I've been going here for decades. The food has never been great, the service has never been great, but I still loved going and I would take people from all over there every time somebody comes to visit. I tell them what to expect , it has was always worth it. Now however unless it's raining, the only way you can get there is the sky lift. I'm terrified of heights. I went with 3 cars full of people and half of us didn't want to take the lift, so we went somewhere else. I tried to call a couple of times since it was mostly over cast and large chance of rain, they still wouldn't give us the code for the gate. But had we found out that it was $10 a person to ride the Lyft just to get there to pay for not great food and poor service, well I wish them well it's a shame that a great place has to turn out like that. We also noticed a shuttle across the street and never once did they offered to shuttle us up there, that would even be an answer. so they still have poor customer service just like they have always had it's probably due to greed. read more

Ok.... Came to Grafton to drive up to Aeries .... Haven't been here since Covid . Well , you can't just drive up to Aeries on a Thursday ... only Monday thru Wednesday . They require you to spend 10 dollars a person going up a Gondala which I can't imagine most people don't want to do . Optional opportunity would be nice . read more

What a beautiful day in January! To be able to sit outside & enjoy some warmth & see such fantastic views! I had a the Brie & honey truffle plate along with a glass (or 2) of Moscato. Excellent service! I would love to come back here & stay on site. read more

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The place was amazing, was there Saturday may 1, for dinner. However, our young blond waitress was horrible. Worst service ever. Felt rushed and ignored. Will never go back after being treated so poorly. read more

If i could give a negative star i would. The server was great, he did his best. We ordered our food and were told 30-40 minutes, which is fine than after 1 hr i asked again and server checked with the kit hen and they told him 30-40 minutes again. Waited again 30 mites as i saw it was busy. After that 30 minutes no food, they could not even make the pizza for the kids that were hungry. I asked to talk to the manger and the Owner came by and told him about the situation and did not seem to care at all. Jeff is definitely not a customer service person. We left after almost 3 hrs and still no food at our table, they could not even make the pizza for the kids to eat something. If you are understaffed make sure you dont open the place to full capacity. The view is great but i would not go back to that restaurant again. Worst experience. read more

I booked the zip line ride for my family of 4. Per the website, we also had to purchase the Sky lift ride tickets too, which was fine. Upon booking the zip line ride, it was acknowledged that we needed to arrive 30 minutes early, which we did, and that the Sky ride takes aprox. 14 minutes. We drove an hour to this destination. Due to long lines, slow ride up the sky lift, we arrived 5 minutes late to check in for our Zip line ride. We were then told that our reservation went on without us and they were booked and could no longer accommodate our reservation, nor would they allow us a refund. I called and spoke with management, and they also said they could not refund this, and cited that it was indicated on their website that we should allow additional time for the Sky lift. This is NOT how the website communicates this information, and it should instead clearly state that parties should arrive 45 minutes early. Incredibly poor communication and service, and I will never recommend this to anyone else. Such a shame, as our family was very much looking forward to this experience. Now, I have to spend more time demanding this be refunded, as we will not return here. read more

We loved it here! My boyfriend took me here for a quick weekend getaway and it was so wonderful and peaceful. We went zip lining on Saturday and he surprised me by proposing on the 7th platform!! It was absolutely perfect. He coordinated it with our tour guides and they were so eager to assist. The owner even congratulated us when we got back to the office and at the winery later that evening. We stayed in the suites and they were adorable. We will definitely be back again!! read more

Aerie's Resort - Surprise proposal on the 7th zip line!!! The tour guides and our entire group helped make this moment so special for us! - Wineries Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

We are longtime fans of Aerie's Winery, which claims to have the best view in the Midwest. They make a pretty strong case, which for me, makes it worth visiting. We first came to Aeries maybe 10 years ago, before there were villas, cabins, zipline, beer garden...pretty much before everything but the view. It's the view that brings us back, though. We haven't tried their wines since maybe the first time we visited, but have no fear, there are ample choices availbable from the low 20's and up per bottle. It looks like 10+ wines by the glass that are *not* made here. Our server was very attentive, the weather was perfect 72 in January. Okay, they can't hold up that end of the deal every time, but we have also been when it was 20 degrees and still enjoyed the view. Grafton is a fun place to bring out-of-town visitors, especially if they are repeat visitors and have seen the "major atrractions." We've pretty much always gone by ourselves and had a pretty good time. read more

