Guy Renzaglia retired from Southern Illinois University and pursued his dream: to operate a winery. Today the vines he and his family planted on the rugged slopes of the Shawnee Hills produce award-winning wines.

Alto Winery at Alto Pass pioneered viticulture in deep Southern Illinois. In 2000, the Wine Trail draws tourists to the region.

Two of the last remaining peach orchards, Rendleman Orchards and Hartline Orchards, cover the nearby slopes, tended by Mexican immigrants. The Shawnee Hills, where vegetable and fruit production flourished, now embraces tourism more than agriculture.

List of Illinois wineries

Illinois Migrant Council
Vineyard in Winter, Alto Pass, Union County
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