Hidden Lake Winery
Aviston, IL
*Disclaimer: This content is not paid or sponsored in any way. It is written as an informational guide for readers to explore and experience the winery mentioned in the post.
True to its name, Hidden Lake Winery is a place of natural beauty which is reflected in its wines. Take a scenic drive through the small town of Aviston, IL and you just may come upon a short curvy road that will lead you to a spot where nature and human construction have created harmony.
Besides having a beautiful winery which overlooks a beautiful lake, Hidden Lakes Winery has delicious wines and views to match. Whether you are having a tasting at the bar or a glass or bottle near the fireplace, perhaps even enjoying your wine outside, there is no shortage of space to relax and take in those views. They also offer kitchen hours on the weekends. In addition, if you need a space to host your next event, there are many to choose from as well as ten cabins available for rental.
The Wine:
The “W” Syrah is a very dry, red wine that is tannic and full bodied. It has an oakiness that is very pronounced with dark fruit finish. I started out with this one and because I am a dry red lover, it was my favorite. Well, One of my favorites 😉
The Vidal Blanc was one that was fun to me. Lightly tart and juicy, it finished with just a touch of sweetness to give a full mouth experience.
Let’s mention one of the sweet wines, the Wine e Dog Bluez. At 6% residual sugar, I thought this one might be too much for me. But there is something about the tartness of the blackberries, combined with the mellowed blueberries that went into this wine that made me smile. You get summer berries with sun-aged sweetness and a touch of acidity to wake it all up.
Lastly, the Seyval. The seyval grape does well in cooler climates so it is perfect for southern Illinois. Hidden Lake’s Seyval has been aged in French Oak and I think that in conjunction with citrus and melon notes is the reason that I tasted pineapple. If you are looking for a dry and vibrant white one, this one will work for you.
The Experience:
I stopped in while on a visit with family in the southern region of Illinois/St. Louis, Mo. I took the short drive through the countryside and ended up on a two lane road with no more than five houses down a three mile stretch. Once I got to the sign for Hidden Lake Winery, I took the turn and was met by a winding, uphill gravel road to not only a hidden lake, but also multiple event rooms as well as about ten cabins for overnight stays. It was a pleasant surprise to see the vastness of this property that is nestled within nature, coexisting with it instead of disturbing it.
The army green “Peace, Love and Wine” truck in front of the entry to the tasting room was a nice moment to make one grin.
The day I visited, the lake was still frozen over. We watched two doggos trek across the ice, fearless and determined, without so much as a slip. The entire lake looked beautiful, its icy top glistening from the sun as its rays reflected in all directions.
I had the place to myself for the most part, as it was in the middle of the day on Wednesday. I had a nice visit with the hostess and got to try some really good wines.
At Hidden Lake Winery they host events such as live music as well as offering a food menu of small bites, entrees, pizza and yes, a kids menu. They also have multiple events spaces available to rent for your precious moments. That include the patio down by the lake with plenty of space.
Tastings: Tastings are 2$ per pour. For 14$ you could taste half of the wines that they offer. Spread it out and try from different categories.
My Takeaway:
Hidden Lake Winery is a place to enjoy the beauty of nature with a great glass or bottle of wine. The views are breathtaking and the staff is hospitable. What more could you ask for?
Take a short drive out to Aviston, IL to Hidden Lake Winery to be refreshed by nature in view as well as in glass.
They also have a sister winery in Maryville, IL called Bella Vista Winery which offers some of the same wines and a few different ones as well.
For more information, go to: https://www.hiddenlakewinery.com/
