With winter behind us, it is time to start enjoying some delicious springtime drinks. How about some unique wines from our local wineries? Whether a couples’ retreat or a girls’ getaway, take a trip to these eight wineries to discover what these destinations have in store for you!
- Bauer-Kearns Winery (Platteville)
Bauer-Kearns Winery is located in Platteville and offers free tours and wine tastings during regular business hours or by appointment. There is a wine for everyone with new wines added throughout the year. A few wines include Driftless White, Lacrosse Wine and Purple Passion Wine. Bauer-Kearns Winery has control of the ingredients throughout the wine-making process creating delicious estate bottled wines. Next time you find yourself in southwest Wisconsin, be sure to stop by and tour Bauer-Kearns Winery! - Cedar Creek Winery (Cedarburg)
Here’s another unique winery to add to your travel bucket list: Cedarburg’s Cedar Creek Winery is a family run winery that crafts an array of award-winning wines. Cedar Creek Winery is located in a historic limestone building from the 1860s and sits on the banks of Cedar Creek. Pop in for some wine tasting and a tour. Be sure to try their Wisconsin wines, Marquette and Con Vivant. These are both dry red wines made from Wisconsin grown grapes and believe us—they’re delish! - Marathon Ginseng International (Weston)
Marathon Ginseng International brings something special to Wisconsin. Marathon Ginseng International is located in Schofield and produces Wisconsin Ginseng. The Ginseng is used to produce various products such as lotions, creams, and of course… wine! Surely you’ve heard of wine’s health benefits. Well, you will be happy to hear that ginseng gives you even more health benefits! Be sure to stop by Marathon Ginseng International for a tour of the ginseng garden and of course, more wine sampling! - Northleaf Winery (Milton)
Another family-owned winery, Northleaf Winery opened in 2009 and is housed in a historical agricultural building that has been around since 1850. The building is now used to make, bottle, and sell the wine. It’s such a charming place—perfect for date night, bridal showers or bachelorette parties. When it comes to wineries, the ambience is as important as the wine itself and Northleaf in Milton delivers on both accounts. (P.S. Their lunch is amazing, too!) - Southern Italy Imports (Verona)
Located in Verona, Southern Italy Imports is quite famous for its Lombardi limonata and for good reason. The limonata is made with all natural ingredients such as fresh lemon juice and pure sugar cane. Someone pass me my summer hat—I’m ready for a cocktail! Southern Italy Imports also has various wines imported from Argentina, Australia, Italy, Chile, France, Italy, Moldova, New Zealand, Spain and the U.S. A few faves include Wombat Hill Merlot, Carmenere Reserva and Moscato D’ Asti.Trout Springs Winery (Greenleaf)
About 15 miles south of Green Bay is the tiny, unincorporated town of Greenleaf. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it community is home to Trout Springs Winery, which was recently named winery of the year by the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association. Trout Springs Winery harvests their own grapes but also imports grapes from California. With 23 different wines, you are sure to find one you will enjoy. Don’t leave without experiencing the tasting room and outdoor pergola, which overlooks the beautiful vineyards.
- Vetro Winery (Jefferson)
In the mood for a relaxing, casual atmosphere with views that overlook woods and marshland? Say hello to the folks at Vetro Winery in Jefferson. They use fruits grown right here in Wisconsin and provide various tour packages for you to see and learn about the winery, taste various wines, learn about paring cheese and chocolate with wines and more. If you love the wine from Vetro Winery, they will ship gift baskets and will also deliver within a 40-mile radius. (I shall alert all friends and family members about this convenient gift option!) - Wollersheim Winery
Perhaps Wisconsin’s most well-known winery, Wollersheim Winery in Prairie du Sac was first established more than 150 years ago. Fast forward to 2015, this fabulous southwestern destination was named Small Winery of the Year at the Riverside International Wine Competition in Riverside, Calif. It was also named one of “America’s Top 10 Winery Tours” by TripAdvisor. Take it from me, the accolades are well-deserved. Sample some wines any time of the year and explore Wollersheim’s wine garden during the spring, summer or fall months.
One thing’s for sure: The winery scene in Wisconsin has exploded over the past few years. Which is your favorite? Share with us your favorite winery in the comments below.
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