March 16, 2005

Many states look to the wine industry in New York for working knowledge of joint promotion and wine trail organization. Although she has spoken in Michigan, Missouri and Ohio, Barbara Adams, then Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, had never been to Illinois wine country until late February when she was invited to participate in the annual meeting of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintner's Association.

Brenda Logan, President of the IGGVA, met Barbara at a winery conference in Geneva On The Lake, Ohio last November and the two found lots in common. Illinois' wineries have reached over 40 in number with several wineries in the southern part of the state joining together to form the first Illinois wine trail.

"After listening to a presentation on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail in Ohio, Brenda was convinced that our Trail had faced some issues that Illinois wineries might face in structuring their organizations," says Ms. Adams. "I find it so rewarding to share information with other winery groups. The wineries in Illinois wanted me to talk not just about the triumphs, but also the trials and problems. I found that attitude refreshing," indicated Barbara, "so the topic of the hour was ‘The Good and Bad Experiences of a Successful Wine Trail'. "

As for Brenda Logan's perspective, "(Barbara's presentation) will prove to be an extremely valuable tool to the members of Illinois Grape and Wine Industry throughout the development of Illinois' wine trails. (She) provided excellent advice....for the Illinois Wine Industry." Ms. Adams expresses her perspective on the experience this way: "I went to Illinois as a fellow worker from the trenches, not an expert in the field," she said, "and we exchanged lots of ideas. The bonus to traveling like this is that I came back refreshed and eager to get back to work promoting the wineries of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail!"