Discover the best wineries in Wisconsin. Sip, savor, and enjoy!
Coming from a country that relishes wines, winery tours are a particular part of my itinerary, and the best wineries in Wisconsin made me feel close to home.
Since the Midwest state’s first vineyard in the mid-19th century, five wine regions have flourished, offering varieties of exquisite fruit and grape wines.
Fruitful learnings and beautiful landscapes have indulged me in a distinct wine-tasting quest and serene vineyard walks.
So whether you’re a wine enthusiast or planning a romantic tour, explore and travel Wisconsin!
In this post, I’ll take you through the lovely experience of visiting wineries as I share Wisconsin’s most beloved wine estates.
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Table of Contents
Best Wineries in Wisconsin
- Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
- Chateau St. Croix Winery
- Botham Vineyards & Winery
1. Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
Location: Prairie du Sac
Set in a picturesque hillside that crosses the Wisconsin River, Wollersheim Winery & Distillery has come a long way in winemaking and as part of the historic village of Prairie du Sac.
I admired the old-fashioned style of its buildings, with a facade covered by sprawling ivy plants. Behind them lies the idyllic 27-acre hilly land lined with grape vines.
The owners also restored the limestone wine cave built by the past owners.
Wollersheim is known for its Prairie Fumé, a refreshing white wine released in 1989, but try the Ice Wine, too. I bet you’ll like the sweet grape flavors.
Certainly among the places to visit in Wisconsin in summer, it’s a well-worth tour to book.
2. Door Peninsula Winery
Location: Sturgeon Bay
A winery built from an old schoolhouse 50 years ago, Door Peninsula Winery found success with fruit-based wines, with the finest and largest variety among the list of Wisconsin wineries.
Its Victorian architecture facade attracted me, and I’m glad I made this stop. The Winery offers exciting tours, and I saw a distinct bottling system and several large open fermentation tanks.
Regular tours are free, but they offer upgrades. You can book them by calling 1-800-551-5049.
From exquisite cherry, apple, and blackberry wines to blended grape-and-fruit wines, the choices were remarkably varied.
The cozy and large tasting room lets visitors taste up to five wines for free, with friendly hosts to assist.
Their signature wines are the apple-and-cherry-based Sunset Splash and the Blackberry Merlot, which I enjoyed a half-glass in their Wine Garden, which also makes one of the cool Wisconsin gift ideas.
After doing some tasting, you can enjoy Sturgeon Bay Tours around the area,
3. Chateau St. Croix Winery
Location: St. Croix Falls
Inspired by a 19th-century French chateau, Chateau St. Croix Winery boasts a beautiful ground and six homegrown varieties of hybrid cold hearty grapes they use to make wines.
Visiting Chateau St. Croix Winery gave me a familiar European estate experience as I walked around the art gallery, carriage house, and garden.
I joined a private tour of the winery, barrel room, and vineyard while having a glass of their signature wine, Chateau Rose.
Opened in 2004, it’s one of the wineries in Wisconsin with numerous award-winning wines, including the semi-dry white blend Château Blanc.
For tour reservations, you may call 715-483-2556 or email info@chateaustcroix.com
4. Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery
Location: Green Bay
The proof is in their name, Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery boasts “Cool Climate Grapes” from the vineyards along 44° North Latitude that rings the globe, the world‘s finest grape-growing and wine-making regions.
Find other wineries around this region from the map of wineries in Wisconsin.
One of the best Wisconsin wineries, Parallel 44 nestles in an idyllic setting of a cream-colored winery structure facing a 10-acre vineyard.
I had one of the most insightful winery tours here as I learned about grape growing and the owners were happy to walk the visitors through their rich vineyard with several stops to try some wines.
I also had a great night enjoying their live music with local wine, great views, and artisan snacks.
Their wines, like the semi-sweet white wine LaCrescent and the semi-dry and fruity Bubbler, are best paired with delicious Wisconsin cheeses.
Add this to your cool weekend trips in Wisconsin plus stay in one of the Green Bay cabins.
5. Cedar Creek Winery
Location: Cedarburg
A sister winery of Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, Cedar Creek offers a different variety and experience. Wines here are made from traditional grapes and French-American hybrids.
Originally built as a woolen mill in 1864, Cedar Creek Winery has old-style stone buildings you’ll admire in a serene environment beside a cascading creek.
So, although they have a nice tasting room with a homey ambiance, I preferred to have a glass of Riesling wine in the outdoor seating, pairing it with blue cheese.
The underground limestone cellar barrel-age the wines and is the highlight of their winery tour. Among the samples I tried is the semi-sweet, grape-based fruit wine Cranberry Blush.