They only thing that I can say that I enjoyed about the place was the view. The wine is overpriced, the drive up the hill is horrible and the food was average. Sorry..... read more

Visited the winery on Sunday. Apparently everyone else had the same idea. The views were stunning from the top and from the ride up and down but food service was a zero. I understand that they are understaffed but if your staff can't handle the kitchen then either allow guests to bring food or bring in outside vendors such as food trucks. We arrived around 2:30 and were greeted in a timely fashion and our drink and food order was taken. We order some wine, appetizers and meals. Drinks came quickly and 55 minutes later we asked our server how much longer it would be on the food. We were not drinking any more wine as we had not eaten all day. We were told it would be another 20 or 30 minutes just for the appetizers. We decided to call it a day and head back down the hill. Many people were giving up on their orders as well and leaving. read more

Beautiful views abound here. Several large seating areas. Decent mix of California and Illinois local wine. Food was at best average. Sandwiches and chips were just blah.. read more

Aerie's Resort - House salad - Wineries Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

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This was the cleanest master suite I have EVER stayed in. We went for our 6th Wedding Anniversary, and it felt like we flew to another world! Call early and ask for the cottages :) They thought of everything: Fireplace Deck overlooking view with breakfast date Flavored Coffee Creamers Bottled water & Orange juice in fridge Make up remover pads Bathroom was immaculate w/ jetted tub Wonderfully cold air conditioner CLEAN sheets I would come again in a heartbeat. We were escorted by golf cart to our suite, passing a breathtaking wedding party, on our way!! We did the zip line and it was our first time. Exhilarating & gorgeous views, my adrenaline pumping, everything you would want! The view from the actual winery restaurant on the outside deck was unbelievable! Music lightly playing in the background with delicious wine for me and local draft beers for the husband. You won't be disappointed! Thank you, Aeries Winery for making this occasion so special! See you again :) read more

I recently stayed in a villa with 7 of my friends for a bachelorette party. It was perfect and probably could have fit more people. We really enjoyed our time in the villa and the pool that was an addition to the villas. I'm giving 3 stars because I rented this room several months in advance and let them know we would have 8 from the first time I called. I received a call the day before asking if we had 8 and that this shouldn't have been approved. I had already had the group members pay and they were telling me I possibly needed to get another room..and pay more...I was floored to be told this the day before. Maybe like right when I called this should have been checked if, it was going to be a problem. Luckily, all the villas were booked up and we were able to all stay together, thanks to the nice ladies I spoke with on the phone who were sympathetic with my situation and being told this had been approved earlier. But honestly I think at least 4 more could have fit comfortably. It was huge. And we loved it! Another negative was the living room furniture. We were not able to sit on it because it was literally falling apart. The fabric came off all over the place and stuck to us. It just needs a little update. Lastly, a man came over to me and one other friend as we were coming in from the winery, around 9:30 making a statement, shouting, "this is not all fun and games and people live here." I asked if there had been a complaint and that we had just arrived back from the winery like 2 minutes before. he said "no but I'm just letting you know it's not all fun and games and people live here." He was on an ATV looking vehicle which as loud and disruptive. We found this to be very rude and unnecessary on his part. We weren't making any noise and were just walking in to end our night. We then observed this man drive his atv around the buildings towards the pool and should at a group of men at their villa. We hadn't even noticed that group. I feel this man was making much more of a ruckous than any of us and I don't really understand why he felt the need to be rude. A few minutes later a police officer drove through, again I asked if there had been a complaint and he replied no. He said he just patrols the area. He was very nice. He told us the person in the ATV was the owner! If that was in fact the owner. I can tell you we will not come back to a place and support an owner who behaves so rudely. Totally uncalled for. Ending on a positive note. We walked from our villa up to the winery Friday night and Andrew was our server. He was wonderful! Very fun, great energy and accommodating to our group! Also, Aeries told me several weeks ago they would speak to me about my concerns after this same review was posted to their Facebook. No response. read more

