Tour Wine Country: Beautiful Wineries Across the Nation

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Courtesy of Blue Sky Vineyard

Blue Sky Vineyards, Makanda, Ill.

Jim Ewers wrestled with the idea back in the mid-1990s. After years of thoughtful consideration and planning, Sky Vineyards opened its doors in 2005 and never looked back. Winemaker Karen Hand provides the vision and handiwork for high-quality Illinois wines. Blue Sky boasts, "The Romance of Italy in the Hills of Southern Illinois," and it's no wonder — the Tuscan Sun Pavilion and Gazebo provides scenic views of rolling hills and the winery's own tranquil waterfall.

Wine to try: Norton — A bold full-bodied red made from American Norton grapes with aromas of cedar and berry flavors.