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Blue Sky Vineyards

Coordinates: 37°34′38″N 89°06′50″W / 37.577222°N 89.113889°W / 37.577222; -89.113889
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Blue Sky Vineyard
LocationMakanda, Illinois, United States
Coordinates37°34′38″N 89°06′50″W / 37.577222°N 89.113889°W / 37.577222; -89.113889
AppellationShawnee Hills AVA
Founded2000
First vintage2003
Key peopleBarrett Rochman, Jim Ewers, Karen Hand
Known forChambourcin Reserve
VarietalsCabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Concord (grape), Corot noir, Niagara (grape), Noiret, Norton (grape), Traminette, Vignoles (grape)
DistributionRegional, Restaurants
TastingOpen to the public
Websiteblueskyvineyard.com

Blue Sky Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard and winery in Illinois, owned and operated by Barrett Rochman, Marilyn Rochman, and Jim Ewers. Blue Sky Vineyard is located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.[1] The winery is located within the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), a federally designated wine region established in 2006, recognized for its unique viticulture terroir. Blue Sky Vineyard produces a number of vintages from Illinois grown grapes. Karen Hand, Blue Sky Vineyard's winemaker, was the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association's Winemaker of the Year in 2006.[2] They currently produce 17 different kinds of Illinois wine and 5 American wines ranging from dry to sweet. The Tuscan inspired architecture and interiors of Blue Sky Vineyard's main structure and banquet addition were designed by Nancy Karen Brian, professor at California State University Fresno, in consultation with Blue Sky Vineyard's owners.

References

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  1. ^ "Shawnee Hills Wine Trail" (Our Wineries). Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Blue_Sky_Vineyard". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on 2021-09-27.
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