From the cheering crowds of Wrigley Field on Chicago’s north side to the rolling hills of bucolic Galena, this route along the Northern Illinois Wine Trail is an introduction to the some of the best the state has to offer – namely, its award-winning vineyards and the Midwest’s finest wines.

1. Chicago

Starting Point • Food, Quirky

The cultural mecca of the Midwest, Chicago has enough sights and sounds to keep you busy all day long. Nor surprisingly, the city’s food and drink scene is booming, and events like the Windy City Wine Festival bring many of the finest purveyors together in one place. For a truly unique experience, raise a glass (or mug) at the Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery in the leafy enclave of Beverly, home to more traditional Irish pubs than any other neighborhood in the city. The Meadery uses its own bees to produce the ancient beverage.

2. Caledonia

Drive 164 miles, 2 hour, 53 minutes • Food, Nature

Just a few miles from the Wisconsin border is the famed McEachran Homestead Winery, the only wine-making operation in rural Boone County. The historic working farm encompasses 285 acres, with 11 acres dedicated to growing 19 different varieties of grapes and assorted fruit trees. The tours and tastings show how the farm’s fruit gets turned into cold-climate wines and, considering they it’s officially recognized by the state as a Sesquicentennial Farm (that’s 150 years), you can be sure McEachran has the process down pat.

3. Galena Cellars

Drive 99 miles, 1 hour, 48 minutes • Food, Nature

Tucked into the northwest corner of the state is the renowned Galena Cellars Vineyard — a two-time winner of Illinois’ Winemaker of the Year award. And with 22 grapes and 40 different wine varieties on hand, it’s easy to see why the Galena Cellars family has earned its accolades. The guided tours are a great way to take in the vineyard’s pastoral backdrop and, followed up an expert wine tasting, you’ll get a new understanding for the hard work and dedication that has gone into this three-generation family business.