The number of wineries in Illinois has sharply increased over the last five years.

The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association counts 106 wineries in the state at the beginning of 2012. That number has risen from 63 in 2007 and 19 more than a decade ago in 1999.

Association president Bruce Morgenstern lauded a 2008 Illinois law that allows wineries to sell directly to the public if they produce up to 25,000 gallons a year. But Morgenstern says some wineries are nearing that 25,000-gallon limit as the industry grows in Illinois. Wineries that produce more than 25,000 gallons a year must use a commercial distributor.

Overall, statistics show Illinois' wine industry is small compared with states like California and Washington.