Brews, Wine & Spirits

Breweries, distilleries, and wineries offer a great way to experience local flavor along the Great River Road. From the certified organic suds at Old Bakery Beer Company to the daring and potentially funky foraged brews at Scratch Brewing, no ingredient or technique is off limits. Small batch distillers along the route are crafting everything from vodka and gin to bourbon, including a rye whiskey collaboration between Stumpy’s Spirits and Stubborn German Brewing. Made using a pre-Prohibition recipe, it can only be found at Stubborn German Brewing. From the oldest winery in Illinois, Baxter’s Vineyards, to the first winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Alto Vineyards, vintners along the byway create distinct wines by pairing modern and traditional techniques with grapes specifically chosen to withstand Illinois’ winters. Beverage crafters along the byway serve up a variety of lively wines, beers, and spirits. Stop in for a tour and to sample the fruits of their labor.