It was truly a pleasant experience from a winery in Wisconsin. Located in Milwaukee’s metropolitan area, drop by here while you’re on day trips from Milwaukee.
6. Botham Vineyards & Winery
Location: Barneveld
A masterpiece of a passionate family of winemakers and grape growers, Botham Vineyards & Wineries wines are well-esteemed by winery and independent experts.
Their Big Stuff Red, a two-time international double-gold medal winner, exhibits the extraordinary quality of their wines.
I remember buying one and chilling it as my host recommended, and I tasted balanced flavors that go well with casual foods like pizza and burgers. It’s a must-try wine in Wisconsin!
If you’re into white wine, I recommend their American semi-dry Vin 10.
What makes Botham more interesting is the history and natural scenery around the winery.
On the property, you’ll see traces of an early 1900s dairy farm, including the hung barn that houses the tasting room with a large outdoor terrace.
Tours are by appointment and only for groups of 15 or more. Make sure to book their tasting tours in advance!
7. Trout Springs Winery
Location: Greenleaf
Trout Springs Winery may have one of the smallest vineyards in Wisconsin, but it’s brimming with facts that are rare to other wineries.
First, it’s the birthplace of Wisconsin Ledge– the prime grape-growing area identified by the Federal Government.
One of their grown-grapes wines is Below Zero, which, according to the owner, is the only red ice wine in the US.
They also make craft beers. I tried the Fishnet Red, which, by its taste, proved that I didn’t make a bad decision to taste it.
If you wish to explore craft beers, see my post about breweries in Wisconsin.
Trout Springs is known for its trout farm, and the tasting room has backyard seating where visitors can enjoy the view of a freshwater fish pond and paddling swans.
It’s also among the Wisconsin wineries with lodging, the Little Cabin in the Vineyard. For tours and tastings, visit their wine tasting page.
8. Stone’s Throw Winery
Location: Baileys Harbor
Stone’s Throw Winery may be a bit upscale from other wineries in Door County, but it fulfills a promise of a one-of-a-kind wine and dining experience.
Nestled in the less crowded part of Baileys Harbor, the winery was featured in reputable magazines.
With a vision to bring the quality grapes of California to Wisconsin wineries, Stone’s Throw has been producing the best wines in the state for more than 25 years.
Some of them are the 1996 Zinfandel and the award-winning Petit Verdot.
Hosting many events, the winery has a polished tasting room with spacious alfresco seating and well-groomed grounds surrounded by flowers and trees. Check their tasting room hours.
I dined at their restaurant Vino! Vino!, and I just loved the choices in their Italian menu like the cheese dish, Fondue. Try the Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup Recipe at home to pair with their wines.
9. River Bend Vineyard & Winery
Location: Chippewa Falls
Since 2009, River Bend Vineyard & Winery has attracted more wine lovers for their high-quality wines made of local and American-grown grapes.
Moreover, the six-acre vineyard provides fantastic views for the visitors.
River Bend boasts an extensive grassy area with outside seating facing the vineyard.
In their welcoming and spacious tasting room, I enjoyed the complimentary wine tasting of their casual wine, LaCrescent, and the sweet red wine, Sunset.
Patrons anticipate the winery’s weekend food trucks and live music, and like other wineries, they also host events. For tour inquiries, please call (715) 720-9463 if you have a group of eight or more.
10. Three Lakes Winery
Location: Three Lakes
The second oldest winery in Wisconsin, Three Lakes has never been more proud of its wines made from whole fruits and berries.
Three Lakes offers six complimentary tasting samples, which I was pleased to savor the Original Cranberry Wine, the winery’s best-selling wine.
They may not have farms, but it’s quaint countryside building draws visitors from all over Wisconsin for their wines like the Cabin Blend and several food options.
They no longer offer tours, but their tasting room and store are open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
For more exciting wineries in Wisconsin, check out Southern Wisconsin Wineries and things to do in Central Wisconsin.
My final thoughts on the best wineries in Wisconsin
With around 150 wineries, Wisconsin proves to be a flourishing viticulture destination. But more than a destination, they’re home to numerous unique wine varieties.
Visit the oldest Wisconsin winery, Wollersheim Winery and Distillery, or look for the finest fruit wines at Door Peninsula Winery. For a wine tour with a European estate ambiance, experience Chateau St. Croix.
Discover these wineries from the wine tasting events in Wisconsin, and for more of Wisconsin’s highlights, read my posts on outdoor things to do in Wisconsin and outdoor activities in Wisconsin.
Which Wisconsin’s winery do you find the best? Share them here!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
