Hard-hit Illinois vineyards, wineries try to rebound from pandemic Kevin Bessler The Center Square and David C.L. Bauer Journal-Courier April 16, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail Heavily impacted by the pandemic, wineries and vineyards across Illinois are hoping to recover as warmer weather returns and restrictions loosen. The industry faced a steep decline in revenue with crowd sizes restricted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, causing events such as weddings and other large gatherings to be canceled. Lisa Ellis, executive director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance, said events are a large part of wineries and vineyards’ success. “That is a whole line of revenue that our industry has been missing,” Ellis said. “The wineries and vineyards have long been a gathering place for life’s moments with engagements, weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties, and we’ve all been limited just like our friends in the hotel industry.”