Illinois Wine Shop Toasts to Top 10 Status in National Ranking

Illinois has no shortage of winery destinations, but according to USA Today, one wine shop stands out as one of the best in the U.S.

There are plenty of great wineries located in the tri-state, but I would be lying if I said I've been to them all. Personally, I'm not much of a wine consumer and only ever indulge in the occasional glass of white wine. That said, I have friends who love to check out local wineries, and it's something I've been trying to do a little more each year. Not only is it fun to take a short road trip and enjoy a few drinks with friends, but it's great to support other local businesses.

Where are the Best Wine Destinations in the U.S.?

USA Today recently released a list of the Top 10 Best Wine Shops in the U.S., which were selected by an expert panel and voted on by readers. Coming in at No. 1 was ta·ca·rón, located in Ridgeland, South Carolina. The shop is run by Cuban-born owner Juan Carlos Jiménez, who combines the finest Cuban cigars and coffee with a large selection of boutique wines. It definitely looks like a worthwhile stop if your heart can take the blood pressure spike from the coffee and cigars. Perhaps you can counteract the effects with red wine?

Get our free mobile app

Illinois Wine Shop Among the Top 10 Wine Destinations in the U.S.

Coming at No. 2 on USA Today's Top 10 Best Wine Shops in the U.S. was Red or White Wine, found in Mobile, Alabama. Apparently, in addition to a wide selection of wine, the shop also has an on-site restaurant with some of Mobile's best pizza. Coming in at No. 3 on the list, however, is Anfora Wine Merchants in Oak Park, Illinois. This definitely looks like a worthwhile travel destination, situated in a cozy corner of the historic district. Here is what USA Today said about Anfora Wine Merchants:

Inspired by Italian enotecas, Anfora Wine Merchants is a place where oenophiles can sit, relax, and sample excellent wines. Set in Illinois' historic Oak Park, visitors here can take part in monthly wine classes, avail themselves of a store membership, or join a curated wine club, as well as just purchase bottles to bring home. Anfora focuses on small and/or iconic producers who engage in ecological winemaking practices, and there are some superb choices to pair with light bites in their cozy bistro.

Anfora Wine Merchants via Facebook

If you're looking to go on a wine shop road trip adventure, it's safe to say this would be an ideal place to mark on the map. While looking at the picture above, I couldn't help but imagine this as a place Dr. Frasier Crane might even spend a warm summer evening. You can see the full list of USA Today's Top 10 Best Wine Shops in the U.S. below: