Blue Sky Vineyard
Blue Sky Vineyard is a privately held craft winery in Makanda, Illinois, producing estate-grown wines within the Shawnee Hills AVA and selling directly through a tasting room, online shop, Wine Club subscriptions, and Illinois/Kentucky retail, while hosting weddings, corporate retreats, and overnight stays.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersMakanda, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Blue Sky Vineyard does
Blue Sky Vineyard is a privately held craft winery located at 3150 S Rocky Comfort Rd in Makanda, Illinois, operating on a 13-acre estate with approximately 7,750 vines within the federally designated Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area. The company produces and bottles wines from both hybrid and Vinifera grape varieties including Chambourcin, Norton, Vignoles, Seyval, Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Niagara, and Chardonnay, offering a portfolio spanning dry whites, dry reds, rosés, semi-sweet, sweet, sparkling, and dessert wines, supplemented by Sangria and gourmet olive oil. Production is anchored in estate-grown fruit processed on-site, with award-winning bottlings validated across Illinois, regional, and international competitions between 2014 and 2024.
The business operates a multi-revenue-stream model combining direct-to-consumer sales (on-site tasting room and Vinoshipper online shipping to 35 states), a quarterly Wine Club subscription (four bottles shipped in February, May, August, and November with automatic billing), retail wholesale distribution across Illinois and Kentucky, on-site overnight accommodations (Tuscany Romance Suite and Blue Sky Suite), and event venue rentals including the 150-guest Tuscan Sun Event Pavilion for weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations. The winery anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and is a member of the Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape Association. Signature recurring events (First Friday Music Sessions, ColorFest Celebration, wine dinners) drive visitation and reinforce the destination hospitality positioning.
Customer segments span individual wine enthusiasts, wine tourists, wedding couples, corporate groups, and private event hosts. Pricing is tiered across products: wine quantity discounts of 10-20% by case size, subscription discounts of 10-20% for Wine Club members, suite nightly rates of $77-$200 by season, and event packages with weekday and off-season discounting up to 40-50%. The company is independently owned, with 1-10 employees, and does not disclose revenue, ownership, or financial performance.
Blue Sky Vineyard firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blue Sky Vineyard
- Legal name
- Blue Sky Vineyard
- Website
- https://blueskyvineyard.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Blue Sky Vineyard is a privately held craft winery in Makanda, Illinois, producing estate-grown wines within the Shawnee Hills AVA and selling directly through a tasting room, online shop, Wine Club subscriptions, and Illinois/Kentucky retail, while hosting weddings, corporate retreats, and overnight stays.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blue Sky Vineyard industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Winery / Wine Production
- NAICS
- Grape Vineyards (111332), Wineries (312130)
- SIC
- Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands (CRADAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE), Wine Grape Vineyard Operations (Varietal/AVA Practices, Yield & Quality Targets) (AFAGAJAJ), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD), Luxury Farmhouses, Country Houses & Vineyard Estates (THAMAEAG)
Keywords
Where Blue Sky Vineyard is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Makanda
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Blue Sky Vineyard business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct Wine Sales: On-site wine sales at tasting room and online through Vinoshipper platform. Includes quantity discounts (10% off 12-23 bottles, 15% off 24-47 bottles, 20% off 48+ bottles).
- Wine Club Membership: Quarterly shipments of 4 bottles delivered to members in February, May, August, and November. Members receive 15% off wine club shipments, 10% off to-go wines, 15% off gift shop, and 20% off case purchases at winery.
- On-site Accommodations: Two winery suites (Tuscany Romance Suite and Blue Sky Suite) available for overnight stays with rates varying by season. Peak season (March 16-December 14) weekday $190/night, weekend $200/night. Off-season $135/night.
- Event Venue Rental: Wedding, corporate retreat, and private party venue rentals. Includes Tuscan Sun Event Pavilion, garden gazebo, and ceremony spaces. Discounts available for Friday (20% off) and Sunday-Thursday (40% off) events.
