WGN Morning News Blog

Tried to find the cruisin' link to add suggestion---no luck. Only hope that Julian is able to pack up a separate truck for his beans, for sales, samplin'

For Julian Crews:

Having had the opportunity to view your Cruisin' Illinois special on Southern Illinois wineries last week, I must confess I was extremely disappointed in your reporting.

There are many more small and large wineries here in southern Illinois besides the limited few that make up the Wine Trail. Many of us are also in the same viticulture area (AVA) and share the same soil. Our wine can also be labeled with the Shawnee Hills AVA.

Although the few you highlighted usually get all the attention, the backbone of the industry is really the many other wineries that are located throughout the region. In some cases they don't have the big fancy showplaces, but the quality of their wine keeps customers coming back both from in-state as well as out-of-state.

Next time you decide to showcase Illinois wineries, please do a bit more research and let your viewers know we have a very thriving industry here in southern Illinois and there are more wineries than just those located on the highly advertised wine trail.
I will be glad to provide you a list of the many wineries you did not highlight.

In fact, since you enjoyed 17th St Bar B Que, had you gone just another few miles or even asked around Murphysboro about another winery you would have been directed to Ava and Cellars de Santom. It was only 7 miles away.

Thom Beebe, President
Cellars de Santom Winery
2709 Lone Oak Road
Ava, IL 62907
www,cellarsdesantom.com