Business Details
25 Years
experience
Welcome to Cache River Basin Vineyard & Winery
Established in 2001, Cache River Basin Vineyard & Winery has been a labor of passion and dedication, nestled in the scenic hills of Southern Illinois. Our mission has always been to craft high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region while providing visitors with an immersive experience in a natural setting. Over the years, we expanded our vision to include Wineauxs Restaurant, offering guests a place to enjoy fine dining alongside our wines, and Boondocks Cabins, designed to deliver a cozy retreat amidst nature. Our vineyards are planted with Norton, Chambourcin, and other varietals, and we take pride in naming our wines to honor local history, wildlife, and cultural landmarks.Sustainability is central to our operations, with dedicated wetlands and wildlife habitats integrated into our 97-acre property. Weve invested in modern amenities like self-printed wine labels and upgraded facilities to enhance visitor experiences while maintaining our rustic charm. Our team, led by founder Jack Dunker, brings decades of hands-on expertise in viticulture and hospitality, ensuring every bottle of wine and guest stay meets our exacting standards. We are committed to transparency, quality, and fostering a deep connection between our visitors and the natural beauty of Southern Illinois.
Services
Wine Tastings
Vineyard Tours
Cabin Rentals
Wine Sales
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of expertise in crafting award-winning Illinois wines.
- Our property features 5 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation and observation.
- We provide fully equipped cabins with modern amenities in a secluded natural setting.
- Our team includes certified viticulturists with specialized knowledge of Midwest terroir.
- We maintain full transparency in wine production and business operations.
What people say
Breathtaking views
Excellent wine selection
Well-maintained cabins
Wildlife encounters
Friendly service
Services
Wine Tastings
Sample our award-winning Illinois wines crafted from Norton, Chambourcin, and hybrid varietals. Our tasting room offers a curated selection of reds, whites, and dessert wines. Guests receive detailed information about each wine's flavor profile, production process, and pairing suggestions.
Vineyard Tours
Explore our 97-acre property featuring Norton vineyards, wetland conservation areas, and wildlife habitats. Learn about Midwest viticulture practices and sustainable farming methods. Tours include access to working winemaking facilities and scenic overlooks.
Cabin Rentals
Stay in our fully equipped Boondocks Cabin featuring two bedrooms, modern kitchen, infrared sauna, and hot tub. Enjoy nature immersion with guaranteed wildlife viewing opportunities. Pet-friendly accommodations available with outdoor recreational amenities.
Wine Sales
Purchase estate-grown wines including limited releases and vintage selections. Choose from reds like Copperhead Red and whites like Cache River Swamp Water. Take home custom-labeled bottles produced on-site using our label printing equipment.
Event Hosting
Host special occasions at our scenic Southern Illinois property. Available spaces include the winery grounds, restaurant area, and heliport. Perfect for weddings, reunions, or corporate retreats with wine pairing options and cabin accommodations.
People
Jack Dunker
Owner
Founder with 20+ years experience in viticulture and hospitality. Developed the property's sustainable practices and wine naming philosophy. Provides transition support for new business owners.
Questions
What are the winery's current operating hours?
We're open Monday 10-12, Tue-Thu 10-5, Fri-Sat noon-8, and Sunday noon-5.
Are cabin rentals pet-friendly?
Yes, Boondocks Cabins welcome pets with prior approval and a cleaning fee.
Is Wineaux's Restaurant still operating?
No, the restaurant is currently closed and included in the business sale.
Can I host events at the property?
Yes, we offer venue rental for weddings, reunions, and corporate events.
Are there wildlife viewing opportunities?
Yes, our 5-acre wildlife habitat attracts eagles, deer, turkeys, and herons.
Is helicopter access available?
Yes, we have a heliport available for guest use with prior arrangements.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Chris M.
Dec 18, 2021
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Amazing food and service! Jewel in country! Will be back! I had the grilled cheese which was decadent and delicious while my husband had the burger. Both we a step above.
Stephanie Eskridge
Aug 16, 2021
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Very nice restaurant and our waitress was so attentive to our group! The venue is perfect for parties, weddings, etc! The wine was good, too!
Patricia Dunbar
Jun 02, 2021
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First, the present owner, Jack is a great guy! Loved just taking the time to talk with him and hear his stories. And the wine! Oh my, just lovely. We had the place to ourselves - the sounds of quiet were so relaxing, and the views were beautiful. Hopefully we will be back for another visit with Jack and several more bottles of wine!
Gary Newman
Jun 02, 2021
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Jack is a real nice host for our stay as a Harvest Host member. He is hard of hearing so speak up. The restaurant serves up really large, good tasting portions.
Adventure RollOut
May 29, 2021
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We had a really nice time at the winery and restaurant. Jack, the owner, is a lot of fun to talk with and the wines are great (we really liked Code Red and Cynthiana Norton)! The food at Wineaux Restaurant, on property, was also great and the landscaping out back is really well maintained. We recognized and appreciated the thought that went into making each of the features easily accessible (e.g., a number of ramps leading to lower decks and the gazebo). We stayed as part of the Harvest Host program and had plenty of room in the gravel lot for our 33 ft. motorhome. We will certainly be back next
