Blue Sky Vineyards
| Blue Sky Vineyards | |
|---|---|
| Location | Makanda, Illinois, USA |
| Coordinates | 37°34′38″N 89°06′50″W / 37.577222°N 89.113889°WCoordinates: 37°34′38″N 89°06′50″W / 37.577222°N 89.113889°W |
| Appellation | Shawnee Hills |
| Founded | 2000 |
| First vintage | 2003 |
| Key people | Barrett Rochman, Jim Ewers, Karen Hand |
| Known for | Chambourcin Reserve |
| Varietals | Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Concord (grape), Corot noir, Niagara (grape), Noiret, Norton (grape), Traminette, Vignoles (grape) |
| Other products | Olive Oil |
| Distribution | Regional, Restaurants |
| Tasting | Open to Public |
| Website | http://www.blueskyvineyard.com |
Blue Sky Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery in Illinois, owned and operated by Barrett Rochman, Marilyn Rochman, and Jim Ewers. Blue Sky Vineyards is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.[1] Located within the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area, an area that is federally designated and recognized for its uniqueness in grape growing, Blue Sky Vineyard uses Illinois grapes to produce a number of wines. Karen Hand, Blue Sky Vineyards' winemaker, was the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association's Winemaker of the Year for 2006.[2] They currently produce 17 different kinds of Illinois wine and 5 American wines ranging from dry to sweet. The Tuscan inspired architecture and interiors of Blue Sky Vineyard's main structure and banquet addition were designed by Nancy Karen Brian, MFA, NCIDQ #015635, and tenured professor at California State University Fresno in consultation with Blue Sky Vineyard's owners.
Showings on TV
Public broadcasting station WTTW's "Wild Chicago" traveled over 350 miles to do a "10-minute segment highlighting the Southern Illinois Wine Trail, specifically Blue Sky Vineyard." [3][4] This is the furthest south that the show has ever traveled for one of its specials. Id.
In July 2006, Blue Sky Vineyards was featured in CBS 2's Illinois Getaway Guide.[5]
References
- ↑ Shawnee Hills Wine Trail (2008). "Shawnee Hills: Member Listing". Retrieved January 13, 2008.
- ↑ Appellation America (2008)"Blue Sky Vineyard". Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ↑ Southern Illinoisian (2005). "Lights, cameras, wine: Local vineyard, residents taped for television segment". Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ↑ WTTW (2005). "Blue Sky Vineyard (Southern Show)" Archived January 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ↑ CBS 2 Chicago (2006). "From Vineyards To BBQ Without Leaving The State". Retrieved January 12, 2008.