Mackinaw Vineyard, opened in 2003, was named Vineyard of the Year” by the Illinois Grape Grower’s and Vintner’s Association. (Photo courtesy Mackinaw Vineyard)

Set in the corn fields halfway between Bloomington/Normal and Peoria, Mackinaw Valley Vineyard rests on 15 acres of an 86-acre farm which produces the grapes for more than 20 different varieties of wines.

Working in construction throughout his career, Mackinaw Vineyard owner Paul Hahn came to Central Illinois in 1990 with intention of building a home on the property and farming.

In 1997, he became interested in specialty farming and noticed an advertisement in a farm magazine for a seminar on how to grow grapes in Illinois.

Initially, he was content with just growing grapes, but after the encouragement from others, he decided to learn how to make wine himself from the grapes he harvested.

Licensed in 2003, Mackinaw Valley Vineyard was born.

Today, Diane Hahn who married Paul in 2006 also works at the winery said, “People still come up to me to say at the time, we thought he had lost his mind.”

Even Paul admits at the time people thought it was a little odd to open a winery in Illinois.

Today, the wine industry in Illinois is much different.

Hahn’s winery is among more than 100 wineries that can be found in Illinois according to the Illinois Grape Grower’s and Vintner’s Association (IGGVA).  In 1997, there were only 14 wineries in Illinois.

Mackinaw Vineyard is a very popular spot for couples to hold their weddings. (Photo courtesy Mackinaw Vineyard)

In its first year, Mackinaw Valley Vineyard was named the “Vineyard of the Year” by the IGGVA.

At the 2003 Illinois State Fair competing against more than 250 entries–Alexander’s Conquest, a dry red wine, received “Best of Show” honors.

Nicole’s Blush and Eric’s Red took home Silver Medals in their respective categories, and

Eric’s Red took home a Silver Medal at the 2003 Indy International Wine Competition in its category.

Although her role has increased after Paul was diagnosed stage four colon cancer in 2012, Diane manages the events and weddings and Paul focuses on the grapes, vineyard and farming.

Paul’s three children, Alexander, Nicole, and Eric, and Diane’s three children Cole, Carly, and Cody, now all help out in the winery — for two of the six, it has become their full-time work, Diane said.  Some more since Paul is undergoing treatment, she added.

In addition to working at the winery, Paul also is determined to get the word out about colon cancer screenings and early detection.

Having undergone five rounds of chemotherapy and several difficult surgeries, he said the medicine he is currently taking didn’t even exist two years ago.

However, Paul still can be found frequently out and  out and about on the vineyard.

The wine industry in Illinois is unique because there is a friendship between the winemakers, Paul said. “We have camaraderie.  We help each other out.”

Now Paul tries to help out new winemakers who reach out to him.

“I try to help others as much as I can,” he added.

Wines from Mackinaw Valley are made on site from French American Hybrid grapes and some native varietals.

The grapevine plants may start out as pinot noir, cabernet, chardonnay, or sauvignon blanc, but they are hybridized so that the plants can survive the winters here in Illinois, Paul added.

Each year, the winery produces four to five thousand gallons of wine in both red, white and blush varieties.

On a typical weekend, the vineyard can host a variety of car shows, art shows, painting classes, murder mysteries, and concerts.

Over the years Diane Hahn said, “I believe we have hosted more than 450 weddings, in addition to many bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and charity events.”

Owner Paul Hahn dressed as Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, at annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival held each September at the Mackinaw Vineyard. (Photo courtesy Mackinaw Vineyard)

Couples will come back over the years to celebrate their anniversaries and bring their kids, she added.

Each September, the winery hosts a Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival.

Two large vats are setup with a few inches of grapes, where participants get in the vats stomp the grapes, Diane said. “It is very kitschy, but lots of fun.”

Sidebar box

Hed: UPCOMING EVENTS

Mackinaw Vineyards

33633 State Rte. 9

Mackinaw

Tel: (309) 359-WINE

www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com

Saturday Concerts in the Vineyard

June through September at 7 p.m.

$5 per person, children under 12 free.

Food is for sale; however, guests may also bring in their own food.

It is recommended to bring your own lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.

Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival

Sunday Sept. 4, noon to 6 p.m.

$5 per person 12 and under free

A family friendly event, “Get in Touch with your Inner Lucy” is the theme for the Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival. The grape stomp is for those who have the desire to emulate Lucy and get their “feet” wet in the wine.  Two large vats are setup and competitions purely for fun run throughout the day, for the young and the young at heart too.

There will be wine tasting all day, food by The Catering Company and live music from The Shake performing throughout the day as MC’s and “stompin rock” for everyone to enjoy.

— Award-winning Mackinaw vineyard grew out of dream of farming —