Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin Reserve won gold against wines from 23 other countries at the Fingerlakes Wine Competition in 2008. The Concord, a silver metal winner, is like an alcoholic grape jelly, perfect for the novice wine drinker.
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Relax with music on the veranda or take part in one of the many fund-raising events at blue Sky. Rochman has adopted many causes including the National Tay Sachs Foundation, so special events and fundraisers are regular occurrences at the vineyard.
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Take home a bottle or a case. Trying the all in one afternoon can be daunting, so be sure to pick one or two favorites to take home and enjoy more fully later.
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Tips & Warnings
Winemaker Karen Hand has offered suggestions on pairing the Blue Sky wines with food and her suggestions appear on the winery's website.
The winery is open daily and weekday afternoon are generally the quietest time to visit. If they aren't busy bottling wine, the winemakers will often give guided tours of the cellars.
