We visited Aerie's Resort on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the view and a glass of wine while…read morelistening to some live music. After traveling up via the Grafton SkyTour (reviewed separately), we decided to do the Alpine Coaster first. It cost $18 per adult for one round-trip coaster ride. After completing a waiver on a tablet, we were able to board right away. Strangely, it was not possible for myself (5'5" F) or my partner (6' M) to sit with our backs/necks in the chair and also push the hand accelerators forward all the way. That meant we both were bending forward unsupported for the entire ride in order to go fast (fast = fun!). The coaster itself was nice and shady with twists and turns that we both enjoyed. Unfortunately, we have both had bad back and neck pain and muscle spasms after the coaster (2 days at this point). They really need to move the hand controls back about 5 inches so normal people can reach them while having their backs in the ride. After the coaster, we visited the main building (Terrace) for a glass of wine. The "winery" building was closed during our visit. The main space, which feels like a banquet hall, was well air conditioned with large windows that allow a view of the river valley. The live music was nice. The Cardinals v Cubs game was on the big screen muted. The service was rather slow, which was a surprise considering that it wasn't very busy. Our server was friendly but not very knowledgeable about wine. There were only 3 Aerie's wines on the menu. I tried their Chambourcin, which was pretty good and my partner had a Pinot noir that was okay. After the wine, we took some pictures on the patio and then headed back down the SkyTour.

View from my balcony and room are fantastic . Person at the front desk was pleasant. I still got l…read morea little lost but this place is really off the beaten path. What a great getaway! Will be trying the food tomorrow. If it's as beautiful as the views, might have to raise to 5 stars.

Chloe was great! She suggested some of her favorites and let us try a few different wines we were…read moreunsure of and checked on us throughout our stay. The wines were delicious and the winery itself was beautiful inside and out.

Shhhhhh.......don't tell on me, but I kinda like The Vineyards over the Brewhaus. It's off the…read morebeaten path and the view may not be of the mighty Mississippi, but the lake and vineyard will give you an equally as good view. The food menu isn't as extensive as the Brewhaus, but its offerings are perfect for a day of wine sipping and sitting on the patio. The Goat Cheese Truffles and Farm & Orchard Flatbread are two winners for me. The servers and bartenders are friendly and attentive. On a weekend, The Vineyards is a good escape from the busy Main Street in Grafton.

This experience was one for the books! I have never been to Grafton Harbor so for this to be the…read morefirst experience, they definitely can count me for several more. How are you doing the Cinco de Mayo dinner cruise which was from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Upon entering, it was very professionally set up they took your name at the door and as soon as you walked in was the bar which was very convenient so you can get your drink before you sit. The two bartenders said they were fairly new, but I cannot tell they held it down all night. Drinks were on point and they were getting the line down really fast no matter how long it got. Drinks were also very reasonably priced. I don't think I paid over five dollars for any drink. As for the food, the cruise included a unlimited taco bar, which was very good. The chips were very fresh and the meat was very well seasoned. I love that they include fresh guac and fresh sour cream, which I think is the perfect addition to any taco bar! They get 5 stars from me!!

Took my friend on a boat ride on the Hakuna Matata. It was a beautiful day and we had a great…read moretime. The boat had a bar and restrooms on it. You could sit in top or bottom or stand on the bow. And if you are a kid or kid at heart, the captain with let you drive the boat. The gift shop at the harbor is nice and large. Lots to choice from and they give free wine tasting. This was great to do before the boat ride because we were able to determine which wine we liked on the boat. There is also a restaurant right there if you want to grab a bit to eat.

I was part of a wedding here on Saturday . Everything from the set up, the service and the food was…read more10 stars. The staff was polite and very accommodating . They knew what you needed even before you did. It was a wonderful experience and I would hold any party or wedding there. They were amazing .

Always fun and GREAT FOOD! Wonderful service!!…read moreThe venue is beautiful as well. Great for a warm sunny (almost) spring day! No pics of the food we ate it too fast!!!

Totally blew me away…read more I moved back to the area almost three years ago, but had not come to WPW. Then recently, I found out that my 50th class reunion was going to be held there. Hearing that news, I knew it was time to come and check it out. When I arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday, I was shocked how large the venue was and how full the parking lot was. I quickly realized, Wild Pickens Winery is a hot spot and the place to be seen on weekends. They have a fairly extensive wine menu, it was larger then what I was expecting. I enjoyed two glasses of Cabernet and was impressed with its robust flavor. When my server told me, all glasses of wine were $7, my frugal personality smiled. To my surprise they had an extensive menu. I was expecting a very simple menu of only a few items, but they had it all. Their menu had entrees, burgers and wood fired pizzas. I had eaten brunch earlier so I wasn't that hungry, but wanted to try something. I ordered the Stuffed Mushrooms and they hit the spot. They were stuffed with spinach, cream cheese and parmesan. The order came with three good sized mushrooms, so it would be perfect for one or sharing. They had a band playing in the main room inside and the music was super loud. Friends that I ran into there, told me in good weather the band is outside and makes for a more enjoyable listening experience. The loud music is why they only got a 4 Star rating. The service was small town, down home country friendly. WPW is only open Thursday thru Sunday and I'll definitely be back. I gotta come back and try one of their wood fired pizzas.