I needed some information on Aerie's banquet venues. And I discover that you now have to pay $10 per person for some ride up to your winery?? Are you kidding me!!! I've been a loyal customer for 10+ years. I had a girls night in your lodge several years ago with 15 people staying overnight. I can't tell you the amount of money I've spent, the out-of-town guest I've brought to your winery, and you now expect someone to pay $10 to get there? No way! I understand tough times, but I'd rather donate money to a struggling business then get fleeced. No thank you. read more

Stick to the semi dry whites. The reds are sub par if they are local grapes. The ambiance is great and service is wonderful too. The outside deck has a great view of the Illinois Mississippi confluence. There was a decent selection of food on the menu and specials too. read more

We have been doing annual family trip to Grafton & Aerie's Winery has been a favorite until this year. When we started our drive up to winery was meet with a gate, made a call & was told the only way up was Airway tram. Not all in our group can do heights! Learned later that there was a shuttle, called back talked to owner she said yes they do have shuttle but husband was at meeting so would be awhile before he could shuttle us up. Said we where in Alton finding somewhere else she said have a nice dayThe gates are permanent & are a way for them to pay for tram & $10 pp. Not everyone wants to pay for a trip to winery & 30 min trip up & back. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!! I guess some people never have enough read more

Annual family trip to the winery was a bust. You can no longer drive up and park. Must pay 10 bucks per person for a 20-30 gondola ride to the top. Several family members have issues with heights. Shuttle was not in service for some reason. They blamed it on a BS covid excuse. The gate was permanent so its obvious this is the future. We won't be back but we did find a fabulous place in Alton with better food and great wine as well. read more

The ski lift was cool, the view was nice. The wine was great too! Everything was lovely, except for the bees that stormed the area at one point. That was scary!! The spinach artichoke dip was amazing. Over all I would go again, very romantic experience with my boo. read more

We used to love coming to Aerie. Always had great experience. The last time we went, the charcuterie board had some older uneatable food. We assumed they just a bad day. Haven't been there since COVID-19, but don't put your losses on your faithful customers. In order to get up to Aerie, you cannot drive. Have to take Sky Tour. It costs $20./couple. Then, after you get to the top...you cannot get a glass of wine....only bottles. One of the cheaper ones was $35. Already, we are at $55. and haven't eaten, plus tip. Very very expensive!!!!! Unfortunately, they do not warn you at the bottom of hill. Great view!!!!!! But, go elsewhere. I understand their past two year losses, but don't sucker your customer base. read more

One of my favorite places food is tremendous people are nice they're putting new lift system in to take it to the top I'm not sure how that's gonna work I like the old drive up to the top but we'll see read more

For starters it took almost 5 minuets of fighting with the key to get the door open. Once inside we noticed the paint was chipping off the walls in several spots. The walls are paper thin and you can here every word and step of every unit around you. To top it off we couldn't get better than lukewarm water for the whirlpool tub. I would say it was a huge waste of 160$. The only reason it got 2 stars is the view. read more

Showed up for a festival to find out the only way up to the resort is the skyline. Very disappointed as I'm not interested in this feature. I gladly gave my money to the Grafton Winery and will from now on. Grafton Winery was packed and the zip line parking was not. Maybe you should rethink the business strategy. Either way I'll never be back. read more

