PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH
Can you feel it? The crispness in the air, the changing of the leaves ... Wait. Is that pumpkin spice? That’s right, dear reader. It’s fall in the Chippewa Valley – one of the most beautiful seasons to be living here (we’re not biased or anything). Fill your days with outdoor hangs before winter sets in, and take in all the autumn vibes you can. We’re here to help.
“K AYL A THE BR AVE,” A 940 LB. PUMPKIN THAT ENGELS GRE W IN 2020.
JACKED PUMPKINS sta r ting a c ommuni t y of gi a nt pumpk in growe r s, o n e pumpk in at a tim e words by THE FIRST GIANT PUMPKIN THAT SHANNON ENGEL EVER GREW was classified as a “squash” because it was looking a little too green. “From that day on,” he said, “I vowed I would never grow an ugly pumpkin again.” Now an expert at giant pumpkin growing, Engel – a hobby farmer who runs Engel’s Great Pumpkin Patch and Carvings in Menomonie – has grown pumpkins as large as 1,411 pounds. To put that in perspective, the world record for giant pumpkins is 2,624 pounds and the Wisconsin record sits at 2,283 pounds. Engel, who is a part of the River Prairie Giant Pumpkin Fest in Altoona and the Stillwater Autumn Fest in Stillwater, Minnesota, annually enters his pumpkins into competitive weigh-offs, and his massive pumpkins have pulled their weight. “Giant pumpkin growers are some of the friendliest people,” Engel said. “We’re all competing for the same prize money, but a giant pumpkin grower will help you to beat them. … We want to see you succeed just as much as we want to succeed.”
GO BIG OR GOURD HOME Growing giant pumpkins starts by knowing a local giant pumpkin grower, according to Engel, as giant pumpkins are a totally different kind of pumpkin than your run-of-the-mill jack-o’-lantern or field pumpkins, which only grow to be about 240 pounds at the most. Engel plants his seeds around the last week in April, starting them indoors. Once the seeds germinate, Engel puts the
REBECCA MENNECKE
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A N D R E A PAU L S E T H
plants outside into little protective greenhouses with a microclimate to help them get a head start. Many times, giant pumpkin growers will invest in soil-heating tables to warm the soil, fooling plants into believing it’s actually closer to summer than it is. By June 21 – the longest day of the year – ideally pumpkin growers want their plants two-thirds of the way grown. Many people, upon seeing such enormous pumpkins for the first time wonder: Is it real? (Yes, it is real.) How much MiracleGro do you feed it? (None. It’s not needed.) How much milk do you give it? The latter of the questions seems perhaps the strangest, but Engel said the lore grows from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book Farmer Boy – a part of the Little House on the Prairie series, in which Wilder describes a ginormous milk-fed pumpkin.
“Giant pumpkin growers are some of the friendliest people. ... We want to see you succeed just as much as we want to succeed.” - Shannon Engel, local giant pumpkin grower
But Engel said the lore isn’t very scientific. “That would be like you taking a bath in milk,” Engel said. “The pumpkin has no way to absorb that.” So the answer is: none. You shouldn’t feed your pumpkin milk. When it comes to successfully growing a giant pumpkin, the key to success is in the seeds, soil, preparation, and preventative measures – and lots of luck from Mother Nature, Engel said. Back in the old days, Engel would have eight or so people hoist the pumpkin up together to put on a palette to get the pumpkin to a weigh-off. Now, he hires out a skid-steer loader.
