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I am always very intrigued by the stories of how the wineries that we visit, have gotten started. Some have begun as hobbies that grew into more and some happened as an extension of another project and it took on a life of its own. In the 1980’s the family purchased a 90 acre plot of land in Carbondale, Illinois that became a well-recognized and award winning wildlife hunt club. In 2004 the vineyard began to take shape and in 2008 the winery was built so that they had a place to process the grapes. In 2009 the winery opened its doors and since that time, they have been welcoming customers to relax and enjoy the fruit of their labor.
Many wineries have a different feel about them and at Honker Hill you feel nothing but fun and relaxation. You won’t find pretentious folks or standoffish staff; you will only find warm smiles and kindness. The wine that is produced at Honker Hill is as fun and lively as the winery itself. The wine list may not be as large as some of the other wineries in the area, but you will find delicious and satisfying wine as well as, what I feel, is the best sangria I have ever tasted. I have chosen a couple wines to spotlight that are among my favorites.
Wally’s Red
This wine is a semi-dry red wine and is one of my favorites in all of the Shawnee Hills A.V.A. What I like about this selection is that it is a little softer of a red. You will find smooth cherry and berry essences in this wine. The mouth feel is soft and mellow with a nice lingering finish. Think of a smooth and delicious Pinot Noir. I like that this wine isn’t too heavy or zesty, it is just a well-made and delicious selection. This is a wonderful wine for relaxing on a lazy day.
Villard Blanc
I love a nice crisp white wine and this one fits that bill nicely. Many people aren’t familiar with the Villard Blanc grape, but it is a French hybrid that is well known for its high yields. What I love about this wine is the clean citrus flavor that it has. Villard’s are very similar to a Sauvignon Blanc but without the overpowering and sometimes grassy nature that the grape can have. This selection is a clean and refreshing offering that would be perfect for relaxing on a summer day.
When we visited Honker Hill, we spent a lazy afternoon on their patio sipping wine and just being in the moment. They have an environment that is perfect for allowing yourself to unwind while enjoying wonderful wine and good music. Even the guests we met at Honker Hill were kind and wore a smile. This is probably due in part to such a wonderful environment. If you find yourself in the Shawnee Hills area, be sure to Head to Honker Hill and get lost in the relaxation.
