Yes, nice little place in a nice little town. Stopped in for some wine and had a great time. Had a guitarist/singer going in the main room. He sounded very good. Had only one glass as I was soon driving home, but I enjoyed it immensely. Food looked and smell wonderful, but I didn't have the time. Next time, I will sample much more. Prices for everything, including wine-by-the-glass seemed very reasonable, especially when one considers the quality of the wine. All locally growned and vinted. Highly recommend for a good glass (or two) of wine and what I bet is some great food. (More on that later.) read more

Disappointing. If you sit outside beware; the tables & chairs are open grate metal & tables are wobbly. Ruined a pair of light tan pants as some sangria, filled too high in the glass, wobbled & sloshed red thru the table. Not happy they did Not have club soda to get the worst of it out. Also no ice. No water except luke warm tap in a decanter on the bar. Was a cooler w/pop but no iced tea or water. With 7 sandwich offerings, wine club & activites, includ'g live music every week you'd think they would offer ice, cold bottled water & club soda behind the bar for wine stains. I don't think that's asking too much. read more

OK, so the husband and I are up in Illinois for a family emergency. And of course, the lawyer that we engaged was an HOUR a way in this god forsaken town of Genoa (sorry to anyone who lives there, but seriously there is NOTHING around your town)...which has elevator music piped all along the main street. We meet with the lawyer (who is great), but he had to take an hour or so to pull together the documents we needed, so we had some time to kill. As listening to the piped music for one more second was probably going to make me go insane (plus I'm not convinced isn't not some sort of MK Ultra mind control experiment...I kid, I kid...the CIA would be much more subtle than this), we spy Prairie State Winery. A winery? In the middle of Illinois? In this quaint (but weird) little town? WHUT? So we walk in...and OMG IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED. I'm not going to comment on the quality of the wines, because I feel that everyone's wine palate is subjective...but I will say that the wines were surprisingly decent, but more importantly, the service was phenomenal. The guy running this winery, was so friendly, and was really great with the pour, and had some good recommendations once we described what we liked. I was stressed out and PMSy and wanted something to guzzle (yeah, I know, don't judge), and he recommended one of their sweet dessert wines that was super jammy and perfect for me to pound down (I know, I know. Seriously, it was a family emergency and I needed the drumks). The facility has a cute indoor space, but an even cuter little patio courtyard outside, that was perfect for enjoying the day (well, as much enjoyment as we could with what we were dealing with). All in all, a pleasant and much needed surprise during a really craptapulous trip. read more

Meh. This is a nice little winery in nowhere Illinois, but there's nothing really noteworthy here, unfortunately. I will have you know that I will drink some real swill when it comes down to it. Hell, I've been known to throw down a whole bottle of oxidized wine when needed (yes, sometimes it IS needed.). However, I DO appreciate a well made wine too. Prairie State Winery doesn't really offer anything in the medium to full-bodied or super oaky wine categories. The dryest, oakiest white that they had (the Oak Savanna) was decent at best, and the best reds they had were the heavier(ish) bodied oaked ones. I left with a bottle of the Illinois Chambourcin Reserve pretty much only because it's a good red for summer and I like to try to drink local products when I can. I will say this: I like the winery (it's really cute and old general store looking and even has a comfy couch), the service is excellent, they have a really cool nitrogen pump system for the tastings so you can try any of their wines, they are cheap (I think the tasting was like 3 or 4 bucks and you try 8 pours (?) [TINY POURS but 8 pours all the same]), and I like that it's a local Illinois winery with some cool history. For THAT, I will bump them up a star. There, don't say I never did anything for my fellow man... read more

