Illinois Sparkling Co. Brings Bubbly to the Prairie State

Winery puts Illinois-grown grapes on the map with traditional method sparkling wines.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Illinois Sparkling Co. is putting Illinois wine on the map with its handcrafted sparkling wines made using the traditional method championed in France's Champagne region. Winemaker Mark Wenzel has spent years researching, experimenting, and getting advice from Champagne producers to perfect his Illinois-grown sparkling wine lineup, which includes a blanc de noir made from Chambourcin grapes and a semi-sweet sparkler featuring La Crescent and Frontenac Gris.

Why it matters

As the Illinois wine industry has grown over the past few decades, producers have increasingly focused on showcasing the state's unique grape varietals and terroir. The Illinois Sparkling Co.'s commitment to using 100% Illinois-grown grapes and traditional winemaking techniques represents an effort to establish Illinois as a serious player in the world of sparkling wine production.

The details

The Illinois Sparkling Co. makes five different sparkling wines, all produced using the traditional method employed in Champagne. Winemaker Mark Wenzel sources grapes from vineyards across Illinois, including Chambourcin from Two Oaks Vineyard in Benton and La Crescent and Frontenac Gris from the ISC Estate Vineyard in Peru. The wines range from a brut blanc de noir to a demi-sec rosé, all showcasing the potential of Illinois' grape-growing regions.

  • The Illinois wine industry really started gaining momentum in the 1980s.
  • In 2011, Illinois had an estimated 175 commercial vineyards and over 1,000 acres under vine.
  • The Illinois Sparkling Co. was founded in recent years, with winemaker Mark Wenzel spending time researching and experimenting to perfect his traditional method sparkling wines.

The players

Illinois Sparkling Co.

A winery in Peru, Illinois that produces handcrafted sparkling wines made using the traditional method from 100% Illinois-grown grapes.

Mark Wenzel

The winemaker at Illinois Sparkling Co. who has spent years researching, experimenting, and getting advice from Champagne producers to perfect the winery's traditional method sparkling wines.

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What they’re saying

“Winemaker Mark Wenzel also toils in the vineyards and cellar for August Hill Winery. He hopes to put Illinois sparkling wine on the map after spending years on research, trials and getting advice from Champagne producers.”

— Randy Fuller, Author (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The Illinois Sparkling Co.'s commitment to using 100% Illinois-grown grapes and traditional winemaking techniques represents an effort to establish Illinois as a serious player in the world of sparkling wine production, showcasing the state's unique grape varietals and terroir.