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Welcome to Indian Creek Vineyard About Indian Creek Vineyard
Leave your worries behind while relaxing on the second story veranda, sipping a glass of fine Illinois wine. Sunsets of breathless beauty disappear over the ridge behind the six acre vineyard.
Utilizing pasture-land, owned by the Sams family since 1841, they along with students from Blackhawk College planted 1,500 grape plants on three acres west of the house. Preparation work began that fall to extend the vineyard. The following spring, another three acres were added bringing the total to six acres containing 3,000 plants.
Joining a coalition of experienced grapegrowers and winemakers throughout the state, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Fred decided to plant varieties suitable to the climate in Stark County and also be the grape of choice for producing the best quality wines. Marechal Foch and Frontenac, red varieties, make up most of the acreage with a small number of white varieties including LaCrosse, St. Croix and St. Pepin.
Vineyard History
Development of the vineyard began over ten years ago by the descendant of David Nicholson, Fred J. Sams the 5th generation of the same sesquicentennial farmland purchased in the early 1800's.
Located along what was once called Old Main, the only connection between Toulon and Kewanee at the time, it is said that Abraham Lincoln stopped to rest in the upper room of the home (now called the Chateau) before continuing on his campaign route in Northern Illinois.
The last settlement of the Pottawatomies in Stark County is located on the farm and slight indentations left by the stagecoach on route to Galena can still be seen in the pasture.
Vineyard Photo Gallery Vineyard
A view of the vineyard looking west from the Chateau.
Grapes on the Vine
Grapes ripening on the vine, prior to the harvest.
Harvest
Grapes are gathered and sorted during the Fall harvest.
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