What Is the History of Baxter’s Winery & Vineyards?

Baxter’s Winery & Vineyards in Nauvoo, Illinois, traces its roots to 1857, when Emile and Annette Baxter planted grape cuttings after briefly leaving the Icarian commune. The winery describes itself as the oldest in Illinois and remains family-run: Kelly Logan, a fifth-generation Baxter, co-owns it with his wife Brenda. You can visit the tasting room and gift shop at 2010 Parley St. in Nauvoo, order wines online, or arrange local pick-up.

From Icarian Commune to Family Vineyard

Emile Baxter first arrived in Nauvoo in 1855 to join the Icarian commune. When the colony broke up in 1857, he and Annette returned briefly to the East Coast but soon came back to Nauvoo, preferring its rural setting. Emile had learned grape growing from his Icarian friends, and he bought eight acres near what is now Nauvoo’s business district to plant grape cuttings.

With his sons Emile Jr., Tom, and Cecil, the business became E. Baxter & Sons, proprietors of Golden Hills Vineyards. In 1987, Kelly and Brenda Logan took over operations and renamed it Baxter’s Vineyards, continuing to produce Baxter’s Old Nauvoo Brand Wines alongside newer labels.

Nauvoo’s Vineyard Heritage

Baxter’s story sits inside a wider regional history. By 1880, the Nauvoo area had more than 600 acres of vineyards and 40 wine cellars, earning a reputation for quality wine. The oldest recorded Concord grape vineyard in Illinois was planted in Nauvoo in 1851 and still produces fruit in Nauvoo State Park. Today Baxter’s tends 16 acres of grapes across 13 varieties, harvesting each year.

What the Winery Produces Today

The winery says it makes a wine for every taste—sweet to dry, red to white, and blush—and bottles around 1,000 cases a year. That scale matters if you are planning a visit: it is a small, family operation rather than a large commercial producer, so availability of specific wines can vary by season.

Planning a Visit

The tasting room and gift shop list hours of Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m.; confirm current hours and event schedules on the site before traveling, since the page also promotes upcoming events and a newsletter. If you want a specific wine, check online ordering or call ahead rather than assuming it will be on the tasting shelf.

The short answer to “what is this winery?” is a five-generation family vineyard with a documented Illinois pedigree—useful context whether you are visiting Nauvoo for its history or shopping for regional wine.