Fri 5–8 pm · Sat 12–8 pm · Sun 12–4 pm · Walk-ins always welcome

(815) 228-8145 · 1409 E US Highway 6, Ottawa

Starved Rock Country · Ottawa, Illinois

Every sip comes with a story.

A family-run craft winery and meadery 8 miles from Starved Rock. Taste our 30+ handcrafted wines and meads, grab a glass on the patio, and stay for live music.

Patio now open

Now serving flatbreads

Leashed dogs welcome on the patio

Where a quick stop turns into a full afternoon.

No reservation needed. Come as you are.

Tastings & flights

Sample from our full lineup, or order wine by the glass or bottle. Our staff will walk you through each one.

Outdoor patio

Enjoy a drink in the open air. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Live music

Local and regional musicians play on event nights all season long.

Bottles to go & flatbreads

Take your favorites home, and grab a flatbread while you sip. Families welcome.

The menu

30+ wines & meads, made by our family.

Tastings are always available, along with wine by the glass or bottle.

Reds

  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Concord
  • Sangiovese
  • Pinot Noir

Whites

  • Moscato
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Niagara
  • Chardonnay

Fruit Wines

  • Apple
  • Caramel Apple
  • Pear
  • Cherry
  • Raspberry
  • Watermelon
  • Blackberry
  • Blueberry
  • Black & Blue Berry

Meads

  • Just Mead
  • Whimsy and Spice
  • Apple Ginger Lavender
  • Black Currant & Vanilla
  • Bourbon Barrel Aged
  • Dreamsicle
  • Strawberry · Strawberry Lemonade
  • Cherry · Pomegranate · Concord
  • Blackberry · Blueberry
  • Black Tea · Sweet Tea · Raspberry Tea
  • Coffee

What’s happening

Live music & events

Upcoming events · from our Facebook page

Recent performers

Chris Farrell · Steve Sharp · Fiddle Rock · Neumann Superhuman · Dan Farrell · Christina Eltrevoog

Musician or act? We’re booking — get in touch →

Latest posts · from our Facebook page

Our story

A family hobby that grew into something more.

Small Memories Winery and Meadery is a heartfelt family venture, born from a shared passion for wine and mead making. What started as a beloved hobby among family members has bloomed into a family business that embodies our love for the craft.

Every bottle we create tells a story we share with you. As we continue to grow, we invite everyone to join us — through tastings, bottles, or events. Come savor the taste of a small memory, and make a new friend.

Right in the heart of Starved Rock Country.

Hours

Friday 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Closed Monday – Thursday

Find us

1409 E US Highway 6
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
(815) 228-8145
support@smallmemorieswinery.com

Getting here

Starved Rock State Park ~8 mi · 10 min

Matthiessen State Park ~10 mi

Chicago (via I-80) ~90 min

Downtown Ottawa Minutes away

Make a day of it

Explore Ottawa & Starved Rock Country

Starved Rock State Park

~8 miles

18 canyons, waterfalls and 13 miles of trails. Pair it with a post-hike tasting flight — you’ve earned it.

Matthiessen State Park

~10 miles

Quieter and equally beautiful, with the upper and lower dells. Finish with an afternoon on our patio.

Buffalo Rock State Park

~5 miles

Easy, scenic trails along the Illinois River — a great shorter hike on your way back into Ottawa.

Illinois & Michigan Canal

In town

Walk or bike the historic towpath, then stop in for a glass.

Washington Square Park

Downtown

Site of the first Lincoln–Douglas debate in 1858. Walk historic downtown, then grab a bottle to take home.

Heritage Harbor

Ottawa

Paddle board and kayak rentals on the river. Wind down with a glass of mead after.

Stay in the loop

New releases, live music and events — follow along.