Illinois Wine

🎡🍷 2026 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR WINE COMPETITION WINNERS 🍷🎡

The Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Alliance is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition, sponsored annually by IGGVA and supported by the Illinois Department of Agriculture!

🏆 Best of Show – Commercial Division

✨ Tres Rojas Winery – Dos Hombres 2024
Winemaker: Bob Barry

🍇 Governor’s Cups – Illinois-Grown Fruit

❤️ Red Wine: Twelve Oaks Vineyard – Chambourcin 2025
Winemaker: Doug Palm - Grower: Cunningham Vineyards

🤍 White Wine: Twisted Trail Winery – Vignoles NV
Winemaker: Scott Albert - Grower: Twisted Trail Winery

🌸 Rosé Wine: Clad & Cordon Vineyard – St. Vincent Rosé 2025
Winemaker: Ryan Phelps - Grower: Clad & Cordon Vineyard

🎨 Specialty Wine: August Hill Winery – Strawberry Peach Sangria NV
Winemaker: Mark Wenzel - Grower: August Hill Winery & others

✨ Sparkling Wine: Blue Sky Vineyard – Eclipse Crossroads NV
Winemaker: Kaleb Wilson - Grower: Blue Sky Vineyard

🍮 Dessert Wine: Alto Vineyards – Porto di Guido 2023
Winemaker: Miguel Womac - Grower: Alto Vineyards

🌎 Top Awards – Wines from Any Appellation

🍷 Red Wine: Renzaglia Wines – Tempranillo 2023
Winemaker: Sam Renzaglia

🥂 White Wine: Twelve Oaks Vineyard – Vidal Blanc 2025
Winemaker: Doug Palm - Grower: Wilke Vineyard

🌹 Rosé Wine: StarView Vineyards – Dry Rosé 2025
Winemaker: Brett Morrison

🍷🍇 Specialty Wine: Pheasant Hollow Winery – Black & Blue 2025
Winemaker: Denny Franklin

🍾 Amateur Division Highlights
🏅 Best of Show: Greg Stricker – Chardonel 2024
🍇 Best Grape Wine: Greg Stricker – Syrah 2023
🍓 Best Fruit Wine: Laura Hale – Raspberry Blush

👏 Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s medalists and in raising a glass to Illinois-grown, Illinois-made wine! Special thanks to our amazing judges and event crew for an excellent competition!🎉🍷

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Can't wait to see you in Galena!

Sunshine, river breeze, Illinois wine—yes, that’s your Saturday plan. ☀️🍷

Corkless Galena runs today from noon–6 pm at Depot Park along the Galena River, with 7 Illinois wineries pouring, live music on stage, and plenty of food so you can settle in for the afternoon. 🎶🧺

Don't have tickets? Not to worry...Just head to the gate for general admission tickets, grab your glass, and start exploring Illinois wine one pour at a time. 🚶‍♀️🥂

🚨 LAST CALL! 🚨 Corkless Galena is tomorrow (June 20) and tickets are flying! Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of Illinois Wine, live music, and great food. 🍷✨

Heads up: GA ticket prices go up at the gate, and VIP sales close TONIGHT! Don't pay more later—secure your glass now before time runs out.

Grab your tickets NOW:

TICKETS | corklessgalena General Admission $25 Includes festival entry and 8 tasting tickets; commemorative glasses. GENERAL ADMISSION HOURS: 12 NOON - 6PM

Heading to town for the Great Galena Balloon Race weekend? Make Corkless Galena your ultimate midday destination this Saturday, June 20! ⏳

Join us at Depot Park from Noon to 6 PM for a perfect afternoon of live music, local food, and incredible Illinois wine before the evening balloon launches take flight. 🍷✨

🎟️ Why buy in advance?
Save Money: Ticket prices go up at the gate!

VIP is Online Only: Get 12 tastings, a $5 wine coupon, and 11 AM early entry. VIP tickets are limited and will not be sold at the gate.

Grab your friends, pack your lawn chairs, and lock in your discount tickets before online sales close!

🍷Buy Now & Save: https://www.corklessgalena.com/tickets