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.
The Wisconsin Ag Tourism Association is a member of Something Special from Wisconsin™ is a trademarked program administered by the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Every dollar spent on Something Special from Wisconsin™ products and services supports local farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, our communities and livelihood, as well as the Wisconsin way of life. Something Special from Wisconsin™ products are unique and of the highest quality, making them perfect for gift-giving, special occasions and every day!
The Wisconsin Ag Tourism Association is a member of Something Special from Wisconsin™ is a trademarked program administered by the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Every dollar spent on Something Special from Wisconsin™ products and services supports local farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, our communities and livelihood, as well as the Wisconsin way of life. Something Special from Wisconsin™ products are unique and of the highest quality, making them perfect for gift-giving, special occasions and every day!
Orchard Country Blackberry Splash is my favorite wine! Smooth and not too sweet! So good! Shullsburg Waterstreetpub carries it but I haven't found it in any stores in SW WI
There is also a wonderful winery in Steven Point wi. Called sunset point. You missed a gem there!!
Sunset is wonderful. We actually featured this winery in a recent episode: http://discoverwisconsin.com/destinations/wisconsin-river-communities/
You need to visit a second year winery, Baraboo Bluff Winery, located west of West Baraboo. They just won 3 silver medals for the 3 bottles entered in an International competition. It is a family owned and operated winery located onto top of a hillside over looking the Baraboo region. The owner is Fred Quandt.
We will be visiting this winery soon!
The Three Lakes Winery. Good wine and very nice people
Love Three Lakes.... really like their Blueberry wine..
Weggy Winery and Spurgeon Vineyards have some great wines. The scenic drive to them is breathtaking especially in the fall.
Branches Winery in Westby, WI and Vernon Vineyards in Viroqua, WI are two young wineries who are gaining great reputations! Wonderful wines and beautiful views can be found at both.
Love the Branches Winery and Vernon Vineyards!!
A true appreciation for wine can be uncovered in the lush wine valleys of Europe, where history and tradition are as rich as the wine itself. Chateau St. Croix, a winery created in the image of a European estate, complete with vineyard, a carriage house, stables, and formal gardens. Modeled after a French Chateau once owned by a Black Musketeer, Chateau St. Croix Winery is located in the heart of the picturesque St. Croix River Valley, located 5 miles North of St. Croix Falls on St. Hwy. 87. Please check out their website!
Kerrigan Brothers Winery near Kaukana is by far the best wine I've ever had & Troy is great to talk to as you sample wines. 🙂
My favorite too. You can truly taste the fruit in the wines. Love the Pineapple!
Have visited Kerrigan Brothers several times. Always friendly and wonderful wine.
Burr Oak Winery in Mauston, WI is a well kept secret.....excellent little winery!
Three Lakes Winery haven't been there but their Pomegranate and Rhubarb wine is delicious
Three Lakes WI TLWINERY.COM
Munson Bridge Winery, north of Withee, is a great winery with very tasty wines!!!!
Agreed! Thought it would be on this list.
If you are looking for a winery with Great wine, beautiful view, wonderful atmosphere, a winery that you enjoy spending hours at because the welcome is tremendous and the fun they want their customers to experience is refreshing. They hold wide variety of events through Out the year. Including music, ladies day, reserve to hold your party, wedding etc
Where is this unique winery, that just celebrated its 1 year anniversary?
It is Hawks Mill Winery in Browntown, WI
Like their Facebook page and see all the things they do !
More important, stop in and check out the amazing view and their tasty wine. Which 3 won awards in Northern WI
One of favorites, wine and view are wonderful
I love Hawks Mill! I just enjoyed a glass of one of their sweet reds last night! This is a winery that gets better every time I visit!
Falling Waters winery in Crivitz and Forgotten Fire winery in Peshtigo, good wine and music weekly during the summer
I love these 2 wineries! The owners are amazing, the tastings are great. The atmosphere is wonderful. Hit up both places for a fantastic and oh so fun afternoon!
I think it is time for a road trip.
Stone's Throw Winery in Door County. My favorite.
