More than 100 years ago, Illinois was the fourth largest wine-producing state in the nation. Now the Treasury Department holds Illinois responsible for just a fraction of the 40 million gallons bottled each month. Other states may have passed Illinois in production, but wineries and vineyards continue to sprout all across the Land of Lincoln. Thirteen years ago, there were 14 Illinois wineries and 150 growers. Now, there are 90 wineries and 450 growers. Several new and established vintners – whose grounds provide many opportunities for budding sommeliers – have set up shop in and around central Illinois.