EXQUISITE
GETAWAY

You want to get away -- you know you do.

It's the perfect time to pack up and leave it all behind.

But when you finally take the time to enjoy yourself, where should you go?

Haven’t you always wanted to own a winery?

Kite Hill Vineyards in Carbondale, Illinois has been the answer for several years.

This world class destination winery keeps life in the slow lane with lake, cabins and hot tubs

We have had the pleasure of many guests in our Bed & Breakfast and adjacent Winery for many years—now we are adding rustic cabins with hot tubs to further enhance our exquisite getaway destination, allowing you to escape the everyday and embrace the magnificent.

THE PERFECT B&B

Barb and Jim Bush, from the suburban Chicago area, were looking for a B&B—and they found one with a winery attached!

When they saw Kite Hill Vineyards, they found so much more than what they were looking for in just a B&B.

The property was like something out of a movie; gorgeous and picturesque, with 27 acres and two ponds. They never wanted to leave.  So they didn't -- they acquired Kite Hill Vineyards and helped it blossom into the award-winning artisan winery it is today.

Scott Albert—the award winning vintner—and his wife Gena have both worked at Kite Hill, and Scott has been the hands-on craftsman who has cultivated, grown, harvested and made wines at Kite Hill for almost a dozen years. 

Under Scott’s trained Viticultural techniques—Kite Hill has grown into one of the most respected small wineries in Illinois and the Midwest.  Visitors for the B & B, wine tour groups and state and national wine contests have all given praise and acclaim to this wine-growing gem in the heart of southern IL.

Scott began working at Kite Hill Vineyards more than 10 years ago. He quickly began to perfect the art and science of winemaking, demonstrating his creative strengths and impeccable palate.

Scott and Gena, along with New Heartland Ventures from Chicago, are putting the new operation together to add more equipment, significantly increase the size of the tasting room, and add 10 or more cabins with hot tubs around the picturesque lake and rolling countryside.

They are also purchasing another parcel of 10 acres with a barn, garage and house across the street from Kite Hill—the house will be used and eventually owned by Scott and Gena, while the land, barn and garage will be used for planting more vines and storing vineyard equipment.

THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE 

Kite Hill Winery helps local residents and travelers from all over appreciate everything Southern Illinois has to offer.

High-quality, award-winning wines represent the unglaciated hills and rocky soil that make this area so unique for growing high quality grapes—the best land for water and cold air to drain away from the vines!

KEY FEATURES

We produce serious wines geared toward serious wine drinkers.

Our variety provides something for every palate, and our quality is on par with world-class regions both domestic and abroad.

Our rustic cabins will appeal to a wide range of clients, including:
o  Couples seeking a romantic weekend
o  Senior groups
o  Wine aficionados
o  Groups celebrating special occasions
    (birthday, retirement, wedding) 
o  Outdoor enthusiasts looking to hunt, 
    fish, or hike

We are within close proximity to a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, making it a great destination for any time of year.

We are part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Association within an American Viticultural Area, both of which add to our recognition, visibility, and prestige.

MEET THE TEAM

SCOTT ALBERT | Winemaker / Vineyard Manager

• Scott is an accomplished winemaker and vineyard manager with 10+ years of experience in viticulture in Southern Illinois
• Combines technical expertise with the mastery of the craft to develop healthy, productive vines that yield flavorful fruit
• Nurtures the grapes to produce wine that is reflective of the geography and climate – or terroir – of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA)o  His wines have won awards at state, national, and international competitions, proving he can create a product to rival the great wine regions of the world in quality, aroma, and flavor

GENA ALBERT | Business/Administrative Associate - University Events and Protocol, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Worked at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for 13 years
• Her responsibilities have included:
  • On-campus conference housing
  • Management of residence halls
  • Large-scale event planning
  • Customer service
  • Staff development and supervision
• Gena began working part-time in the tasting room at Kite Hill in 2011 and has learned many different facets of the business
• She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

TONY CACCOMO | President, New Heartland Ventures
With a 35-year background in commercial/investment and industrial real estate throughout the USA,Caccomo brings a wealth of experience to Kite Hill Vineyards. He has focused on real estate development and innovation and participated in the development of two major Food Innovation Centers in NY and IL, has owned a small modular home manufacturing business in Indiana, and developed, financed or acquired property in more than 25 states.

MATT LEIDLEIN | Vice President and Treasurer, New Heartland Ventures
Leidlein is an independent investor and strategy consultant for high-risk, higher-reward ventures. He will be supporting investor relations efforts:

• Structuring
• Articulating
• Negotiating creative finance options and strategic partnerships

As a venture investor and former high-frequency options trader in the US and Europe, Leidlein has researched, negotiated, and executed literally millions of deals across myriad industries and markets.