Illinois Apple Orchard Makes 11 Great Tasting Varieties of Wine

All this time, I've been doing the usual orchard stuff—sipping cider, munching on donuts, picking apples, and hauling home goodies—yet missing out on something pretty spectacular at this orchard 45 minutes from Rockford.

Jonamac Orchard: Wine Not Make the Trip?

Did you hear the one about the guy who visited an apple orchard and didn’t even notice the...

11 bottles of apple and grape wine made right there?

Yeah, no punchline, because this story is about me missing out on the apple wine life I didn’t even know I needed. Just a 45-minute drive from Rockford, Jonamac Orchard in Malta, Illinois, sits on 105 acres with over 20,000 apple trees, offering decades of safe, clean, and unforgettable family fun. But more importantly, they’ve mastered the art of apple wine.

Jonamac Orchard serves up 11 wine varieties, and I’m betting you’ll find a new favorite (or three). Here’s what I’ve been missing:

• Caramel Apple – Whether you prefer it on a stick or in a bottle, it’s a win either way.
• Honeycrisp – 100% Honeycrisp apples, delivering a Moscato-like sweetness.
• Pomme Nouveau – A cozy mix of cinnamon and apple cider.
• Pumpkin Spice – Perfect when warmed up, because why not?
• Autumn Harvest Spiced Apple – Mulling spices for that fall warmth in a glass.
• Orchard Blend – Sweet and light, reminiscent of a Pinot Grigio.
• Carbonated Apple Blossom – Mix this bubbly with cider for a Jonamac Mimosa.
• Red Barn Blush – Apple meets cranberry, ideal for sangria (or vodka cranberry).
• Nosy Neighbor – Apple and grape join forces in this semi-sweet treat.
• Orchard Reserve – Buttery vanilla goodness, think Chardonnay but with a twist.
• JonaZin – Zinfandel and oak-aged apple wine combine for a fruity masterpiece.

Jonamac Orchard also cans five different hard ciders, ranging from 5.8% to 6.5% alcohol by volume.

MORE: 5 Spots in Illinois Where Fall Colors Look The Best

So, next time you’re down for a 45-minute drive from Rockford, don’t just pick apples—pick up some wine. You’ll thank me later!

Jonamac offers everything, and I mean everything, you love about a fall trip to an orchard.

Even camel rides.

MORE: These Natural Wonders Of Illinois Make Perfect Fall Road Trips

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Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (without admission fee)

Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with a general admission fee)

Jonamac's Cider House has after-hours events throughout the season. visit their website for the schedule.

The season at Jonamac typically begins in late August and ends in late November. It's always a good idea to check in with the orchard on Facebook or their website.

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