This study examines vertical coordination in an emerging Illinois wine industry. Results generally corroborate earlier findings that quality matters, as temporal issues related to grape perishability increase the probability written contracts are used to procure grapes and decrease reliance on informal agreements. Hold-up concerns related to sourcing adequate quality grapes and at risk investments winemaking equipment displace informal contracts with in-house production. Older wineries also rely more on their own vineyards, and larger ones require additional outside supplies. There is also some evidence that a few wineries outsource wine production activities to more experienced and larger wineries.