Hill Prairie Winery perfectly blends tradition and innovation with roots stretching back nearly two centuries and an embrace of new opportunities.
Eight generations of the Lounsberry family have called the Oakford area home – and five generations have farmed the land that houses Hill Prairie.
For well over a century, the family focused on traditional grain and livestock farming, earning a reputation for horsemanship. In 1911, the family built a large barn to house draft horses. That structure now serves as the hub of the winery.
“Hill Prairie Winery is steeped in the history of my family and the region, and it’s a source of pride that we’ve been able to make a living on this land for that long,” says owner Mark Lounsberry. “This is the next step in our evolution.”
If You Go
Hill Prairie Winery
Location: 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford
Winery Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.; extended hours May through mid-October on Fridays to 8 p.m. for Wine Down Fridays.
Check the website for information on special event dates and hours.
Website: hillprairiewinery.com
Phone: (217) 635-9900
He notes the vineyard began as an effort to produce income during the off-season for the farm’s row crops, and he planted his first grapes in 1999. Already an amateur winemaker, it didn’t take long for him to see the potential in growing his part-time crop into a full-time business.
Today, visitors enjoy the opportunity to sample and purchase wines across the full spectrum of flavors, from sweet whites to full-bodied reds. Over time, Hill Prairie has evolved into more than just an excellent wine producer.
“I wanted to become a destination winery, and in order to do that, we had to bring people to the farm,” Lounsberry explains.
Every Sunday of the year, the winery features live music from area performers. As the weather warms, Friday Wine Downs with drinks and dinner serve as a casual kickoff to the weekend. Throughout the year, popular festivals include the annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off, Shrimp Boil, Chili Bowl and Rib Festival. As the weather cools, guests enjoy dinner and a whodunnit during Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre performances.
Whether popping in for a tour and tasting, attending a public event or renting the facility for a wedding or private party, every visit is accompanied by a selection of wonderful wines and beers.
“The goal has always been to make wine simple and not intimidating,” Lounsberry says. “This is meant to be a place of fun and relaxation.”
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