I suppose it doesn't take much to please a group of patrons who are already in good moods, enjoying lovely weather, with an entire afternoon to while away, but Aerie's Winery suited us perfectly. We walked up the hill because someone told us it was too difficult, and we love too prove people wrong, but we took the shuttle back to the shops. The driver answered our questions and offered recommendations for restaurants and drinking establishments. Our server, Tyler, was incredibly hospitable and entertaining. He and the sweetheart bussing our table poured from the ice water pitcher every fifteen minutes or so. (I'm insatiably thirsty and never had an empty water glass.) It did seem as though his wine knowledge was more text-based than experience-based, but he tried hard to find wines that suited our descriptions. We ordered numerous small plates and shared. Each of them (green beans, tuna, fireball, brie) was delectable, and the bill was reasonable (for anyone who doesn't frequent chain restaurants). The wine labels for Aerie's bottles are a good warning based on their appearance, which is my way of implying they are poorly designed and seem cheap. Otherwise, fantastic place. Breezy and beautiful decks, sturdy tables and chairs, and a shuttle to take you back to your car, your rental cottage, or even another establishment. read more

Yesterday was the first time we have ever been here. I have always heard a lot about it and they weren't wrong. The view is amazing. We sat on the deck and had a glass of wine. We had already eaten but looked over the menu and everything looked good and reasonably priced. We will definitely be coming back here. Such a relaxing and fun day!! read more

Aerie's Resort - Aeries Winery - Wineries Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

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We very much enjoyed our stay at Aerie's. The suite was clean, staff was friendly, and our dinner at the winery was awesome. Wine and food were both delicious, and our server was very friendly as well. We will definitely be back. read more

This winery trip doesn't disappoint. The wine selection and pricing is very impressive. They offer a great beer selection for those in your group that might not enjoy wine. The resort itself has a great venue for weddings or other events with a view that makes sunsets and storms look breathtaking. They also have rooms surrounding the venue so you can enjoy yourself and spend the night responsibly. read more

Ive been coming here for years. As much money as they put into this place...they should train the staff better. Burger overcooked. Breakfast buffet was terrible. I can deal with the overpriced wine. Better off eating nachos from the loading dock. read more

Super disappointed that the new Skytour ride forces ride-goers to get off at Aerie's - you have to get off and wait in line again to get back on to go back down. Maybe this is stated somewhere and we missed the notification, but we had no idea until we got to the top. Also - the ride in the gondolas has no music and the view isn't the greatest. Save your money and avoid this nonsense. Go ride The Wheel in St.Louis if you want to have fun in a gondola. read more

We attempted to go to the Winery. Aerie's Winery has mad the decision to force customers to spend $10 per person to ride a ski chair (they call it the Sky Tour) to their winery. There is no other way to get to the winery as Aerie's has put up a security gate with boulder surrounding on the road to the winery. No where on their website does it mention anything about either of these. This is a huge scam on behalf of Aerie's Winery. I verified with the Sky Tour that the money was not refundable, no food/drinks vouchers would be given once we got the Winery, or any other form of compensation for required use of their Lift. I cannot encourage anyone to support a business that forces its potential customers to pay for a service not wanted or required so they can line the pockets of their other businesses. read more

Nice views but menu is very limited....pizzas and sandwiches only...really!!! Up your menu with entrees such as steaks, seafood and a bbq pit and you would hit a home run!! Great place for partying with plenty of outdoor areas and a fire pit however....just missing the full menu read more

Aerie's Resort - Wineries Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Never Again We stayed in the Lower Cottages behind the Park. Toilet would not flush, sink backed up, bedding was worn and soiled, our "view" was a gravel parking and a maintenance building. "Rustic" would be the only description of the accommodations. The Shuttle drivers were awesome and easy to call. The restaurant / winery was very enjoyable and the food was great. The Cabin would be ok IF it were $90 a night, not $165 a night...Grafton is a nice visit for maybe a day or two. Dining is mostly bar food. The exception would be The Oyster Bar at the Marina. I would recommend staying in the Condos at the top and bypassing the cottages at the bottom. I wish we could rate the experience higher, but that "cabin" was a dump. The worst part was having to walk past an elderly dog which the shuttle driver said belonged to the owner. Poor animal was confined to a 8' x 8' pen and slept inside a no doubt hot tin building. The dog appeared to be well fed, but lonely...who does that to a pet ?? read more

This resort is awesome. I'm currently staying here for a night and the staff were extremely sweet and welcoming. Brandon and Dougie were our zip guides. They deserve oscars. They made sure we were safe and had fun. So many moments of laughter with friends definitely enjoyed our time with the two guides. Also the rooms were clean! This is a COVID safe attraction to bring your family too! read more

