By KAREN BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A variety of Illinois wineries are being showcased every day at the Illinois State Fair, which runs through Aug. 22. Called the “Illinois Wine Experience,” as many as 20 wineries are offering samples of their wines from noon-10 p.m. daily in the Twilight Ballroom on Central Avenue, west of the high dive show.

“It’s a great way for people to learn about our industry and the quality of our wines,” said Bill McCartney of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Assoc. (IGGVA), the sponsor for the fair opportunity. “So many people do not realize we have an industry, let alone some great wines.”

The Twilight Ballroom is a new location, and also features live entertainment nightly beginning at 7 p.m. from jazz, swing, blues, big band, orchestra and dance musicians. Admission is free, with sampling tickets available for $1 each.

A complimentary wineglass is provided when you buy more than 10 tasting tickets. Wine may also be purchased by the glass, bottle and case from each winery. The event is open to anyone; they must be 21 years of age or older to taste the wines.

Among the featured wineries are some of the winners of the Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, which is open to only Illinois commercial wineries. The competition was conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign June 7-9 and consisted of 125 amateur entries and 278 commercial entries. Judging was based on color, balance, aroma, clarity, taste and finish.

The Best of Show was awarded to Prairie State Winery in Genoa for its Cabernet Franc 2008, while the Governor’s Cups for best wines made from Illinois-grown fruit were awarded to Lynfred Winery of Roselle, Norton 2007; Spirit Knob Winery of Ursa, Traminette 2009; Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery of Pomona, Herta’s Blush 2008; Hill Prairie Winery of Oakford, Strawberry; and August Hill Winery of Utica, Raspberry Infusion.

The Illinois wine industry has exploded in recent years, growing from just 12 wineries in 1997 to 79 today, and grape production has grown to place Illinois consistently among the top 12 wine-producing states. Today the Illinois wine industry creates a direct economic impact of more than $253 million annually.

Established in 1992, the IGGVA is a nonprofit dedicated to developing the viticulture and enology interests of Illinois, through information exchange and cooperation among state grape producers and vintners.