Four wineries. One table. A first taste of what the Trail could become.
An Evening That Brought the Trail Together
On August 8, 2026, the Illinois Valley Wine Trail gathered around one table for Blackberry Nights, an evening celebrating the wine, food, art, music, and people of the Illinois Valley.
Guests experienced wines from Augustino Estate & Vineyards, Bridgeview Vineyards & Winery, Deer Creek Vineyards, and Foris Vineyards, paired with a four-course tasting menu inspired by the season. Between courses, winery representatives shared the stories behind the wines and the places they come from.
But Blackberry Nights was about more than what was poured into the glass.
Local artists and makers filled the evening with creativity, live music set the atmosphere, and neighbors and visitors gathered together to experience a glimpse of the larger vision behind the Illinois Valley Wine Trail.
It was an evening built around a simple idea:
Wine is the invitation. The Illinois Valley is the experience.
Browse the gallery below and revisit the first Blackberry Nights.
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Savor the Journey.