While Wisconsin is most famous for its dairy products and beer, it’s also rapidly turning into a booming wine region.
The cold winters and humid summers provide the ideal conditions for American and hybrid grape varieties like Marquette and LaCrescent, which are popularly grown throughout the state.
If you’re thinking of heading up to Wisconsin for a day filled with splendor and delicious wine, here’s our top Wisconsin wineries you need to drop by.
What Wine Is Wisconsin Known For?
Wisconsin is quickly becoming a thriving wine region, with over 150 wineries now scattered across the state. However, due to harsh and frigid winters and humid summers, the grape varieties grown there need to be hardy and robust.
Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and other Vinifera grapes are not often grown in Wisconsin as they struggle to withstand the state’s unique climate.
Instead, American grapes and hybrid types that can resist cold winters and humid summers are more frequently cultivated, including LaCrescent, Marquette, St.Croix, and Marechal Foch.
These hybrid grapes have been scientifically developed to withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, ensuring the vines survive the Wisconsin freeze while still producing high-sugar fruit for a balanced wine.
12 Best Wisconsin Wineries
Now that you know a little more about the type of wine you’ll find in Wisconsin, here are the best wineries you need to visit.
Best Wisconsin Wineries Map:
Wollersheim Winery and Distillery: Historic Estate
Nestled on a picturesque hillside close to the Wisconsin River lies the majestic Wollersheim Winery, an estate rich with history. The land was first discovered in 1840 by Agoston Harazthy, a Hungarian nobleman who later went on to help establish the California wine industry.
The estate was used as a winery until 1899, at which point it was converted into a conventional farm. In 1972, Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim purchased the estate and restored it to a working winery. Since then, it has grown into a thriving business, dedicated to producing some of the best wines and spirits in the Midwest.
The tasting room features a warm, cozy atmosphere and is open daily from 10am until 5pm. There are a few different tasting options to choose from, including seated tastings, wine flights, and a guided walking tour of the historic caves.
Wollersheim also has a luxurious bistro onsite that serves an assortment of seasonal dishes, which complement their world-class wines and spirits.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a delicate red wine packed with berry flavors, try the Prairie Sunburst. It’s made from locally grown Foch grapes, giving it a taste reminiscent of fresh raspberry.
Vines and Rushes Winery: Local Flavors & Live Music
Situated in Ripon, Wisconsin, Vines and Rushes Winery grows an assortment of grape varieties, as well as strawberries, apples, and raspberries which they use in many of their wines and ciders. They focus heavily on cold-hardy varieties like Marquette and LaCrescent.
The tasting room is open daily. The winery produces a wide range of white wines, red wines, and ciders, many of which have a lovely fruit-forward profile. You can enjoy these alongside their famous homemade wood-fired pizzas, which use locally sourced ingredients.
There is live music on Friday and Saturday each week, creating a vibrant atmosphere. In addition to music, they host an array of other community events, including “Yoga in the Vines” and artisanal cooking classes.
Editor’s Note: Their Marquette Rosé is a standout—refreshingly crisp with a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with a warm Wisconsin afternoon.
Staller Estate Winery: Personalized Experiences
Next up is Staller Estate Winery in Delavan, featuring a gorgeous farmlike setting. They craft a wide range of sublime wines that focus on regional character. You can sit back and soak in the winery’s cozy atmosphere in their large sunroom or their enchanting gazebo.
They offer a variety of wine flights, allowing you to sample four distinct wines at your own pace. Tours are also available by request, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their production methods.
Due to the expansive beauty of the estate, it is a premier venue for weddings and corporate events, featuring a modern barrel room for larger gatherings.
Editor’s Note: For a romantic treat, book the Barrel Cellar Experience. It includes exclusive seating in the cellar, a specialty charcuterie board, and a guided flight of their reserve wines.
Fawn Creek Winery: Woodland Tranquility
Burrowed in the forests of Dell Prairie near Wisconsin Dells, Fawn Creek Winery is a charming escape specializing in approachable, fruit-flavored wines. While they source high-quality grapes from regions like Lodi, CA, every drop is fermented and bottled right here in Wisconsin.
The deck overlooks beautiful scenic woodlands, providing a peaceful backdrop for their regular live music performances. They offer a “micro-menu” of appetizers and pizzas that are perfect for sharing on a Saturday afternoon.
Editor’s Note: Their “Granny’s Gold” apple-flavored Riesling is a crowd favorite, offering a crisp, tart finish that is incredibly refreshing.
