It's just a short drive across the Mississippi to Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden, Ill. Owl Creek is a small winery and vineyard operation that opened in 1995. For the 2003 vintage season, about 51,500 pounds of grapes were crushed producing about 3,200 gallons of wine.

Owl Creek Vineyard is a great stop for visitors, and it is located within 10 miles of several bed and breakfasts. There are numerous hiking and biking trails - including Giant City Park - and lots of antique shops. The winery is located between Anna and Carbondale on U.S. 51 South, 4 1/2 miles south of beautiful Giant City Park.

On May 8-9, the vineyard will host Mayfest from noon to 6 p.m. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Wine by the glass will be available for consumption on the premises, and bottles of fine wines will be offered for purchase to take home. On Saturday, there will be entertainment by Chickenfoot Gumbo, a local Cajun band. The bluegrass band Shady Mix will play Sunday. Hickory Creek BBQ will provide great food. Admission tothe fun-filled event is $2.

The Grape Stomp is scheduled for June 12, and Ol' Fishskins will play bluegrass music. This is a benefit for the Big Brothers/Big SistersProgram.

There are four acres of established vineyard at Owl Creek, which grows several varieties of grapes including Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, Norton, Vignoles and Niagara. All Owl Creek wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in Southern Illinois. They are natural wines that receiveas little processing as possible in order to express the "gout de terroir" - or taste of the soil and climate - of the region.

Owl Creek does not attempt to imitate European or Californian wines. Owl Creek wines are truly rare and unique and can be found nowhere else.

Owl Creek Vineyard is one of the premier wineries of the region. Since opening in 1995, Owl Creek has steadily increased the number of medals

and awards won each year. The 2003 competition season was no different,

with six of nine wines winning medals.