410 Thorn Lane
Makanda, IL
618-995-2307
–Part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois
Roots date back 30 years from this family owned winery. As Southern Illinois became more known as a wine growing region, so did Gary Orlandini. The Feather Family purchased this property in 2017, after Gary’s passing and Renee and Randy Feather are the proud new owners. All Chambourcin and Viognier are grown right here. All of their red wines are made from Chambourcin.
Winery offers snacks and cheeses for purchases and has a pond and grounds for events. Most grapes come from their vineyard, although some do come from Michigan (the Riesling).
Some wines are:
- 2017 Vidal Blanc—very popular, buttery and great with fish
- 2016 Chaucer Blanc—Viognier and Traminette. Traminette gives floral
- 2016 Vignoles-a late harvest estate grown vintage
- Saluki White-Reisling grapes from Michigan
- 2014 Chambourcin Reserve
- Amaigam-blend of Chancellor Noir wine and unoaked Chambourcin—a very good seller
- Rose-lighter and made from Chambourcin—you will start seeing more Rose’s from Chambourcin
- Rosso Gustoso-also very popular and good seller
- Saluki Blush
- Saluki Red-sugar added to Chambourcin
The grounds of Feather Hills
The entrance to the winery, tasting room and where their wines are made.
The back of the tasting bar area.
Saluki Red is a one of the sweetest versions, from Feather Hills of their Chambourcin grape. Nose gives some spice and cherry with dark plum.
Even though quite sweet for my taste, (note sugar added), I purchase a bottle of this to complement my BBQ on an extremely hot evening.