- Retail Distribution: Wholesale wine sales to liquor stores, restaurants, and retail locations throughout Illinois and Kentucky.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Quarterly | Wine Club Quarterly Shipments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Quantity Discounts on Wine |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Tuscany Romance Suite - Peak Season |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Tuscany Romance Suite - Off Season |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Blue Sky Suite - Peak Season |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Blue Sky Suite - Off Season |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wine Dinner at Seasoning Bistro |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sip and Paint Event |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Wedding Venue Rental |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Blue Sky Vineyard product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blue Sky Vineyard is an estate winery located in Makanda, Illinois, that grows grapes on a 13-acre vineyard within the Shawnee Hills AVA and produces a broad portfolio of award-winning wines (whites, reds, rosés, sparkling, dessert). The winery operates an on-site tasting room, a Wine Club subscription, two overnight accommodation suites, and a full-service event venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations, with additional wholesale distribution in Illinois and Kentucky.
Product overview
Blue Sky Vineyard is a winery offering award-winning wines and hospitality experiences. The core products are estate-grown wines across multiple categories including dry whites (Vintner's Select, Vignoles, Seyval), dry reds (Chambourcin Reserve, Cabernet Franc, Norton), rosés (Rosé, Misterioso), semi-dry to semi-sweet wines (Papa's Rosa, Traminette, Infinity), sweet wines (Rocky Comfort White/Red, Hysterica, Concord, Chambourcin Blush), sparkling (Bollé), dessert wines (Cream Sherry), and specialty products (Sangria, Gourmet Olive Oil). Supporting services include Wine Club membership subscriptions with four annual shipments, on-site accommodations (Tuscany Romance Suite and Blue Sky Suite), and event hosting for weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations. The winery also hosts signature events including First Friday Music Sessions and ColorFest Celebration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Vintner's Select A dry white blend of Seyval, Valvin Muscat, Chardonnay, and Vignoles featuring layered lemon flavors, floral aromatics, and a luscious texture. Sold to retail customers visiting the tasting room or ordering online.
- Vignoles (Estate Grown) A clean, full-bodied estate-grown white wine with luscious grapefruit flavors, crisp tropical aromas, and a smooth finish. Sold to retail customers through the tasting room, Wine Club, and online shop.
- Rosé (Estate Grown) A crisp, dry estate-grown rosé with intense fruity aromas of watermelon and strawberry, hints of rose, and balanced tannins and acidity. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Seyval A light-bodied white wine with hints of apple, pear, and pineapple for a delicate finish. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Cabernet Franc 2018 (Estate Grown) A dry estate-grown red aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, providing complex spice, berry fruit, and cedar aromas. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Chambourcin Reserve 2018 (Estate Grown) An estate-bottled dry red aged in French and American oak for two years, featuring a complex, fruit-forward profile. Awarded Best of Show at the 2024 Illinois Wine Competition.
- Chambourcin 2019 (Shawnee Hills AVA) A medium-bodied red aged in American oak for 12 months, showcasing fresh berry flavors with an easy-drinking texture. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Bravo Blend (Veterans Honor Flight) A dry red blend dedicated to veterans, with $5.00 donated to Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois for every bottle sold.
- Saluki Royale (Estate Grown) A decadent estate-grown blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Norton displaying ripe fruit flavors with a touch of spice. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Norton (Estate Grown) A full-bodied estate-grown dry red with cedar aromas, intense berry flavors, and hints of ripe plum and chocolate. Awarded Best of Class at the 2024 Illinois Wine Competition.
