Experiencing Tuscan Hills Winery

Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program that provides members access to overnight accommodations with no camping fees at 5,900 locations across the country. One of the best things about being a Harvest Hosts member is the wide variety of available hosts. These range from wineries to farms, museums, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, country clubs, and so much more. These hosts offer a variety of amenities, activities, and services or goods for purchase, and no two hosts are exactly alike. One such host is Tuscan Hills Winery, tucked into a small town in Illinois. This gorgeous vineyard is a Harvest Hosts member favorite. Continue on to learn all about the host, their story, their business, and what guests can expect when they spend a night here. Want to see more locations? Find more RV camping in Illinois.

The Story

The story of Tuscan Hills Winery started when Wes Pitcher and Wanda Berglund met at the tourist camp that Wes' family visited in Northwestern Ontario each summer. Wanda’s family owned the tourist camp where Wes and Wanda met and became friends. The pair eventually began dating long distance in 1979. In 1985, the pair married, and Wanda moved to Montrose, Illinois, to be with Wes and start a family. There, Wes and Wanda began Pitchcoll, a sow-farrowing operation which is still in business today.Years later, the Pitchers began to wonder what kind of business would add to the town of Effingham. One night, they decided that a winery was the missing piece, and thus, Tuscan Hills was born. On July 1, 2011, a Canadian national holiday, Wes and Wanda Pitcher opened Tuscan Hills Winery. It has since grown to be a successful pillar in the Effingham community and an asset to both their lives and the lives of all those who visit.

The Business

At Tuscan Hills Winery, visitors can find delicious, house-made wines to suit just about any palate. These include a full menu of whites and reds, ranging from dry to very sweet. They also serve a variety of beautiful sangrias, along with a bistro menu and a full selection of craft beers, wine slushies, and liquor. All of this can be found in a gorgeous Tuscan-inspired building, complete with a screened-in porch, surrounding gardens, and a bubbling fountain. The old-world Tuscan style business caters to small groups of people or those looking to host an event for 300+ guests. These include weddings, graduation celebrations, birthday parties, corporate events, or anything else that requires a beautiful location. The relaxing venue often hosts live music and boasts an intimate environment that welcomes all who gather there. It is even pet-friendly, which is perfect for visitors who enjoy traveling with their pet.In conjunction with the Tuscan theme, the winery also offers a variety of pizzas and stuffed Tuscan breads, complete with all sorts of fresh toppings. Reviews for their location almost always mention their delicious foods. They also offer a variety of meat and cheese boards, complete with crackers, chocolates, olives, and other delectable pairings. Many visitors pair these food offerings with a glass of their wine of choice. On a warm summer evening, you can visit Tuscan Hills to find a full house of folks eating and drinking, listening to live music, and enjoying the evening air in their lovely gazebo. The Pitchers were surely correct when they thought their business would add to the heart of Effingham.  Their motto is, "Come as our guests, leave as our friends," and they invite any and all travelers and community members to stop by and enjoy the overall experience.