Every bottle of August Hill & ISC wine tells a story, one that begins long before the cork is pulled or the glass is poured. It starts in the vineyard, where each row of vines quietly soaks up the sun, sways in the wind, and gathers the character of the Illinois soil and seasons.
The Rhythm of the Vineyard
Winter pruning, spring’s first green shoots, the summer sun ripening clusters of fruit; each season plays its part. By the time September arrives, the air is alive with the promise of harvest. Grapes swell with flavor, and the vineyard hums with anticipation.
Harvest Magic
There’s a special kind of joy in harvest. The cool morning air, the snap of grape clusters falling into bins, the sweet perfume of ripened fruit all around. Timing is everything. We wait for that perfect moment when sugar, acidity, and flavor are in harmony.
Turning Fruit into Wine
Back at the winery, the transformation begins. Whites are pressed to release their golden juice; reds rest with their skins, deepening in color and character. Some red grapes are gently pressed right away to create delicate rosés, capturing just a whisper of color and fruit. For sparkling wines, we press with extra care, drawing out only the premium juice — the purest expression of the grape — to ensure finesse and elegance in every bubble.
Nurturing Each Wine
Some wines are crisp and lively, nurtured in stainless steel to preserve their freshness. Others are given time to rest in oak barrels, where gentle aging weaves in notes of vanilla, spice, or toast. And for our traditional method sparkling wines, the bottles quietly work their magic in the cool, dark stillness of our winery caves, developing their delicate bubbles and refined character over time. Our winemakers guide each step with care, coaxing out the personality hidden in every grape.
The Story in Your Glass
After months (or even years) of care, the wine is ready to share with you. Every sip carries the story of our vineyards, the passion of our winemaking and vineyard team, and the spirit of Illinois wine.
Raise a glass with us this September and celebrate Illinois Wine Month. From vine to glass, every bottle is a labor of love.