Visited here after a day of apple picking with my friends. Now, a group of black people visiting…read morethis Southern Illinois, off the beaten path winery was a bit intimidating, but when I say we were welcomed warmly, we were definitely made to feel welcome! We were immediately greeted by the owner, Todd, who was behind the bar servicing customers. He took the time to thank all of us for coming in and shook each of our hands. Todd, separated us from the dry wine drinkers to the sweet wine drinkers, sharing with us his top recommendations for each category. Unanimously! We all enjoyed the blueberry wine the most. We all literally bought a bottle! LOL. Todd had to leave us for other duties, but left us in the care of his staff. These ladies were great and fun. After our wine tasting, we sat to order food. We ordered the meat lovers and the loaded baked potato pizza and a few side salads to share. Never thought of a baked potato as a pizza, but this was sooo good!! The food in general was delicious, fresh, and made to order. The winery itself was super cute. The outside seating area was packed with folks, rocking out to some live music. The inside seating area was surprisingly very large. A large dining space with a separate event space and video gaming area. Thank you Todd for welcoming us and thanks to your team for helping to make our experience enjoyable. We look forward to visiting you all again!

I wanted to update this venue and repeat my same review of this wine garden. I love the ambiance…read moreand the tree house theme is amazing. Staff still friendly and property still clean . I will come back here again for sure.

First visit here and will definitely return! Very nice outside venue with a variety of beer and…read moreseasonal drink selections. We tried a variety of appetizers, beers, watermelon sangria and lavender mules. Charcuterie board, fried artichokes, cheese curds, pita and hummus.

We love sitting in the grand lobby it's so relaxing. Then step outside for a fantastic sunset. Just…read morewish the winery was open on more nights.

Stayed here In July for a family reunion and when most of the country is in a heatwave you would…read morethink the service staff would have the room ready and cool, not 80° upon entering.....that's how my experience started. Management didn't care after a conversation and avoided me the four days of my stay until I was able to "corner" him upon departure. Sad, very sad! Food was so so, but I will say the fried chicken was pretty good. I will also say, the powdered hollandaise mix they use was thick and lumpy and just gross. Hollandaise: emulsified egg yolks with clarified butter and some seasonings a million recipes out there open a book! I, get it is a state funded state park facility and funding is at a minimum, but at least get rid of the multitude of cobwebs. Restaurant staff were very accommodating and polite as were the front desk staff. Poorly maintained shuffleboard court, weeds and flaking paint.....budget I get it. Beautiful area with hiking and trails was great. The local town of Grafton was fun with decent food and libations. Great history throughout the area!

This family owned and women-owned business has built a great venue in Augusta. Great wines with…read moresome great food and innovative new canned products, like Swirl (canned sangria) and Fabled (canned hard cider). The views are beautiful and the staff is very welcoming. Grab a group of friends and head out to Noboleis Vineyards.

The second of three wineries during our tour of the Missouri wine country, the Noboleis Vineyards…read moreprovided a nice outdoor event tent for the four of us to sample a wine flight and have a good lunch of St Louis style pizza and crudites. My wife and I went with a all Norton grape flight ($12), consisting of Unoaked Norton, Norton, Owner's Reserve Norton, and Estate Vineyard Norton. Looking back, it would have made more sense to try a larger variety, but I initially wanted to focus on the grapes that are the most popular in this area. The wine did go good with the food ordered, including a good St. Louis style meat pizza ($22), and a hummus tray ($12). Sadly, my friend later told me this had been the one attempt of St. Louis style pizza during our 3 day stay, which if I had known, would have made me get a different meal so I could try another one of the iconic pizza places around the St. Louis area. Noboleis was started with the purchase of the 84 acre property in 2005, and bottled their first wines in 2009. It is still family owned and operated today, with the name being a blend of the three families involved in its creation.

Beautiful venue…read more Spacious building with plenty of seating available. Prices very reasonable and staff super friendly. Food menu has great options from buffalo dip and sweet pickles which we ordered to pizza, salads , chips etc. Wine tastings are available in different oz choices, apparel and souvenirs available for purchase. Private parking. Plenty of seating outside with patio tables included as well. My only complaint was the sun exposure. Umbrellas were tied down due to wind per staff, stated it's a liability to have umbrellas up on windy days. I wish they had another option available for outdoor seating on those days , considering a band was playing but I left early due to being uncomfortable in the heat. This venue was very picturesque and views were amazing. Check website for pricing, menu, events, days and hours of operation.

The third of three wineries during our tour of the Missouri wine country, the Montelle Winery…read moreprovided the best views of the Missouri River Valley from a really nice backyard deck. Here a wine tasting is provided instead of flights ($10 for 4 wine samples). The samples were just enough to get an understand of what the wines tasted like. It's a lot bigger operation than the two previous wineries that we went to. with the employees having just enough time and patience to give each customer a pour before moving on. The winery started as Montelle Vinyards in 1970, later changing to Osage Ridge Winery in 1984. In 1998, it was purchased by Augusta Winery and the name was changed to Montelle Winery. Like other wineries in the Augusta area, Montelle Winery was bought by the Hoffman Family of Companies in 2021.