Wine was good, location was beautiful. We went on a Tuesday and tried to order several things but kept saying they had a busy weekend and were out of things. Not good read more

If you come here for food- please come to the breakfast buffet. The food was amazing. Seasoned well and you can tell the person who made it cared. Very fresh. The biscuits and gravy was different. More on the sweet side but worth a try. Had healthy options too, such as fruit and yogurt. Wait staff was good. Price is a little high but drinks are included. The view was what made it all worth it though. You can see miles of river and Missouri. Cable cars (lift) coming soon and when busy they have shuttles. read more

5 stars to the winery and 3.75 stars to the cottages. The winery food is excellent, the customer service leaves nothing to be desired, and the atmosphere/view is great. I've visted Aerie's Winery many times with friends. They are currently working on completing some very nice renovations to the building which improve the view and the improvements seem to allow for more seating as well. There is a wine club that meets once a month that is only a $10 annual fee that I'm seriously considering joining. The cottages are nice and simple, but have everything you need. There was a huge hot tub in our cottage that was very comfortable. I do wish they had a better water heater. It took a long time to get the tub full and hot enough to enjoy. A fireplace would have also been nice. I have stayed at Tara Point in their cabins before, and would recommend them over Aerie's Cottages (better design, view, and fireplaces), but I think Aerie's is a little less expensive. read more

My wife and I have been there dozens of times. I don't drink, and she only drinks Chardonnay, so we don't go for the wine. However, the food is decent, and the views of the river and the surrounding area are great! Now that they finally have the Sky Lift open, that adds another enjoyable activity to a visit to Aerie's. read more

I'm somewhere between a 2 and a 4 on this one based on two visits. Overall: Great view, ok wine, food leaves something to be desired. Needs more attention to detail. My guess would be that they can lean on the view and get by just because of it, so there's not as much attention paid to the actual restaurant. The 4-star part: They operate as a resort and advertise the view, and they're not kidding. It is a great view without a doubt, and probably the best option in the area to get that view. The 3-star part: It's a winery, but the ambiance and vibe really...isn't. The servers are very knowledgeable about the wine, and the wine list is not short, which is great, but that's about it. There's no narrative about what they're doing. There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but more attention to detail would add a lot to this place. The wine I had was the Bluff Top White and it was very sweet and fine by me, but I wouldn't search it out. The 2-star part: Boy, I've been unimpressed, even bummed with the food. I had flatbread both times, and it just wasn't doing it for me. They make their dough in-house, which is cool, but I didn't get a lot of difference on this versus something I could do at home or worse, from the freezer. The worst detail was that my order (the margherita flatbread) came with sausage bits that had gone astray from somewhere else. Not a huge deal, just moved them out of the way, but definitely poor presentation and not fun for someone who's vegetarian, kosher, or allergic. I'm hoping their small plates round out the menu a little more, but for a place that focuses on alcohol, I'd like to see more options for large meals so the wine doesn't go to your head. read more

This place is better than most others in the area; service was excellent (very impressive, actually), but the food is rather bland for a restaurant that claims to be a "tapas" destination. Good wine selection, great view. I wish I could give it a 3.5 stars instead of 3. This is probably the ONLY restaurant in the area worth going back to. read more

This was one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. We waited 2 hours for food only to find out our food order had been canceled. The waiter was nice but the manager was horrible and left our whole group very upset. I do NOT recommend dining at this establishment. read more

Winery: The view is the best thing about this place. The wine is not local and over priced for something you can buy anywhere. The only food I have ordered here is spinach and artichoke dip and it was good and the service is usually pretty friendly. Cottages: We stayed in a cottage and it was just plain. The decor and couch were outdated. Very close to other cottages and there's no privacy on the back deck if someone is out next door. If you're looking for privacy this isn't the place. The cottages that claim to have river views faces the river but it cannot be seen through the trees. The staff at the front desk was not friendly. read more