By some estimates, Illinois is the third-largest wine 'consuming' state in the union, but we lag behind other places when it comes to 'production.'

That fact is starting to change, in Southern Illinois, where this grape-growing region is gaining a reputation for excellent wine.

In this edition of Cruisin' Illinois, Julian Crews takes a trip along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. There are bed & breakfast inns, wine to taste, and beautiful scenery across Southern Illinois.

Vertical Heartland Climbing School
5050 Lick Creek Road
Buncombe, Ill.
618-995-1427


Illinois Bureau of Tourism
1-800-2CONNECT

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Association

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
B&B Association
618-697-5524

The Davie School Inn (B&B and Banquet Center)
Anna, Ill.
618-833-2377

Hidden Lake B&B
Jonesboro, Ill.
618-833-5252

Water Valley Inn
Cobden, Ill.
618-534-2244

17th Street Barbecue
Murpheysboro & Marion, Ill.
618-684-3722