Grapes, Elderberries, Family and so much more...
Starting off right
Wyldewood Cellars Illinois was opened in 2010 by Tracie Trotter and Jess Trotter to help expand the family business. Originally Wyldewood Cellars was founded by Dr. John A Brewer thirty years ago. John has his PHD in solid-state physics and always wanted to own his own business. He started out making wine in our basement in Pennsylvania and from that he grew his passion of Elderberries. His mother, Marge, coincidently had acres of wild elderberries growing on the family ranch in eastern Kansas. We moved to Kansas and build our business around elderberries while profiting the family ranch. Tracie learned everything she knows from her father, John, and growing up in the wine industry.
Wyldewood Cellars is now the largest supplier and manufacturer of elderberry products in the country and specializes in fruit and grape wines.
Our Team
Tracie
Hi, my name is Tracie Trotter and I own and operate Wyldewood Cellars Illinois. My father started the Winery in Mulvane, Kansas Thirty-years ago and after moving to Illinois my sister in law Jess and I decided to open a branch of my family business. We opened in March 2010 and since then we have been bringing our delicious wines and meads to our customers.
Jess
Jess is Tracie’s sister in law and has been there since the beginning of Wyldewood Illinois in 2010. She has been the heart and soul and Tracie’s right hand. She was trained on how to properly make wines and meads by Dr. John Brewer (Tracie’s dad). Jess strives everyday to make the best wine/meads that our customers enjoy.
Tom
Tom has worked at Wyldewood Illinois since May 2017. Tom is Jess’s dad so they have the privilege of working together on a daily basis. Tom assists Jess in the day to day production of the wines/meads but he also helps work the Sales floor when needed. Tom is a Master Craftsman and is always fixing or making things so they work more efficiently.
Michele
Michele started working part time for Wyldewood Illinois in 2022. Michele helps mainly in Production. She assists Jess in filtering, cleaning and bottling.
Mya
Mya has worked at Wyldewood Illinois since 2021. She practically runs the Sales floor, makes sure everything is spotlessly clean, organized and running smoothly. She is always coming up with new and inventive wine slushie flavors and making sure the customers are satisfied.
Robin
Robin is Tracie’s sister in law and has been working part time for Wyldewood Illinois off and on since 2017. She helps at Wine Festival Events and works a few Sundays a month at the Winery.
Brent
Brent is Tracie’s brother and has recently moved back to Illinois to help Self Distribute to wholesalers. When he is not on the road, Brent helps at Wine Festival Events, on the Sales Floor and in Production.
Ashley
As the youngest daughter of the owner, Ashley brings both heart and creativity to everything she does at Wyldewood Cellars. She leads our marketing and social media efforts, sharing our story and wines with the world in a way that's fun, engaging, and true to who we are. Ashley has a passion for design and loves using her creative eye to craft graphics, labels, and promotional content that showcase the unique personality of each wine we create. Her favorite? Lady Pearl — our Strawberry Moscato, a sweet and vibrant wine that’s as fun and flavorful as summer itself. Whether online or behind the scenes, Ashley helps keep the Wyldewood brand fresh, authentic, and always evolving — just like the winery itself...