Wisconsin is known for many things like cheese, the Packers, and beer…but did you know that Wisconsin has some of the most breathtaking and iconic wineries that you’ll visit? The wine industry covers the state from the Northwoods, to Door County, and even over to the Driftless Area. Sit back, relax, and grab a glass of wine to plan your visit to one of (or all!) of these four iconic Wisconsin wineries!
Wollersheim Winery
Photo Credit: Wollersheim Winery // Discover Mediaworks
Right in the Driftless Area, you can take a long, wandering stroll throughout Wollersheim Winery, which sits right along the hillside of Prairie du Sac overlooking the Wisconsin River. In 1972, Bob & JoAnn Wollersheim purchased the winery from the 4th generation of the Kehl family, and began their transformation into the Wollersheim Winery that we enjoy today. Now, run by Philippe and Julie Coquard, Wollersheim is most known for its Prairie Fume wine that was created in 1989. Prairie Fume isn’t just Wollersheim’s most popular wine, but also is known as Wisconsin’s most popular as well!
You can make your own visit to the winery and experience this historic location for yourself. The winery is open daily from 12pm – 5pm. If you’re into taking tourings or doing tastings, you can join the fun with a Seated Wine & Cocktail Tasting, Winery Guided Tour, Wine Flight Tasting, or a Self-Guided Wine Tasting Kit for 4. Learn more about the Winery Tours and Tastings at Wollersheim Winery here.
Julie, Vice President and Marketing Director at Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, shares her thoughts on the winery:
“We love sharing our passion for wine and are always happy to see the excited reactions of first-time visitors as they take in the view and soak up the ambience and history of the property. It’s like being transported to a different world.”
von Stiehl Winery
Photo Credit: von Stiehl Winery // Discover Mediaworks
You can’t head out on a Wisconsin wine tour without visiting Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery, von Stiehl Winery. Nestled in Kewaunee County, Von Stiehl sits right along the shores of Lake Michigan in Algoma. Plus, von Stiehl is home to an estate vineyard, Stony Creek, just six miles north of the winery in Door County!
At von Stiehl Winery, you can find over 40 wines to bring home or you can cozy up next to their fireplace with views of the Algoma Harbor for a tasting. You can get a sample of what Von Stiehl has with their delicious wine tasting. Sit right inside their 150-year old tasting room and taste 6 different wines while enjoying the views of this historic building along the Lake Michigan lakeshore. Or, if you’re wanting to do a little more, you can get a guided tasting of different wines paired with unique foods for a full experience! You can learn more about the history and maybe even hear a ghost story! Learn more about von Stiehl Wineries tasting options here.
Anthony, the General Manager at von Stiehl Winery, shares his thoughts on the winery:
“I would love for people to really experience that Napa style winery, but in local Wisconsin.” and then talks about the Production with the Discover Mediaworks team, “This was such a great team and group of people to work with, who cared and were passionate about telling our story and capturing what the Wisconsin wine industry is all about.”
Chateau St. Croix Winery
Photo Credit: Chateau St. Croix Winery // Discover Mediaworks
Nestled right along the St. Croix River Valley is the Chateau St. Croix Winery. This winery shows the true history and tradition of a European estate. Between the vineyard, carriage house, formal garden, and art gallery…you will be astounded by the details put into each creation of this iconic winery! The Chateau St. Croix Winery is owned and operated by Adam Lamoureux and Irv Geary and is a family-friendly winery with history as rich as the wine itself. You can visit the Chateau St. Croix Winery for yourself to step into a touch of Europe right inside of Wisconsin!
Andrea Boehlke, one of the hosts of ‘Iconic Wineries’ shares her insider’s take of what it was like visiting Chateau St. Croix Winery:
“Walking into Chateau St. Croix winery felt like I was walking into a 19th century French chateau. The beautiful thing about this winery is that even though you may feel like you’ve been transported to a different country, it still has that friendly Wisconsin charm. Co-owner Irv Geary is very welcoming and willing to share his knowledge of wine with the customers. Irv told me that they don’t sell wine, they sell an experience. And an experience it was! You can tell that the people who visit the winery are there for a good time, whether that be enjoying the live music, playing games in the backyard, and dancing.”
Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin host Andrea Boehlke at Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery // Discover Mediaworks
In New Glarus, you can find Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery. While it is the newest of the four iconic wineries, this location makes an impactful punch! The views are absolutely outstanding and you definitely don’t want to miss this location on your iconic winery tour of Wisconsin. From white wines to red and even sparkling, Bailey’s Run offers all touches of wine for every wine lover! Grab a friend and join the fun at their live music events every weekend, all-year round! Click here to see their events line up happening each weekend.
Andrea Boehlke, one of the hosts of ‘Iconic Wineries’ shares her insider’s take of what it was like visiting Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery last summer:
“Bailey’s Run Vineyard has such a fun vibe! Their motto is “we are where wine goes to have fun” and that’s exactly the experience I had there! Todd and Janet Keuhl are the husband-wife duo behind this iconic winery. I was promised dancing, and Bailey’s Run is the perfect place for letting loose. The winery has a ton of space, and they have bands come in and play live music. My favorite part about Bailey’s Run is the meaning behind the name. Bailey is the family dog, and she is such a sweetheart! This winery is hip, fun and a great place to make memories!”
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We are so lucky to have a wine industry that is flourishing all over the state of Wisconsin! Prepare yourself to savor the breathtaking views and sip award-winning wines all throughout. Before you plan your trip, make sure to watch, ‘Wisconsin’s Iconic Wineries’ and be prepared to find your new favorite wines:
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Kortnee Hass: Digital Media Associate for Discover Mediaworks. A Wisconsin ‘now & forever’ transplant with a soft spot for squeaky cheese curds, craft breweries, and all things Wisconsin tourism.