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Baraboo Bluff Winery: Hilltop Vistas
Positioned high on a bluff northwest of Baraboo, Baraboo Bluff Winery offers some of the best views in the state. Despite being a newer addition to the scene, they have already won numerous awards for their estate wines.
The tasting room is open seasonally (with winter weekend hours). They feature an eclectic mix of reds and whites, with their Sangiovese remaining a consistent award-winner.
Editor’s Note: Don’t miss out on their Estate Marquette. It’s a bold, dry red that showcases what Wisconsin soil can truly achieve.
Von Stiehl Winery: Old-World Charm
The stunning von Stiehl Winery is Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery, located in Algoma. Since 1967, they have been crafting wines from Door County fruit and premium West Coast vineyards.
Their 150-year-old building provides a historical atmosphere like no other. They offer diverse tasting options, from standard flights in the taproom to elevated seated tastings in the cellar accompanied by gourmet pairings.
Editor’s Note: Their “Summer Concert Series” on the terrace is the place to be on a warm evening, featuring great bands and even better wines.
Elmaro Vineyard: Award-Winning Elegance
Elmaro Vineyard is famous for its breathtaking Trempealeau surroundings. They take a serious, high-quality approach to cool-climate viticulture, resulting in some of the most balanced wines in the Midwest.
They offer a popular “Picnic Package” during the summer months. You can grab a blanket and a basket filled with artisanal treats and head into the vines for a private lunch.
Editor’s Note: Their Frontenac Gris is a must-try for dessert lovers; it features notes of honey and stone fruit that linger beautifully.
Villa Bellezza Winery: A Taste of Italy
The beautiful Villa Bellezza Winery transports you to a Mediterranean village without leaving Pepin, Wisconsin.
With a central piazza and Italian-style architecture, it is arguably the most visually stunning winery in the state. They offer an extensive program of cooking classes, tours, and seasonal festivals. The on-site restaurant, Il Forno, serves authentic Italian fare that pairs perfectly with their estate-grown varietals.
Editor’s Note: Try the Marquette, a medium-bodied dry red with notes of black cherry and roasted spice. It holds up beautifully against their savory pizzas.
Pieper Porch Winery and Vineyard: Nature’s Retreat
Located on 11 acres in the Vernon Marsh, Pieper Porch Winery is a rustic haven for nature lovers. Their spacious porch is the perfect place to watch for local wildlife while sipping on a variety of reds and whites.
They offer themed flights that change regularly, ensuring there is always something new to discover. The atmosphere is unpretentious and incredibly welcoming.
Editor’s Note: Their Lemon Wine is a cult favorite. It’s light, zesty, and exactly what you want on a hot July afternoon.
The Blind Horse Restaurant and Winery: Napa-Style Sophistication
The Blind Horse brings Napa Valley luxury to Sheboygan County. Known for its sophisticated restaurant and chic tasting room, this estate offers a high-end wining and dining experience.
Their outdoor patio is expansive and often hosts food trucks and live bands. For a private event, “The Granary”—a restored early 1900s barn—offers a stunning blend of rustic beams and modern art.
Editor’s Note: The Vintner’s Blend is an absolute powerhouse. It’s a complex, bold red that has won numerous awards and easily rivals its California cousins.
Captain’s Walk Winery: Historic Green Bay
Captain’s Walk Winery is located in a beautifully restored pre-Civil War home in downtown Green Bay. The atmosphere is cozy and rich with historical character.
They offer “no-reservation” tastings, making it an easy and accessible stop. Their bistro menu features gourmet flatbreads and local cheeses that are perfect for a light lunch between sightseeing.
Editor’s Note: Try the Fumé Blanc. It’s an aromatic delight with notes of pineapple and lemongrass that finishes incredibly clean.
Drumlin Ridge Winery: Modern Elegance
Next is Drumlin Ridge Winery in Waunakee. This family-owned business offers a modern, high-end tasting experience with a strong focus on artisan quality.
Their outdoor seating area is heated and covered, making it one of the best spots to enjoy a flight during the chilly Wisconsin transition months.
Editor’s Note: Their St. Croix is a revelation for red wine drinkers. It’s earthy, medium-bodied, and carries a subtle peppery finish that is very food-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin is no longer just the land of cheese; it is a rapidly evolving wine frontier. Whether you are looking for a rustic farm escape or a chic, urban-style lounge, the “Badger State” has a glass waiting for you.
When visiting, remember that because these grapes are hybrids, they offer flavor profiles—like the bright acidity of LaCrescent or the dark berry depth of Marquette—that you simply won’t find in traditional California varietals.
Are you looking for a specific type of experience, such as a winery that is dog-friendly or one with a full dinner menu?