- Papa's Rosa (Estate Grown) A semi-dry estate-grown Chambourcin wine with hints of fresh berry and black currants. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Traminette (Estate Grown) A semi-dry estate-grown white wine with a floral nose, honey and apricot flavors, and an unexpected spicy finish. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Infinity A semi-sweet white wine made from Geisenheim grapes, bursting with flavors of grapefruit and mango. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Misterioso A crisp, clean rosé wine with a berry nose and a delightful fruity finish. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Eclipse Crossroads (Estate Grown) A sparkling rosé produced from estate-grown vines that experienced both the August 21, 2017 and April 8, 2024 solar eclipse events. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Rocky Comfort White A sweet white wine blend featuring delicate notes of pineapple and pear with a touch of lemon. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Rocky Comfort Red A sweet red wine made from a medley of southern Illinois grapes with clean, crisp flavor. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Hysterica A sweet wine similar to Moscato, displaying flavors reminiscent of grapes from Grandma's back yard. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Chambourcin Blush A sweet wine made from Chambourcin grapes, emanating strawberry and cherry flavors and aromas. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Concord America's original dessert wine, famous for its deep purple color and classic sweetness. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Bollé (Shawnee Hills First Sparkling Wine) A sweet sparkling wine with aromas of honeysuckle and pear and a crisp, intriguing finish. Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Cream Sherry (Estate Grown) An estate-grown dessert sherry with rich aromas of butterscotch and almonds, nuances of toffee, and a creamy finish. Multiple Governor's Cup and Best of Class winner at the Illinois Wine Competition.
- Sangria (White or Red) An award-winning wine infused with sweet citrus juices, served on the rocks. Available as White Sangria (Seyval) or Red Sangria (Papa's Rosa). Sold to retail customers via tasting room and online.
- Gourmet Olive Oil A blend of olive oil and peanut oil used as a dipping oil, marinade, or flavoring, loaded with spices and a touch of heat. Sold alongside wines in the tasting room and gift shop.
- Wine Club Membership A subscription membership program offering four yearly shipments of four bottles each (delivered February, May, August, and November), with 15% off wine club shipments, 10% off to-go wines, 15% off gift shop items, 20% off case purchases at the winery, and VIP access to events.
- Tuscany Romance Suite An on-site overnight suite at the winery with antique touches, private balconies, sweeping vineyard views, queen size bed, mini fridge, Smart TV, and kitchenette. Priced at $190/night weekdays and $200/night weekends during peak season (March 16 - December 14) with 2-night minimum on weekends; $135/night weekdays and $190/night weekends in off-season.
- Blue Sky Suite A cozy on-site overnight suite adorned with antiques, featuring modern conveniences, vineyard views, queen size bed, and mini fridge. Priced at $115/night in peak season weekdays and $105/night in off-season weekends.
- Wedding Venue Services Full-service wedding venue offering ceremony spaces, the Tuscan Sun Event Pavilion, garden gazebo, reception halls, catering options, vendor partnerships, and event coordination. Includes Friday (20% off) and Sunday-Thursday (40% off) discounts, and up to 50% off in off-season.
- Corporate Retreat Packages Corporate retreat packages including half-day retreats, full-day experiences, and multi-day gatherings with meeting spaces, AV support, catering, and team-building options, hosted at the Tuscan Sun Event Pavilion (capacity up to 150 guests).
- Private Event Hosting Event hosting for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, showers, and intimate family gatherings, with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces, curated wine pairings, and event coordination.
- First Friday Music Sessions Monthly live music events held the first Friday of each month from spring through fall, featuring various musicians and performers at the winery.
- ColorFest Celebration Annual fall celebration featuring live music, local artisans, wine and food pairings, and harvest activities at the winery.
Companies that use Blue Sky Vineyard
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Blue Sky Vineyard technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Blue Sky Vineyard partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Seasoning BistrominorPartnership for wine dinner events featuring seasonal flavors and Blue Sky Vineyard wines paired with chef-crafted dishes at Seasoning Bistro in Marion, IL. Events priced at $115 per person with complimentary wine glass.
- Shawnee Hills Wine-Grape AssociationcoreMember of the association formed in 2007 to represent the best interests of the Shawnee Hills AVA and grape growers within its boundaries. Works to plan and execute strategy for successful growth of the wine-grape industry.
