Many states have selected a state grape to promote, but Illinois has taken a different approach to that. Given the wide north to south geographic range, there isn't one grape cultivar that is grown throughout the state. Due to this Illinois has focused on a wine style to promote, dry rosé.

In this episode we speak with 3 members of the Illinois wine industry to chat about the Illinois Signature Rosé series of wines.

Lisa Ellis, Executive Director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance
Peggy Harmston, Massbach Ridge Winery of Elizabeth, Illinois
Scott Albert, Kite Hill Vineyards and The Holotype Wine Co, Shawnee Hills AVA, Illinois

Episode Notes

4:05 Illinois rosé in blind tastings with Whispering Angel
10:06 Background of the Illinois rosé project
15:18 Kite Hill Vineyards and The Holotype Wine Co. participation in the Illinois rosé project, making a name for Illinois wine, and friendly competition, varieties being used at rosé
19:53 How white Zinfandel has impacted the perception of rosé
23:00 Coroner elections in Illinois
26:50 How Massbach Ridge Winery began in NW Illinois
29:13 How rosé can be done successfully in variable weather, and it has a diversity of consumers
35:41 More talk about county coroner elections
37:09 Marketing the Illinois Signature Rosé project