GIVE ’EM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT If the stars align, you too may grow your own ginormous pumpkin. To start, Engel recommends reaching out to a local giant pumpkin grower and taking a tour of their patch. He also recommends getting involved with the Chippewa Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers at facebook.com/CVGPG. “I get as much enjoyment out of them guys bringing their first pumpkin to the scale as I do weighing a personal best myself,” Engel said. “My whole goal out of that is to expand the pumpkin growing community.” If you’re interested in seeing some jacked pumpkins in real life, check out the River Prairie Giant Pumpkin Fest in Altoona on Saturday, Sept. 25, with more information available at rpgiantpumpkinfest.com. | SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
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SIP IN THE SEASON AT THIS LOCAL WINERY D i xo n’s Au tumn Ha r ve st W ine r y’s Fa ll Fe sti va l ha s fo o d tr u c ks, li ve e nte r ta inm e nt, a nd a ll those c oz y fa ll v ibe s words by
MEASHA VIETH
SIP IN THE SEASON WITH THE SOUNDS OF LOCAL MUSICIANS AND THE DELICIOUS TASTE OF FALL FOODS, and enjoy scenic views of the crisp colors of fall with the Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery Annual Fall Festival (19947 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls) on Sept. 11-12. Gather your family and friends, put on your coziest fall attire, and
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enjoy a splendid day of fall fun. On Sept. 11, Danville Folk will perform from 1-4pm. Three food trucks will be present to satisfy your hunger: The Stone Press, Marigold Café, and SmokeStream. On Sept. 12, Jud Hailey will perform from 1pm-4pm and SmokeStream Food Truck will return. For more information, visit autumnharvestwinery.com.
ALL ABOARD THE GRAIN TRAIN! a nnua l Chipp ewa Fa lls c e l e brati o n hi ghli ghts G e r ma n cul ture a nd he r i tag e words by
REBECCA MENNECKE
THIS NEW RIDE IS THE APPLE OF OUR EYES – ESPECIALLY FOR KIDDOS. Ferguson’s Orchard (6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire) has added a new attraction for the 2021 season. This 100-foot-long, tractor pulled train ride offers passengers a scenic 15-minute tour around the orchard. With the ability to hold six people per cart, or around 60 people in total, it is a ride made for all ages to enjoy. The season opened on Saturday, Aug. 21, and will continue until the first weekend in November. Ferguson’s hours are 10am-6pm every day, with activities running daily if the weather permits. The Grain Train is included in the 2021 admissions cost of $13 per person or $11 for seniors or military members. (Children under 2 are free.) To learn more, find Ferguson’s Orchard on Facebook or visit fergusonsorchard.com.
FERGUSON’s ORCHARD OFFERS A SCENIC ORCHARD TOUR ON THEIR NE W GR AIN TR AIN SUBMITTED PHOTO
PROST! c e l e brate G e r ma n cul ture + h e r i tag e at this ye a r’s O k tob e r fe st in Chipp ewa Fa lls words by
V1 S TA F F •
TIME TO DUST OFF THOSE LEDERHOSEN! The 17th annual Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebration is slated for Sept. 17-18 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, highlighting traditional German music, food, and – of course! – beer. This year will bring new kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some local favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling. The weekend kicks off with the announcement of the Festmeister and Festmeisterin at the Leinenkugel’s Brewery grounds at noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Enjoy more than 30 entertainers,
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vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing! You won’t want to miss the Sheepshead and Euchre card tournament, on-grounds parade, the Kid’s Kingdom, live entertainment, the Brass Barn Polka Band, face painting, local musicians, magician Kevin Hall, and so much more. Snag a two-day wristband online at www.gochippewacounty.com/ oktoberfest for $15 or a single-day admission for $10. A weekend package is also available for $35, as well as package deals for individuals, couples, and friends. (Also: Take a look at this year’s Oktoberfest steins!) Parking is $5. Check out their website for more info. And, until then: Gemutlichkeit! Prost to 2021!
