What to do at Alto Vineyards This Winter
Alto Vineyards is a family-owned winery and vineyard located in the foothills of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.
Since 1988, Alto wines have won numerous medals in both national and international wine competitions. Here’s what to do at Alto Vineyards this winter:
Winter on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is the perfect time to visit for an intimate wine tasting experience. With the busyness of the fall behind us, this is the chance to learn in-depth knowledge of the wines, grapes, and history of the wine trail in Southern Illinois in a quiet, peaceful setting. Alto Vineyards offers beer and a small lunch menu and we’re open daily – visit us anytime for a quiet, weekend winter getaway.
Winter Events at Alto Vineyards
Weekly Wine & Yoga Sessions

Food Pairing Fridays

The Holiday Open House

Must-Try Winter Wines
Alto has been making award-winning wines for over 30 years and boasts one of the largest wine lists in the area – over 20 wines!
The top 3 winter wines at Alto Vineyards are:
- Chambourcin – our premium dry red wine made from estate grapes with a bold body and a touch of oak – a classic go-to.
- Rocko Red –a semi-sweet that pairs well with red sauce or steak and can be enjoyed both at room temp or refrigerated.
- Porto di Guido – one of our finest wines that is sweet but strong, fortified with brandy, full-bodied and the perfect wine for sharing with loved ones or at a holiday meal.
While all three of these wines are made from Southern Illinois’ premier wine grape, Chambourcin, they each have defining characteristics that set them apart.
We hope you visit Alto Vineyards anytime this winter! They’re open daily until at least 6p (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Thanksgiving) and we offer tastings for $5 – get 6 samples of our award-winning wine and keep your souvenir glass! Alto also offers beer, mocktails, free wi-fi, and a light lunch menu while being picnic-friendly – feel free to bring in a picnic lunch, but no outside alcohol allowed.