Jill and I went to Genoa, IL yesterday for the sole purpose of tasting wine at Prairie State Winery. The winery is located in downtown Genoa. It is a very inviting place. As you enter beneath the wine barrel you are reminded of a general store that you might see in an old western movie or maybe Olesen's Mercantile from Little House On The Prairie. Maria Mamoser, she and her husband Rick own the winery, was far from crabby Mrs. Olesen, however. She could not have been nicer and her knowledge of wine made it a very enjoyable experience. They have 27 different wines you can sample (taste) all made locally with locally-grown produce. They have a nitrogen system that allows them to offer tastes of all of their wines with minimal waste. They advise only to try six wines each time you visit because, as we were taught, the average palate can only distinguish six different tastes before the tastes become overlapping and it is difficult to distinguish between them. Prairie State Winery allows you six tastes at no charge and then there is a minimal fee for each taste after that. Acquaviva charged $6.00 for the tasting and they had no choice of the wines as they only had six. We tasted different wines, though we did taste a few of the same wines, and we ended up buying three bottles (Maria's Sangria, Kingston Vines and Elderberry) and some cheese ball mix. They have many different and unique food items that you can purchase as well as the excellent wines they offer. I even liked the palate-cleanser cookie/crackers they had. They actually tasted like a cross between a cookie and a cracker; also far better than my only other wine tasting encounter. The wines I tasted were: Maria's Sangarita, Maria's Sangria, Pomegranate, Prairie Berry, Elderberry and Apple. I know a lot of you like to take weekend rides and several of you are wine connoisseurs. I highly recommend Prairie State Winery. According to their website (www.prairiestatewinery.com) they have events called Wine Downs every second and fourth Friday of the month where they have live music and food to accompany your wine in the quaint room in the back of the store called The Barrel Room. Regardless, if you like wine or are just adventurous like me and are looking for something different to do I suggest going to 217 W. Main Street, Genoa and sample some of the excellent wines made with local produce at Prairie State Winery. If your experience is half as good as ours was yesterday you will have a great time and will bring home some delicious wine. read more

Prairie State Winery - Very charming interior - Wineries Near Me - Genoa, Illinois

See all

Hidden gem! My husband and I found Prarie State yesterday afternoon while on a quest for the perfect fall ambiance. Not only was every wine we sampled delicious and well balanced but the service was impeccable. In a competitive society where everyone is trying to be bigger and better, it is refreshing to see a business nail simplicity so well. Prarie State doesn't need any bells and whistles because the entire customer experience they have created is that good. We will most certainly be back and will be customers for life! read more

We had some wonderful wines both red and white. Great assortment!! Great service! The cab was my favorite and my husbands was a niarga! Very kid friendly place with soft drinks and games. On our way from Plainfield to lake caroll .Thanks for a wonderful experience!! read more

My wife and I were looking for a place for lunch on Mother's day. We were out west buying some heritage tomato plants and happened into Prairie State. What a great place. My bride is a bit of a wine snob, and I have never had an Illinois wine I liked...but that was before we found this place. We had a bottle of the Prairie White table wine and loved it. Fruity nose and drinks like a good sauvignon blanc. Nice vibe and live music. We bought 2 bottles to bring home. Can an Illinois winery make a complex Chardonnay like the Napa Valley, I don't know, but great summer's day white? The answer is YES!!! read more

Great wine selection and the wines are very good! If you go when they're serving food you're in for a real treat. Excellent service!!

Award-winning wines at modest prices, production on-premises, wine-tastings, homemade fudge, small-town charm, a gift for everyone on your list, and always something new to sample and take home. I enjoy my wines semi-sweet, like a German Riesling. If you do as well, be sure to try Kishwaukee Blue... you won't be disappointed! read more

This place is quite the shot in the dark that works out very well. Truth is, there is nothing special about Prairie State Winery itself. It doesn't look spectacular, isn't in an area which would attract many people, and is about as fancy as my college apartment. However, the place works . The employees are extremely nice and there are "wine downs" (1-2 times a month) in which you can bring your own food to eat with their wine while listening to live music. What a novel idea; to have live music and invite people in to drink wine. For some reason, many wineries don't do this and I have never been able to figure out why. People will come as they do to Prairie State. The place gets full and is very energetic. Side note , if you are a single male between the ages of 45-60 ( I am not) then there is no reason not to like this place. It brings out the middle-aged ladies for girls night out like no other. It does attract a younger crowd as well though. Overall, I can't give a reason not to try Prarie State. It has been fun each time I've been there. read more

This is a great place to visit with a couple or a bunch of people. They are always very welcoming. The new location is beautiful and I can't wait for the expansion to completed. Went to a food and wine pairing for the first time. Food was excellent and was paired well with the chosen wines. Can't wait for the next one. If you are planning on attending a wine down you may want to reserve your table ahead of time. read more

One of the better wineries in Rockford area. Actually, their food is delicious so I would recommend taking a small group here for the experience. Prices are moderate as well. read more

This place is amazing! I've visited twice and would give them more than 5 stars if I could! The first visit we did a wine tasting... and whoa, they have some really delicious wines that it makes it difficult to decide which bottles to purchase. The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable, it felt like I was tasting wine with a friend at his home. We also split the Nosh plate with 3 friends and we all had plenty to eat. I'm amazed at how much delicious food is served on this $12 plate! If you visit, you certainly need to try this! Our last visit was just yesterday evening and I didn't realize the time when we arrived was after the kitchen closed. One of the women working was kind enough to go back to the kitchen to see if they could still prepare a Nosh plate for us and sure enough, she came out with a plate of scrumptious food for my husband and I to eat. I'm not kidding you either... we split this one plate of food for dinner and were stuffed! We paired it with our favorite glasses of wines and also sampled the Prarie Dog slushee... another amazing product that they offer. You have to visit this place... you won't regret it! read more

Prairie State Winery - Our absolutely delicious Nosh plate - Wineries Near Me - Genoa, Illinois

We stopped in trying to find good wine and sunshine. They have a lovely patio and great choices of wine. To be honest it is greatly priced for the tasting and for the bottles. We definitely coming back! read more

Located on Main St in Genoa (Rt 72) in a cool little building, it has an impressive selection of locally made wines. I picked up 3 bottles at a reasonable price and received a dollar off. . Wine tastings offered as well. read more

Nice winery! If you enjoy fruity wines this is the place! Love the apple but the Niagra is crazy amazing! Love sweet wine? Great choice! Nice folks, too! read more

I LOVE this place. I have been coming here for years and the wine is great, cheap and the people who work here are amazing as well. We actually had our wedding of 50 people here on Saturday and it was amazing. The staff was so friendly and helpful and the wine was delicious, as always. I would HIGHLY recommend you visit sometime. read more

This is one of my favorite places to hang out with my friends. Love the variety of wines and the food. The appetizer platter is my favorite. The design of the building is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing. The staff is always very friendly, helpful and fun. I am very thankful this little business decided to open in our little town. We are blessed. read more

Prairie State Winery's new location in Genoa is amazing. The outdoor courtyard is beautiful and perfect for a Friday Night Wine Down with a few girlfriends. I'm looking forward to hanging out inside this fall and winter, too! Bring your own nosh, drink some wine and enjoy the live music. Tons of options for all types of wine drinkers. read more

Live music in Sunday afternoon with any great of wine , if you are not sure wish one - go through wine tasting and find your match! Patio is just gorgeous as well as service ! Thank you very much Gianna, we had a blast! read more

We went for the first Time to Prairie State winery. We had such a nice time and the girls behind the bar were so friendly and very informative. We enjoyed our stay there and had lunch as well. There is a beautiful little backyard area that has trees and bushes very nice and quaint. Will be back again soon. And the wine is great as well read more

I loved this place...although i think it may have moved down the street a bit now because it doesnt look like the pictures ive seen (i will post some of the new ones) it was so cute, modern but homey, the garden was very serine to sit in, they have heaters for the cold months, they lit a fire in the pit for us outside to sit by and enjoy our wine. The tastings we very reasonably priced 7 for $5 and they were decent sized tastings. The employee was very knowledgable and very friendly, we loved her. As for the wine they have such a large selection to choose from!!! You are sure to find something you like. But the best part for me was the wine slushie, yes thats right i said wine slushie...its a must try! They dont have food available but you are able to bring in food or order it in from the local places which is nice....this is a place i plan on visiting many more times because im now addicted to the Niagara wine! read more

Prairie State Winery - Wineries Near Me - Genoa, Illinois

See all

Truly impressed. The wine was amazing and various options available for all to select from. We did the wine tasting and it was delightful. The appetizers were a bit hit too! Nice atmosphere if you want to hang at the bar or relax on the patio. They even have a large dining room to enjoy. read more

Unimpressed with the service. One of the guys behind the bar was a bit rude and the bathrooms were a mess. The wine is mediocre at best. It's a neat location though. read more

My husband and I always stop at Prairie State Winery on our way thru Genoa. Many different varieties from very dry to very sweet & fruity. They do not charge for tastings and since it was a slow day, let us try as many as we wanted. The prices are reasonable and I usually bring back my old wine carton to receive a discount. We have many that we like, but Kishwaukee Blue is always a favorite. The staff is knowledgeable and not pushy at all. I have bought many bottles of wine for gifts and everyone seems to love them and they come for more. It is worth the trip if you are in the Dekalb area. It is on Main street in a quaint downtown area. Have lunch at Crumpets next door after you shop at the winery. read more

We stopped in a on a weekday afternoon and had a great experience. Maria was a wonderful guide through the many varieties of wine available at the store. She did not rush us, and we felt like old friends after a short time. The store is very quaint and comfortable. We loved the Kishwaukee Blue and the story behind the label. We could have not been treated any nicer, and Maria gave us great information about nearby campgrounds also. If you enjoy wine, make this a place to stop. read more