CHIPPE WA FALLS OK TOBERFEST
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TRACKING AUTUMN ONLINE l et th e W isc o nsin Fa ll C o l o r Re p o r t b e your guid e to fa ll’s f ine st words by
TO M G I F F E Y
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY TOO OFTEN KEEPS US sedentary and glued to our screens. But it can also be helpful in getting us into the great outdoors. If you need motivation to get you driving, hiking, or paddling out in Wisconsin’s annual autumnal explosion of color, check out Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report: travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report. With the help of 100 color spotters across all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, the state Department of Tourism creates an ever-changing, clickable map to help users discover when and where leaves are reaching their colorful crescendos. As of late August, the most spectacular displays were expected in the Chippewa
Valley during the second and third weeks of October, while the peak was predicted two or three weeks earlier around northwoods communities such as Cable and Hayward. In addition to pointing out peak color, the website also allows users to find nearby events, activities, restaurants, and lodging. Scroll around and you’ll also find local weather conditions, see fall color photos posted by other users, and even learn the locations of selfie stands that will help you record your adventures. Visitors can also sign up for email alerts, so if you’re hitting the road, don’t “leaf” home without your smartphone. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
GET SPOOKY e mbrac e th e sc a r i e st tim e of ye a r wi th this M agi c a l M a r ket at the Bro o m & Crow words by
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READY FOR THE SEASON OF SPOOKINESS? Check out the Broom and Crow’s Magical Market, which is back for another year of Halloween thrills and deals from 10am-4pm on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1726 N. Clairemont Ave. This indoor and outdoor event will feature an array of spooky vendors and autumnal activities to check out. Marketgoers are encouraged to don their favorite witchy clothes or a
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festive costume and join the shop in exploring various vendors and activities aiming to get you geared for the fall – and, better yet, Halloween. All ages are welcome, admission is free, and COVID guidelines are simply to mask at your own comfort level. Vendor tents, card readers, food and other fun surprises await. Get ready to get in the spooky spirit! More information is available at thebroomandcrow.com.
UNIQUE CANDLES AT THE BROOM & CROW
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PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH
CREATIVE COMMONS
YOU CAN PICKLE THAT? ad ve nture s b eyond th e cu cumb e r words by
L AU R E N F I S H E R
WE’VE ENJOYED ANOTHER BOUNTEOUS SUMMER, BUT AS THE CHILL SETTLES IN and fall
cloves, peppercorns, allspice, and ginger.
brings farmers market season to a close, it’s time to consider ways to get the most out of the remaining fall produce. Pickling is a centuries-old technique for preserving foods that involves submerging foods in vinegar, which is acidic and prevents the growth of bacterias, or salt brine, which encourages fermentation. Common pickled treats include eggs, peas, and beets, not to mention the humble pickled cucumber. However, there are endless possibilities for pickling, including some adventurous choices you might … relish.
This veggie, frequently associated with millennials due to its trendiness, can be made into pickles worthy of snacking and sandwich garnishing. Stir up a brine with white balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, rosemary, lemon, and peppercorns for a savory flavor.
PEACHES Peel, pit, and halve your peaches to prepare them for pickling! You can preserve these sweet fruits in a brine of vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and juniper berries for a snack with a little heat.
WATERMELON RIND These unlikely snacks are likened to gherkin pickles thanks to their sweet-and-tangy flavor profile. To pickle watermelon rind, slice the fruit, remove the pulp, leaving a thin layer of pink, and cut the skin off of the outside of the melon. The brine is made with apple cider vinegar,
AVOCADO
NASTURTIUMS The seeds of nasturtium flowers can be pickled using a simple brine of pickling vinegar, sugar, and salt. They’re rather hot and peppery on their own, but the pickling process cools the fiery sensation. The result is sometimes called “poor man’s capers,” and can be used to add some spice to chicken or fish, or as a pizza topping.
CHEESE CURDS We didn’t have to go there, but we did. Pickled (or brined) cheese curds are a flavorful take on a Wisconsin classic. This process isn’t a great pick for preservation, as it lasts in the refrigerator for only about two weeks. Create a marinade with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, chives, oregano, and shallots and let those curds rest in the refrigerator until about an hour before you want to serve them.
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AUTUMNAL BLISS listings by
APPLES, PUMPKINS, AND CORN MAZES AVEnue Orchard • Apple Picking • 6700 Highway 53, Eau Claire • (715) 835-5141 • aveappleorchard.com Producing at least 15 types of apples, three types of plums, two types of pears, and more. Orchard shop features jams, jellies, ciders, butters, and more.
