Von Jakob Vineyard welcomes you and yours. We are “Little Germany” located on the Shawnee National Forest hills in the Illinois Ozarks. Owners Dr. Paul and Rhoda Jacobs have planted their ideal grape growing ground and incorporated the winery buildings around our family’s Tudor home to give a warm, welcome feeling. Von Jakob offers an amazing, countryside atmosphere. Visit our tasting room with over 20 varieties of wine, or our gift shop which has a little something for everyone. Perhaps you would just like to come relax on our decks, (covered and uncovered) or inside our atrium. we are equipped for any season. There is a stone fireplace outside and inside for your warmth. We are famous for our Grapevine Smoked Barbecue and our Bratwurst which is available on the weekends all year round. Cheese and crackers and other little goodies are also available daily.
Von Jakob Wines
Just taste our award-winning wines. We’ve received medals in national and international competition. We’ve made wines for all meals and occasions. Unique to Von Jakob is our Honey Blush wine. This is a spectacular blend of raw honey mead and ripe concord grapes, resulting in a fine, semi-sweet blush complementing chocolate. We produced the first White Oak Port in the state, which has been a multi-medal winner at various competitions even in California. Von Jakob Vineyard, Ltd. is also proud to be the first grower and producer of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Our 2000 Cabernet which was released in the spring of 2003, was a limited edition and a big hit. The next few years will still be limited due to the aging process of the vines, but look for the release in the spring. Dr. Jacobs, our winemaker, has produced 18 other varieties for a total of 21 wines and growing. All the wines are particularly delightful, from dry, light and smooth white wines, to full, heavy, complex reds. There is also something in-between to fit all other palates. With Dr. Jacobs’ talented feel for wine, Von Jakob is fated to have at least one for you.
Catering & Special Events
Various special events are held all year long; Festivals, Murder Mystery Dinner Theaters, Romantic Dinners, Brunches, etc. Feel free to bring your own picnic lunch or call in advance for something special catered by our in-house chefs to make your day that much more special. The deck and the atrium are also frequently rented for wedding ceremonies and receptions, graduation parties, anniversaries and any other event in your life that should be celebrated. Our in-house coordinator can take the pressure off of you and plan a sit down, buffet or served hors d’oeurves evening or afternoon. We can plan the event as formal or as casual as you desire. Any time of the year, any season, Von Jakob offers a unique view of Southern Illinois. Let us help make your special event an occasion of a lifetime. Invite your friends and family for an unforgettable experience at the vineyard. Von Jakob Vineyard has in-house chefs to prepare not only what is available on our already extensive menu, but almost anything else you have in mind. Please contact us for more information. Learn more about Special Events
Media
Listen to our Radio Commercial (Requires Windows Media Player)
Photos
Sit on our deck, take a walk through our vines or to the pond, and enjoy God’s countryside. The love of wine will get you here, and the hospitality and tranquility will make you stay. Uncork the good life!
-
- Big Larry playing the blues at a festival
-
- Some of our regulars Dorothy & Truman
-
- Mardi gras festival!
-
- VJV tasting bar
-
- A beautiful wedding tent overlooking the vineyard.
-
- A gourmet entree catered by Von Jakob.
-
- Our wall of windows reflects the beautiful landscape looking off our terrace.
-
- Beautiful views from our terrace.
-
- Dr. Jacobs picking our Cabernet Sauvignon.
-
- Cabernet Sauvignon grown at VJV!!
-
- Dr. Paul and Rhoda Jacobs with friends on the deck.
-
- A picture outside on the deck by our stone fireplace.
-
- Paul and Rhoda with their four children.
-
- Our four children, Erica, Kristen, Felicia and Josh.
-
- Rhoda Jacobs (far right) enjoying the company of good friends on the deck.
-
- This is looking up at the winery from the vineyard.
-
- More happy customers.
-
- A fun day on the deck.
-
- Kristen helping out in our tasting room.
-
- The dance floor is usually full during a festival.
-
- A view looking from our deck.
-
- One of our many bands at a festival.
-
- Another view of our deck and people enjoying themselves.
-
- Paul in the kitchen preparing food for customers.
-
- Our winery on Sadler Road.
-
- Looking from the edge of the deck towards the back of the building. On this sunny day we had the deck set up for a lovely outdoor wedding.
-
- The tasting room is open and ready for tastings.
-
- The orchard has a state-of-the-art kitchen set up and ready to go. We are ready to cater any event that you may have.
-
- Come visit our newest location. This is the front door of the orchard building.
-
- The gift shop at the orchard.
-
- Our tasting room at the new location is ready for you to visit!
-
- The new ballroom will hold up to 500 people.
-
- The ballroom is available for rent. Just call the winery to inquire about rates, or for a personal tour.