Woodland Trail winery in Lakewood WI
Brigadoon Winery in Tripoli (northern WI off Hwy 8) is a sweet little spot for wine tasting and purchasing. I seldom head up north without stopping there on the way to pick up some wonderful Autumn Fire.
Bayfield Winery also is a must when in the area. The scenery at both isn't bad either.
As you can see, Wisconsin has such a fine selection of wineries. There was a booklet published a few years ago that listed a HUGE number of wineries throughout the state. I'm not sure if it's still available, but it may be through the Wisconsin tourism board?? Worth looking into. Cheers!
Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard is quite a gem located in the Town of Mukwonago. They offer great views from the Porch. From Premium Red and White wines to the Porch favorites they have them all. Take a picnic lunch if you have a chance and sit on the porch with a glass or a shared bottle. We go there often and highly recommend it.
One of my favorites! Great wine!
I stumbled across this winery on accident and fell in love! I have a few new favorites too!
Rock N Wool Winery is my new favorite! The Stalwart (a port style sans brandy) is amazing! 🙂
Rock N Wool winery north of Poynette is a great place with great wines...I like Bowhunter (red) and Quilt (white). The barn and wagon rides are fun too.
Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard
Waukesha,WI
It is actually closer to Mukwonago.
You missed Hawk's Mill -in Browntown - an award winner!
A few months ago, Hawk’s Mill entered our first wine competition – the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. We’re excited to announce that our 3 entries all won medals!
Prairie Rose Blush – Silver
Cadiz Springs White – Silver
Jorny’s End- Bronze.
Another convenient winery between Madison and Milwaukee is Lewis Station Winery in Lake Mills. Great wines and a farm to table bistro menu.
I believe the best kept winery secret is Von Klaus Winery in Baraboo. There selection is the best and the guys that provide the tastings are awesome. It's worth a trip for sure.
Elmaro Winery near Centerville, WI, my favorite.
I don't see Brigadoon Winery mentioned!
Staller Estate Winery is always a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and get away for a couple of hours! It's near Delavan.
Fawn Creek Winery near Wisconsin Dells is awesome!!!!!
Dancing Dragonfly Winery & Vineyard in St Croix Falls WI is absolutely stunning. Truly delicious wines and a beautiful scenic grounds. They also hold numerous free events that are so much fun! http://www.dancingdragonflywinery.com;/
My favorite Wisconsin winery is Fawn Creek which is just north of Wisconsin Dells
LOVE Fawn Creek! In fact we r running low & need to get there to get some restock
Hawks Mill I outside of Browntown. Great setting and wonderful wines!
Villa Belluza in Pepin or Elmaro Vineyard in Trempelau are 2 amazing places to visit. Great wine and beautiful views.
Please try the Baraboo Bluff Winery. The wine is wonderful & the winery & view are well worth the trip. They are in their second year & winning ribbons, so try them!
Brigadoon Winery in Tripoli is the best. Fantastic wine, esp. love the Autumn Fire and Strawberry. Nice people, great scenery..even ice cream for the kids to enjoy while we had wine on the deck....
If you are in the Sheboygan area please include a stop at the Blind Horse Winery. Tour and tasting 🙂 Recently named the official wine of Road America!!
Bemis Bluffs Winery in Eleva, WI is another amazing place to visit! Their Wine is Outstanding!
Lewis Station Winery in Lake Mills has top notch food to go along with their excellent wines!!
Carmens Last Dance from Harbor Ridge Winery in Door County is one of my favorites
Munson Bridge Winery, Withee--awesome selections--great taste, great atmosphere !!
A newer winery in the state is Vines and Rushes Winery, 6 miles north of Ripon. If you go in June, you can pick strawberries and sugar snap peas at Prellwitz Produce that is on the same family farm. The wine is amazing. Really worthwhile trip in east central Wisconsin.
Come visit us at Fermenting Cellars Winery 2004 W Manogue Rd. Janesville WI. Fridays and Sundays 1 to 6 p.m. for complimentary tastings. Print or summer calendar of events at
Fermentingcellarswinery.com
Rockin' Wool Winery in Poynette, WI
They have amazing wine!!!