Blueberry Ridge Orchard • Apple Picking •
E2795 Hageness Rd., Eleva • (715) 287-3366 • facebook.com/blueberryridgeorchard A 25 acre blueberry orchard that offers 7 varieties of pick your own blueberries. In fall, you can buy readypicked apples and plums.
Bushel and a Peck Market • Apple Picking,
Pumpking Patches, Corn Maze • 18444 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0133 • bushelandapeckmarket.com A family-owned, pick your own orchard over 6,000 trees that produces over 30 varies of apples, pears, plums, and raspberries. In fall they have a pumpkin patch and 2 corn mazes of different sizes. Has an on-site bakery that makes pies from scratch, a gift shop, a country store that sells jams jellies, honey, crafts, and
J A M E S J O H O N N OT T
more. Enjoy pie and a glass of wine on the patio.
hosts glass classes.
Connell’s Family Orchard Apple Picking, Pump-
Govin’s Meats & Berries Pumpking Patches,
Ferguson’s Orchard Apple Picking, Pumpkin
Klinger Farm Market Pumpkin Patches, Corn
king Patches • 19372 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5889 • connellsfamilyorchard. com Forty acres of fruit and veggies. Pick tart cherries, blueberries in July, and apples starting in August. Pies, ice cream, carameled apples, jams, honey, and salsas are also available. Patches, Corn Maze • 6470 Balsam Road, Eau Claire • (715) 830-9370 • fergusonsorchard.com/ eau-claire Stroll through a large pick-your-own orchard, pick the perfect pumpkin, and find hours of fun for all ages in the Apple Blossom Park. Their country store offers delicious baked pastries, local jams, syrups and gifts, and caramel apples. Check out the corn maze and look forward to the haunted house later in the season.
The Glass Orchard Apple Picking • 130 Deerfield Road, Eau Claire • (715) 252-0720 • facebook. com/theglassorchardWI The glass orchard is an apple orchard and fused glass studio. Their retail store offers pre-picked apples, pick-your-own apples, fresh apple cider, handblown glass, fused glass, local handmade art, household goods, and
Corn Maze • N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • govinsmeatsandberries.com In fall, Govin’s features three full acres of pick-your-own pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled hay rides, 11-acre corn maze. They sell a variety of produce and grass-fed/range-fed meats. Maze • 12756 132nd St, Chippewa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket.com In fall, Klinger Farm Market offers a 4.5 acre corn maze, petting zoo with llamas, donkeys, lambs and more, lawn games, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin patches, and more. Check out the autumn-themed sundries in their country store like caramel apples, cider, peanut blends, snacks, and more.
Leffel Roots Apple Orchard Apple Picking,
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Maze • W2369 Maple Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 514-5171 • leffelroots.com A small, family-owned and operated orchard. They sell pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, pies, caramel apples, and host a fall corn maze.
Lowes Creek Tree Farm Pumpkin Patches •
S9475 Lowes Creek Road, Eleva • (715) 8784166 • lowescreektreefarm.com Lowes Creek Tree Farm is a 290 acre family owned choosen-cut christmas tree operation located in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Visit the handscribed log cabin shoppe in October for pumpkins and seasonal harvest items.
Niblett’s Apple Shed Apple Picking, Pumpkin
Patches • 18027 Cty Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • facebook.com/NiblettsAppleShed/ Raises 23 varieties of apples. Pick your own, or pre-picked apples. Pre-picked pumpkins. Wagon rides, mini golf, picnic area, tours, apple slingshot and more attractions. Country store that sells salsa, syrups, dressings, flavored butter, honey, crafts, and more.
Valley Pasture Farm Pumpkin Patches, Corn
Maze • E7631 N County Road E, Elk Mound • (715) 256-7676 • valleypasturefarm.com In September and October, Valley Pasture Farm hosts a Fall Harvest Festival and pick your own pumpkin patch. Attractions include hay wagon rides, bounce houses, corn maze, giant slides, farm animals, lawn games, and much more.
