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Fall event combines two southern Ill. industries: alpacas and wine

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/31 .. wo-southern-ill-industries-alpacas-and-wine.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 18:49 GMT by KFVS12

Southern Illinois Hosts a Whimsical Blend of Alpacas and Wine at Fall Festival

On Saturday, October 28, 2025, the small town of Westville, Illinois, played host to an unexpected duo of southern‑Illinois staples: fluffy alpacas and handcrafted wine. The “Alpaca & Wine Fest,” a first‑ever collaboration between the local alpaca farm Pride of the Prairie Alpacas and the nearby Hawk’s Ridge Vineyards, drew more than 1,200 visitors to the historic community fairgrounds. The festival, organized in partnership with the Westville Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Illinois Tourism Board, promised a full day of family‑friendly fun, artisanal tasting, and a showcase of rural entrepreneurship.

The Concept Behind the Collaboration

The idea for the festival emerged from a casual conversation between two community leaders. “We realized that both the alpaca and wine industries are deeply rooted in our region, yet they rarely get a chance to share the spotlight,” explained Amanda Brooks, owner of Pride of the Prairie Alpacas. “By bringing them together, we can create a unique cultural experience that celebrates our heritage and supports local businesses.”

Hawk’s Ridge Vineyards, which has been producing award‑winning varietals in the Southern Illinois hills since 2013, agreed to participate after receiving a proposal from the Westville Chamber. Vineyard owner and winemaker Thomas “Tom” Harris noted, “Our wine pairs wonderfully with the mild, autumnal climate, and we saw an exciting opportunity to engage a broader audience. We’re thrilled to offer a special ‘Alpaca Reserve’ wine that will be exclusive to the festival.”

What the Festival Offered

The festival’s centerpiece was the “Alpaca Showcase,” a walking display of 45 alpacas of various breeds, from the luxurious Peruvian fleece to the more common Huacaya. Visitors could pet the animals, learn about alpaca husbandry, and purchase small bundles of alpaca yarn directly from the farm’s online shop. Pride of the Prairie Alpacas is also known for its “Alpaca Adventures” programs, where children can participate in guided tours and grooming sessions—a feature highlighted in the farm’s website, which lists classes for ages 6–12.

Wine enthusiasts enjoyed a multi‑station tasting experience curated by Hawk’s Ridge. The vineyard’s website features a “Fall Harvest” collection of reds and whites, but at the festival, they offered a tasting of a new “Alpaca Reserve”—a blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, aged for six months in oak barrels. “It’s a tribute to the alpacas that inspired us,” said Harris. “The earthy undertones of the wine echo the gentle, pastoral feel of the farm.”

Beyond the animals and the wine, the event included a farmer’s market selling locally‑grown produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. A pop‑up stage hosted live acoustic performances from local musicians, while a kids’ zone offered pony rides, face painting, and a DIY alpaca‑shaped cookie‑decorating station. The festival also featured a silent auction where proceeds supported a scholarship fund for Westville high school students pursuing agricultural studies.

Community Impact

The festival’s organizers anticipated a boost in local economic activity and reported that last year’s preliminary estimates showed a projected $75,000 increase in revenue for participating vendors. Local businesses confirmed that the influx of visitors translated into higher sales. One bakery owner, Lisa Martinez, said, “We saw a spike in orders for our seasonal pastries, especially the ‘Alpaca‑themed’ almond croissants that the festival featured.”

Mayor John Peters praised the event as a model for rural revitalization. “This festival demonstrates how we can leverage our unique assets—alpaca farming and wine production—to create tourism experiences that enrich our community and support our farmers,” he said. “I look forward to expanding this initiative next year.”

The festival also emphasized sustainability. Pride of the Prairie Alpacas highlighted its regenerative grazing practices, which help improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Hawk’s Ridge Vineyards showcased its commitment to organic farming, using biodynamic composting and minimal pesticide use. The festival’s informational booths, which can be found on the Westville events page, educated attendees on how these sustainable practices benefit the environment and local economy.

Looking Ahead

Both the alpaca farm and the vineyard plan to repeat the festival next year, with several enhancements. Pride of the Prairie Alpacas intends to introduce a “Grooming Demonstration” where visitors can learn hands‑on techniques for maintaining alpaca fleece. Hawk’s Ridge Vineyards aims to expand its tasting menu to include a sparkling wine pairing for the upcoming “Harvest Celebration.” The Westville Chamber of Commerce is also exploring partnerships with other regional attractions, such as the Illinois River State Park and the historic Willow Grove Winery, to create a broader “Southern Illinois Fall Tour.”

The Alpaca & Wine Fest not only entertained but also underscored the potential for collaborative marketing in rural economies. By merging the gentle charm of alpacas with the robust flavors of local wine, Westville set a precedent for innovative community events that celebrate regional identity while fostering sustainable growth. For more information about the next festival, the community can visit the Westville Chamber of Commerce website or check the official event page.