Locals Can't Get Enough Of This Award-Winning Small Town Winery Hidden In The Illinois Countryside
By Linze Rice|Published July 07, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
DeKalb County in Northern Illinois is known as an agricultural town with rolling fields of corn. While there are plenty of great family-owned places to stop and eat throughout the county, you may not exactly think “charming winery” when all you see are farms and tractors. Yet, just like the rest of Illinois, this area has its share of fantastic wineries and breweries. In fact, the best winery in DeKalb County, Illinois is found right in my tiny hometown.
Prairie Street Winery, at 222 W. Main St., is located in the quaint downtown area of Genoa in rural DeKalb County.
Linze Rice
When first arriving in Genoa from the east, you'll notice the winery's mural of a giant wine bottle and grapes alongside the painted brick building.
Linze Rice
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Inside, the atmosphere is cozy, yet spacious, with high- and low-top tables, couches, and more for eating, drinking, and communing with friends.
The selection is incredible, with unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere like rhubarb, elderberry, and honey apple crisp — as well as a line of signature fusions and special blends that give a nod to the Prairie State like Prairie Berry, Prairie Dog, Prairie Fire, Prairie Mist, and Prairie Moscato.
My No. 1 wine here is the Kishwaukee Blue, named after the Kishwaukee River, or the seasonal pumpkin and cranberry flavors!
Need help deciding which to get? Stop in any day of the week for a wine tasting at the bar! You'll get seven samples for $8 — or get a wine flight with four half-pours for $16.
One of my favorite things about this winery is its wine slushies! Throughout the year Prairie State usually has one or two wines in the slushie machine for a fun and refreshing chilled sipper which can be mixed or poured solo.
In the fall, I love a pumpkin wine slushie mixed with an apple wine slushie — trust me on this one!
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Another huge pro to this local business is its completely hidden patio with all-new stonework that has fireplaces, umbrellas, plants, tables, string lights, and space for live music.
If you look up "perfect" in the dictionary this place just might pop up.
So, do you think Prairie State is the best winery in DeKalb County, Illinois? What’s your favorite wine from the shop? Know of any other wineries in Illinois worth checking out? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by visiting the Prairie State Winery website and the Prairie State Winery Facebook page. Stop by as part of a day trip getaway to the charming small town of Genoa, where you can also take a scenic hike through his hidden forest preserve!
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