- Shawnee Hills Wine TrailcoreBlue Sky Vineyard anchors the eastern end of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, driving wine trail tourists to the winery. Trail includes multiple wineries across southern Illinois.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Blue Sky Vineyard competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rustle Hill Winery: Shawnee Hills AVA winery offering estate wines and tasting room experiences. Comparable peer with similar estate production and wine-trail tourism positioning.
- Alto Vineyards: Shawnee Hills Wine Trail member located in Alto Pass, IL, producing estate-grown wines from hybrid and Vinifera varieties. Directly comparable as a fellow anchor estate winery in the same AVA targeting wine tourists, weddings, and wine club members.
- StarView Vineyards: Shawnee Hills Wine Trail member producing estate wines from hybrid and Vinifera grapes. Directly comparable estate-scale winery serving the same regional wine tourism market.
- Owl Creek Vineyard: Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winery offering estate-grown wines and tasting room experiences. Closest geographic peer with similar hybrid/Vinifera varietal mix and DTC/event-driven model.
- Pomona Winery: Shawnee Hills AVA winery selling estate-grown wines through tasting room and limited distribution. Closely comparable regional producer with similar varietal focus and DTC orientation.
- Von Jakob Vineyard: Southern Illinois winery on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offering estate wines, a tasting room, and event hosting. Comparable in scale, AVA positioning, and diversified wine/hospitality revenue model.
Broad incumbents
- Les Bourgeois Vineyards: Established Missouri winery with tasting room, restaurant, and broad distribution. Comparable as a Midwest estate winery pairing wine with hospitality experiences, but with significantly larger scale and brand reach.
- St. James Winery: Largest winery in Missouri with broad Midwest retail distribution and tasting room. Comparable as a Midwest estate-winery brand with multi-channel distribution, but operates at materially larger scale than Blue Sky.
- Lynfred Winery: Established Illinois winery with tasting rooms, wine club, and event venue. Comparable as an Illinois estate winery with diversified DTC/subscription/event revenue, though serving the Chicago metro area rather than southern Illinois.
Regional players
- Galena Cellars Vineyard: Illinois winery offering estate-grown wines, tasting room, and event hosting in northwest Illinois. Comparable Illinois estate-winery model with DTC and event focus, though in a different region of the state.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Blue Sky Vineyard social profiles
Digital presenceBlue Sky Vineyard compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Blue Sky Vineyard financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blue Sky Vineyard leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Blue Sky Vineyard funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blue Sky Vineyard M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Blue Sky Vineyard
What does Blue Sky Vineyard do?
Blue Sky Vineyard is an estate winery located in Makanda, Illinois, that grows grapes on a 13-acre vineyard within the Shawnee Hills AVA and produces a broad portfolio of award-winning wines (whites, reds, rosés, sparkling, dessert). The winery operates an on-site tasting room, a Wine Club subscription, two overnight accommodation suites, and a full-service event venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations, with additional wholesale distribution in Illinois and Kentucky.
Is Blue Sky Vineyard a public or private company?
Blue Sky Vineyard is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Blue Sky Vineyard founded?
Blue Sky Vineyard was founded in 2005. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Blue Sky Vineyard based?
Blue Sky Vineyard is headquartered in Makanda, United States, in the North America region.
How does Blue Sky Vineyard make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Direct Wine Sales are the primary driver. The others are wine Club Membership, on-site Accommodations, event Venue Rental and retail Distribution.
Who are Blue Sky Vineyard's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rustle Hill Winery, Alto Vineyards, StarView Vineyards, Owl Creek Vineyard, Pomona Winery and Von Jakob Vineyard. Broad incumbents are Les Bourgeois Vineyards, St. James Winery and Lynfred Winery. Galena Cellars Vineyard is listed as a regional player.
Does Blue Sky Vineyard have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blue Sky Vineyard.
What industry is Blue Sky Vineyard in?
Blue Sky Vineyard's product category is Winery / Wine Production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAB, Wine & Sparkling Wine Wineries & Brands, with a secondary code of THAFALAE, Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms). Its NAICS code is 111332 and its SIC code is 100.