Welcome To Backroad Vineyard!
Backroad Vineyard is a small, family owned vineyard located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Orion, Illinois.
Established in 2009, the intent of the Belshause Family was to transform the hills and cornfields into something that every person would be able to visit and feel at home. We look forward to being an essential destination of anyone looking to experience the best of what Quad Cities Vineyards have to offer.
Since 2009, Backroad Vineyard has taken huge steps towards our ultimate goal of becoming an Illinois winery. In 2011 we became members of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, and are now linked on their website listing all of the Illinois Vineyards and Wineries.
In addition, in 2011, we expanded our Vineyard to 1 1/2 acres of La Crescent grapes and put in our first half acre of Frontenac grapes as well! We are looking to continue with those two grape varieties in 2012 by planting another half acre of each this spring. Furthermore, 2012 will be our first year being able to sell our La Crescent grapes! We are ecstatic to finally be able to see all of our hard work pay off and go towards producing a delicious Illinois Wine.
Established in 2009, the intent of the Belshause Family was to transform the hills and cornfields into something that every person would be able to visit and feel at home. We look forward to being an essential destination of anyone looking to experience the best of what Quad Cities Vineyards have to offer.
Since 2009, Backroad Vineyard has taken huge steps towards our ultimate goal of becoming an Illinois winery. In 2011 we became members of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, and are now linked on their website listing all of the Illinois Vineyards and Wineries.
In addition, in 2011, we expanded our Vineyard to 1 1/2 acres of La Crescent grapes and put in our first half acre of Frontenac grapes as well! We are looking to continue with those two grape varieties in 2012 by planting another half acre of each this spring. Furthermore, 2012 will be our first year being able to sell our La Crescent grapes! We are ecstatic to finally be able to see all of our hard work pay off and go towards producing a delicious Illinois Wine.
News And Updates:
March 23rd, 2012:
March 19th-20th, 2012:
Marty and Hank finished replacing steel posts with wooden ones on the first year La Crescent Vines. The buds are starting to burst as well, which is very exciting! It was a very foggy morning, but made for a cool scene at Backroad Vineyard. Click HERE to see all the pictures!
March 19th-20th, 2012:
Ron, Marty, and Hank began changing the steel posts in the rows for more permanent, treated wood posts. They make the vineyard look even more beautiful! Click HERE to see the pictures!
March 9th, 2012:
Marty and Hank took the snow fence down. With such a mild winter, It almost wasn't needed! Also, finished cleaning up all the vines that were trimmed last week. Marty was able to test our new Airblast Sprayer as well, and was very impressed with the results. No more logging that backpack sprayer around for everything!
March 8th, 2012
Marty finished bottling the La Crescent wine he made from the grapes that were harvested in 2011. Look forward to tasting it!
February 28/29th, 2012:
Ron, Hank, and Elaine finished all of the dormant pruning on the vines. The 2 year La Crescent vines look amazing and most have been trained to the top wire with many lateral shoots ready to start producing grapes! Frontenac vines are looking very vigorous, will be an uphill battle keeping them trained this summer!
December 25/26th, 2011:
Marty and Hank set all of the end posts for 2012's La Crescent and Frontenac Vines. Even with it being Christmas, we couldn't let a couple beautiful days go to waste.
Marty and Hank took the snow fence down. With such a mild winter, It almost wasn't needed! Also, finished cleaning up all the vines that were trimmed last week. Marty was able to test our new Airblast Sprayer as well, and was very impressed with the results. No more logging that backpack sprayer around for everything!
March 8th, 2012
Marty finished bottling the La Crescent wine he made from the grapes that were harvested in 2011. Look forward to tasting it!
February 28/29th, 2012:
Ron, Hank, and Elaine finished all of the dormant pruning on the vines. The 2 year La Crescent vines look amazing and most have been trained to the top wire with many lateral shoots ready to start producing grapes! Frontenac vines are looking very vigorous, will be an uphill battle keeping them trained this summer!
December 25/26th, 2011:
Marty and Hank set all of the end posts for 2012's La Crescent and Frontenac Vines. Even with it being Christmas, we couldn't let a couple beautiful days go to waste.
Upcoming Events:
May 4th-13th, 2012:
This year, we would love for you to join us in planting our La Crescent and Frontenac Vines. Come and see what it takes to grow a grape right from the beginning. This will be a fun, educational, and free event. If you have children, bring them out and let them get their hands dirty planting a grape vine. We will also have a few selections of wine, for you enjoyment, from our vintner, Marty.
We look forward for you to join us on this wonderful day. We will update with exact dates and times soon. All dates will be subject to change with weather. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact one of us!
This year, we would love for you to join us in planting our La Crescent and Frontenac Vines. Come and see what it takes to grow a grape right from the beginning. This will be a fun, educational, and free event. If you have children, bring them out and let them get their hands dirty planting a grape vine. We will also have a few selections of wine, for you enjoyment, from our vintner, Marty.
We look forward for you to join us on this wonderful day. We will update with exact dates and times soon. All dates will be subject to change with weather. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact one of us!
