The Underground Wine Cave In Illinois You Have To Visit
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published January 31, 2019
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s a unique little vineyard in Carterville, Illinois that belongs on your boozy bucket list. Take a trip to this underground wine cave for a unique tasting experience.
Who knew the Land of Lincoln had such a unique venue? Scroll on to learn more.
Walker's Bluff, established in 2008, prides itself on being southern Illinois' premier dining and entertainment venue. It is a popular place for weddings and other private events as well as a casual place for dates, family gatherings, and more.
Before you find the wine cave, you'll enter the tasting room. Here, you'll discover a beautiful bar that offers wine, beer, and cocktails. It is a lovely place to relax by the fire. Behind this room, there is a waterfall and arched double doors over which "Down the Rabbit Hole" is inscribed.
A long and interesting tunnel leads visitors to a domed area with a circular bar. This underground wine cave features a skylight that allows sunlight and moonlight to enter for a more intimate feel.
If you prefer to stay above ground, there is much more to see and enjoy. Vineyards, a gazebo, a lake, and forestry make this place absolutely beautiful.
There are many varieties of wine to enjoy at this underground wine cave and tasting room. Reds, whites, and rosés are available as well as ones made from fruits other than grapes, like peaches, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries.
Entrees include ribeye, pork chops, and grilled chicken, all of which pair well with wines. There are also elegant desserts available, such as creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and lemon panna cotta.
Though it is not open Mondays and Tuesdays, you can stop by between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Find it at 326 Vermont Rd., Carterville, IL 62918.