Illinois' First Female Winemaker

Baxter’s Vineyard holds the distinction of being the first bonded and licensed winery in Illinois. Established in 1857 by Emile and Annette Baxter, this family-owned winery is located in the historic town of Nauvoo. Over the years, the winery has changed names and ownership, passing through generations. In 1989, Kelly and Brenda Logan reopened the winery, with Kelly being the fifth generation of the Baxter family to cultivate fruits, and Brenda recognized as one of the first women in Illinois to produce wine.

A True Family Operation

The winery operates smoothly with a clear division of responsibilities. Brenda serves as the general manager, while Kelly oversees vineyard maintenance and off-site operations. Together with local assistance, they manage the 17 acres of land, which includes both vineyards and orchards. The vineyard is home to American grape varieties such as Concord, Niagara, Catawba, and Norton, all handpicked to create a range of red, white, dessert, and sparkling wines.

Wine Tasting at Baxter’s Vineyard

Each year, Baxter’s Vineyard produces between 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of wine, with annual sales reaching approximately 1,200 to 1,300 cases. Some of the winery's most popular offerings include Classic Norton Wine, Captain’s White Wine, Baxter’s Bubbly, Brenda’s Blush Wine, Classic Niagara Wine, and Nauvoo Red Wine. The family’s dedication to tradition and craftsmanship makes their wines truly unique.

Experiences to book at Baxter's Vineyard

Top reviews

Richard Ellefritz
June 1, 2024
Historic Baxter's Vineyards in Nauvoo, IL. A gift shop that anybody visiting Nauvoo must come and see for the local wine, cheese, and other gifts to take back home. You have to try the sweet breads and blue cheese!
Tim Kerrn
September 7, 2024
Very nice people here. Good selection of wines. I liked sweet wine and they didn’t disappoint. Good prices for the wine tasting as well. Got plenty of snack options. Definitely worth the visit.

Location

Location Po Box 342, Nauvoo, Il, 62354, United States

Spoken Languages

Services

Reduced Mobility Access
Restaurant
Accommodation
Kids Activities
Bus Parking

Grape varieties

Concord
Niagara
Catawba
Norton

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Visitor reviews

What our community thinks about Baxter's Vineyard

Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Baxter's Vineyard.

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Reviews (5)

Kara Clark
Reviewed on October 27, 2024

My boyfriend and I did a flight pairing and it was wonderful! We tried the sweet wines and loved them all! The pairings went well. It was a memorable experience! Thank you!

Review provided by Google

Alison Kerrn
Reviewed on September 7, 2024

Wonderful service and a great variety of wines. My husband and I did the signature tastings, which worked out well for both of us- I did the dry 6 and he did the sweet 6. The menu is incredibly affordable and well-priced. My favorite was the Captain's White and my husband's was the peach norbie. Many things to buy inside also, including cute merchandise, packaged food items, and wine accessories.

Review provided by Google

Tim Kerrn
Reviewed on September 7, 2024

Very nice people here. Good selection of wines. I liked sweet wine and they didn’t disappoint. Good prices for the wine tasting as well. Got plenty of snack options. Definitely worth the visit.

Review provided by Google

Richard Ellefritz
Reviewed on June 1, 2024

Historic Baxter's Vineyards in Nauvoo, IL. A gift shop that anybody visiting Nauvoo must come and see for the local wine, cheese, and other gifts to take back home. You have to try the sweet breads and blue cheese!

Review provided by Google

Jessica C
Reviewed on December 11, 2016

Different wines than you can get elsewhere. The owner was very nice and helpful. We enjoyed our visit and bought a couple of bottles of wine.

Review provided by Google

Frequently Asked Questions about Baxter's Vineyard

Where is Baxter's Vineyard located?

Baxter's Vineyard is located in Verde Valley, USA

What grape varieties do they plant at Baxter's Vineyard?

At Baxter's Vineyard, they cultivate Concord, Niagara, Catawba, Norton.

What languages do they speak at the Baxter's Vineyard?

At Baxter's Vineyard they speak English.

Do they produce organic wines at Baxter's Vineyard?

No, Baxter's Vineyard is not an organic wine producer.