Reserve Your Illinois Valley Wine Trail Founder’s Edition Passport

There are moments when an idea stops living on paper and starts becoming something real.

This week, I held the first printed proof copy of the Illinois Valley Wine Trail Founder’s Edition Passport in my hands.

What began as conversations about supporting local wineries, encouraging tourism, and showcasing the beauty of the Illinois Valley has grown into something tangible. The proof copy represents months of planning, collaboration, and a shared vision for creating a wine trail experience that celebrates the people, places, and wines that make this region special.

Today, I’m excited to announce that pre-sales for the Illinois Valley Wine Trail Founder’s Edition Passport are now open.

What Is the Illinois Valley Wine Trail Passport?

The Illinois Valley Wine Trail Passport is your guide to exploring participating wineries throughout the Illinois Valley region. Each winery offers its own unique atmosphere, wines, and passport holder perk, creating a self-guided experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Passport holders will have opportunities to:

• Visit participating wineries throughout the region
• Enjoy exclusive passport holder perks
• Collect winery stamps along the trail
• Attend seasonal wine trail events
• Discover new wines and tasting experiences
• Explore one of Southern Oregon’s most beautiful wine-growing regions

Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to experience the Illinois Valley, the passport offers an invitation to slow down, explore, and savor the journey.

A Weekend at Foris Vineyards

This weekend, I visited Foris Vineyards with a few friends to review the proof copy before opening pre-sales.

We enjoyed a tasting flight, spent time overlooking the vineyards, and flipped through the pages together. Watching people interact with the passport for the first time was a reminder of why this project matters.

The Illinois Valley Wine Trail isn’t just about wine.

It’s about creating memorable experiences. It’s about discovering hidden gems close to home. It’s about supporting local businesses and building connections between visitors and the people who make this valley unique.

The passport simply gives us a reason to begin the adventure.

Founder’s Edition Pre-Sale Details

The Founder’s Edition Passport is available now during a limited pre-sale for $20.

Passports will be available for pickup beginning July 1, 2026, at participating wineries.

After July 1, the regular passport price will increase to $25.

The Founder’s Edition is the first passport released by the Illinois Valley Wine Trail and serves as a commemorative first-year edition for those who want to be part of the trail from the beginning.

Thank You

As this project continues to grow, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the winery owners, staff, supporters, and friends who have encouraged this vision from the beginning.

Building a wine trail is not something one person accomplishes alone. It takes hospitality, collaboration, and a shared belief in the future of our region.

The Illinois Valley Wine Trail is just getting started, and I couldn’t be more excited for what comes next.

Here’s to discovering new wines, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories along the trail.

Reserve your Illinois Valley Wine Trail Founder’s Edition Passport today and be among the first to experience the trail.

Learn more and reserve your Founder’s Edition Passport today at https://illinoisvalleywinetrail.com/wine-trail-passport/