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Welcome to Baxter’s Vineyards
Baxter’s Vineyards is proud to be the oldest winery in Illinois, established in 1857 by Emile and Annette Baxter. Nestled in the historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois, our small, family-owned winery has been growing grapes and crafting wine for five generations. Today, Baxter’s Vineyards is co-owned by Kelly and Brenda Logan, with Kelly representing the fifth generation of Baxters continuing the family tradition of cultivating grapes, apples, and fine wines in the heart of Nauvoo.
Our Story
Emile Baxter, the founder of what is now Baxter’s Vineyards, first came to Nauvoo in 1855 to join the Icarian commune. When the colony broke up in 1857, Emile and his wife Annette returned to the East Coast; however, the couple soon decided they preferred the rural life in Nauvoo. It was during the return trip to Nauvoo that Emile Baxter purchased his grape cuttings. Learning about grape culture from his Icarian friends, Emile purchased eight acres of land near the present Nauvoo business district and set out grape cuttings. His three sons, Emile Jr., Tom, and Cecil, joined him in the business, known as E. Baxter and Sons, proprietors of the Golden Hills Vineyards. In 1987 Kelly Logan and his wife Brenda took over the family business and changed the name to Baxter's Vineyards. They continue to grow and produce and bottle Baxter's Old Nauvoo Brand Wines.
Vineyard History
Grapes have been growing in Illinois for over 150 years. One of the first areas to begin growing grapes was on the banks of the Mississippi in Nauvoo. By 1880 there were over 600 acres of grapes and 40 wine cellars in Nauvoo, and the town was known for its fine wines. The oldest recorded concord grape vineyard in Illinois was planted in Nauvoo in 1851 and still produces fruit today in Nauvoo State Park. Carrying forward this proud heritage, Baxter’s Vineyards now tends 16 acres of grapes, harvesting 13 different varieties each year.
Production
Baxter's Vineyards and Winery bottles approximately 1000 cases of wine each year. We offer several wines to suit individual taste. From sweet to dry; red, white, blush, you are sure to find the perfect wine!
See Baxter's History page for more!
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Baxter's Vineyards & Winery
2010 East Parley St. Nauvoo, IL 62354
Regular Wine Tasting & Gift Shop Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm Jan - March Sunday hours,12 pm - 5 pm *Please note: Gift Shop/Wine Tasting hours are different than The Wine Barrel hours. The Wine Barrel Nauvoo's Only Neighborhood Bar Monday, 3 pm - 6 pm Tuesday - Thursday, 3 pm - 7 pm Friday, 3 pm - 7 pm or later Saturday, 2 pm - 7 pm or later Sunday, 12 noon - 6 pm The Wine Barrel is a neighborhood bar across the patio from the Tasting Room. Additional hours are available by appointment and are subject to availability of staffing. Please call 217.453.2528 with any questions regarding our hours!  |