LOCAL FOOD MARKETS Jacobson’s Market & Scoops 17183 50th Ave-
nue, Chippewa Falls • Find it on Facebook Jacobson’s is a local grocery store in Chippewa Falls that specializes in meats of all kinds. They recently opened an ice cream counter for all of your chilled, summer dairy desires.
Just Local Food 1117 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire
• (715) 552-3366 • justlocalfood.coop For over twelve years the co-op has focused on sourcing from and nurturing relationships with local farmers and producers of high quality, natural, and organic foods for our community. They are dedicated to providing our customer-owners and community access to high quality local, organic, and natural foods – all at a fair price.
Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St., Chippe-
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wa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@ yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.biz In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.
Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main St.
East, Menomonie • (715) 235-6533 • mmfc. coop Located in downtown Menomonie, this coop stocks a wide variety of locally sourced meats such as beef, buffalo, chicken, heirloom pork, brats & sausages, lamb, and fresh, local seafood. Offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, cheeses, dairy items, breads, spirits, and more grocery items. They have a deli, serving up fresh cuts and sandwiches, and they teach classes focusing on wellness, foraging, nutrition, and cooking.
Rump’s Butcher Shoppe 1411 Lynn Ave., Al-
toona • rumpsbutchershoppe.com Enjoy local meats, cheeses, domestic and craft beers, wines, spices & more. Pick up pre-build freezer paks of meat, meat & cheese trays, and check out their specials. They also offer wild game processing.
Sokup’s Market 624 N Bridge St., Chippewa
Falls • (715) 723-4953 • Find this business on Facebook HERE Located in Downtown Chippewa Falls. Fresh meat, cheese & produce. The best prices around for great quality. Family owned and operated for over 100 years.
Yellowstone Cheese 24105 County Highway
MM, Cadott • yellowstonecheese.com Yellowstone Cheese offers homemade cheeses, wine, jams & jellies, mustards, maple syrup, gifts, taken-bake pizzas, and so much more. They pride themselves on using milk from the Kenealy farm to create the over 30 flavors of cheese.
WINERIES Local Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard 19947 Cty
Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@ autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery. com Produces 13 varieties of wine including many wines using fruit from their orchard, and a hard cider. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting, sample local cheeses and chocolates, relax on the outdoor patio seating, or peruse the gift shop. Enjoy the beautiful sights of blooming apple trees, flowers and an abundance of wildlife.
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery 3460
Mall Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 895-8020 • infinitybeverages.com A winery and distillery producing a wide range of innovative and unique wines and spirits. Tasting room offers wine flights, spirit tastings, wine by the glass, and specialty cocktails including the two time “Best of the Chippewa Valley” winning cocktail the Summer Heat. Live music, all day happy hour on Thursday, and sangria Sundays.
River Bend Winery & Distillery 10439 33rd
Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9463 • riverbendvineyard.com Visitors to the Tasting Room enjoy complimentary samples and may purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Gourmet foods, gifts and accessories for the wine enthusiast are also available. Attendees enjoy the view from a comfortable patio overlooking the vines.
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Bella Vinez Winery W10829 875th Avenue, River
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Falls • bellevinez.com A family owned and operated wine destination in beautiful western Wisconsin, this Tuscan-style winery is set directly in the heart of the vineyard. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wine options and a small bite to eat from our brick oven or expansive appetizer menu.
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Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines E2960 Hageness
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Rd, Eleva • (715) 828-2344 • facebook.com/BemisBluff Winery, vineyard, and wine bar. Enjoy up to 3 samples of their custom fruit wines. Purchase a glass and enjoy all of their wines.
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Brambleberry Winery N3684 Claire Rd., Taylor •
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(608) 525-8001 • info@brambleberrywinery.com • brambleberrybandb.com A small artisanal winery tucked into the beautiful rolling hills of Western Wisconsin, not far from the Great River Road. Also featuring a bed and breakfast.
Branches Winery E6796 Old Line Rd., Westby •
(608) 634-9463 • brancheswinery@gmail.com • brancheswinery.com Producing wine from estategrown grapes. The cheerful and friendly tasting room is surrounded by vineyard views and offers tastings plus wine by the glass or bottle. A menu of appetizers highlights local cheeses and regional delights.
Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard 1998A
State Rd. 87, St. Croix Falls • (715) 483-2556 • chateaustcroix.com From Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel, winemaker Troy Chamberlin makes all of his award-winning red wines ‘oh so flavorful’. Distinct in flavor, bold in color, heavy on the palette, and speaking for themselves.
Danzinger Vineyards & Winery S2015 Grapeview Lane, Alma • (608) 685-6000 • danzingervineyard. com Fifteen acres perched atop the Alma Bluffs in Buffalo County overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. They use Frontenac, Prairie Star, St Pepin, La Crescent, La Crosse, Frontenac Gris, St Croix and Marquette for their wines, and also have fruit wines available.
Elmaro Vineyard N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempea-
leau • (608) 534-6456 • lynita@elmarovineyard.com • elmarovineyard.com Nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, this winery’s unique location makes for beautiful scenery and ideal conditions for cold, hearty vines.
Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery W12266 King Ln.,
Stockholm • (715) 448-3502 • info@maidenrockwinerycidery.com • maidenrockwinerycidery. com Presenting a unique collection of premium hard ciders & fruit wines, from fresh local fruit, flavored by Wisconsin. Their grape wines include Stockholm Red, Stockholm White, and Frontenac Nouveau – as well as a grape-apple blend, Apfelwein.
Munson Bridge Winery & Vineyard W6462
Bridge Rd., Withee • (715) 229-4501 • sales@ munsonbridgewinery.com • munsonbridgewinery. com Located in Wisconsin’s heartland, MBW offers a large variety of fruit wines including raspberry, elderberry, boysenberry, plum, blackberry, crabapple, and cranberry wines, plus maple syrup wine and many other seasonal favorites.
O’Neil Creek Winery 15369 82nd St., Bloomer
• (715) 568-2341 • oneilcreekwinery.com O’Neil Creek Winery was built in the heart of the Chippewa Valley by Joe and Dorinda Wynimko featuring an assortment of fruit wines that are crisp and refreshing. Come and enjoy the scenery along with the relaxing atmosphere on our patio while you have a glass of wine.
Seven Hawks Vineyard 17 North St., Fountain
City • (608) 687-9463 • sevenhawksvineyards. com Seven Hawks Vineyard includes almost 18,000 northern hybrid grape vines and 500 plum and cherry trees, making them one of the largest vineyards in the upper Midwest. Wines are local, hand pruned, hand tended, and hand harvested, with free tastings available for walk-ins.
Tenba Ridge Winery N27587 Joe Coulee Rd., Blair
• (608) 525-2413 • tenba@triwest.net • tenbaridgewine.com From high atop a ridge in rural Trempealeau County sits one of Wisconsin’s most enjoyable winery experiences. Tenba Ridge produces a number of wines that have won national and state awards. Known for its award-winning peach apple wine, blueberry apple, black raspberry apple, and white cranapple.
Vernon Vineyards Winery S3426 Peterson Ln.,
Viroqua • (608) 634-6181 • vernonvineyards. com Vernon Vineyards Winery is 75 acres in Vernon County in Western Wisconsin, and offers lovely vineyard views and a beautiful tasting room. Their 16 wines are made with 100% locally grown Wisconsin grapes and cranberries. Guests can count on a healthy serving of rural Wisconsin hospitality with every sample.
Villa Bellezza Winery 1420 3rd St., Pepin • (715)
442-8484 • villabellezza.com The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by the stunning river bluff drive to the winery along the Mississippi’s historic Great River Road. Visitors may relax in the piazza with small plates and a bottle of wine while listening to the fountain and enjoying the scenery.
Vino in the Valley W3826 450th Ave., Maiden
Rock • (715) 639-6677 • vinointhevalley.com Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Open Thursday through Sunday, May through September (with additional weekends October-December), enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta dinner among the vines in an outdoor setting nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley.
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