For Release: Monday, November 27, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

SHAWNEE HILLS AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREA PETITION APPROVED

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) petition has been approved.  According to the Treasury Department, which awarded the designation, such designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic origin. 

The Shawnee Hills AVA covers about 2,140 square miles in portions of Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson Counties.  The designation was made according to several criteria, including historical evidence supporting the boundary, distinct geographic features, and that the area is locally and/or nationally known by its name.  There are eight wineries with 51 vineyards in the Shawnee Hills AVA. 

"This is an important distinction for winegrowers in Southern Illinois and the entire Illinois wine industry," said Costello, who supported the Shawnee Hills AVA petition.  "The AVA designation will boost the popularity of Southern Illinois wines and help bring more tourists to our area."   

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