Illinois' largest wine festival has a cool connection to Rockford.

Where Is The Largest Wine Festival In Illinois

I remember as a kid my parents enjoyed their after-dinner cocktail to accompany the discussions about the day. They would visit breweries and wineries to pick out their favorites.

There was not usually a lot for a kid to do so I always hoped if we attended some sort of wine or beer fest that there would be at least some sort of live music to watch.

If Illinois' largest wine festival was held back in those days, we definitely would have been there for it.

If you are not familiar with this fest, it is the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival in Utica. By the way, that is a really neat little town. It is right by Starved Rock State Park.

Details About Vintage Illinois Wine Festival

It will be held on Saturday, September 18th, 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, September 19th, 11 am to 5 pm.

The festival will feature food trucks, vendors, live music, and of course, plenty of wine to taste from all over Illinois.

According to vintageillinois.com,

"You’ll enjoy some amazing music on stage, while literally wine-ing through the event. Shop with local businesses and Canal Market vendors, enjoy food at local restaurants and event food trucks… there’s so much to do you’ll want to make a weekend out of it. You’ll find hiking trails and state parks all around."

For more info, HERE.

Rockford Connection

Like I mentioned earlier, there is live music and a Rockford connection. There is a reason why I am talking about the two together. That is because, on the Saturday of the festival, the bands are from Rockford. They are some of my favorites.

Ernie Hendrickson (11 am to 12:30 pm)

Video: Ernie Hendrickson - "One More Pull" OFFICIAL VIDEO

Kelly Steward and the Restless Kind (1:15 pm to 2:45 pm)

Video: Kelly Steward & the Restless Kind-Generation live in Rockford, IL 11-29-19

Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts (3:45 pm to 5:15 pm)

Video: Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts - "Heavy Metal" (Official Video)

I definitely think it is worth the short drive to Utica to check it out.

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