History of our Vines

Our vineyard began as a dream of Ted Wichmann, father of Hanna Wichmann (owner/winemaker at Wichmann Vineyard). The oldest vines at Wichmann Vineyard were planted by Ted Wichmann in 1980. This part of the vineyard is the oldest commercial vineyard in southern Illinois.

Two types of vines currently producing a crop in our vineyard are Niagara and Norton. These, and all the vines at Wichmann Vineyard are hybrids. Hybrids are the offspring of two different grape varietals.

Niagara (vitis labrusca) – a cross between Concord and Cassady Grapes. Niagara is considered an American Heirloom Variety and is currently used in our Bloom wine.

Norton (vitis aestivalis) – originally discovered in Virginia by Dr. Norton in the 1800s. Norton is thought to be a hybrid between an unknown native American grape variety and a variety brought over from Europe. In the late 1800s wines made from Norton grapes in Missouri were considered world class wines at a worldwide wine competition in Vienna.

We planted 1100 new vines in March of 2021, which will take 3-4 years to produce a crop. These are Chambourcin, Traminette, and Chardonel.

Chambourcin – a French American Hybrid with unknown parentage. Chambourcin grows especially well in the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois and makes outstanding dry red blends as well as roses and blushes.

Traminette – is the great great granddaughter of a native German grape called Gewürztraminer and another French-American hybrid called Seyval.

Chardonel – is the cross between a French American hybrid called Seyval and a European variety: Chardonnay

With only 3 acres of vines at Wichmann Vineyard, we also rely on other local growers for product. Chambourcin Vineyard, about 10 miles from Wichmann Vineyard, is one of our main suppliers of Chambourcin grapes. Unfortunately, over recent years, the number of growers in our region has dropped considerably, making it difficult to source locally grown grapes for our wine. Wichmann Vineyard is committed to making our wine with estate grown or locally grown (within the Shawnee Hills American Viticulture Area) grapes whenever possible. Until new growers are drawn to our area, on occasion we may have to source product from outside the southern Illinois area.