Hip Trips / Wine Time 2015 by Volume One Magazine

PRESENTED BY

Volume One’s Guide to Quirky Vacation Spots

WHETHER IT’S ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS, cultural tours, cross-country road trips, beach resort relaxation, romantic getaways, family outings, or outdoor conquests, Wisconsin offers a plethora of vacation delights. In this edition of Volume One’s annual summer travel section, we highlight some of the quirkiest places you can hit in an easy day trip. Check it out in Hip Trips, where it’s always 70 and sunny.

WHETHER YOU’RE A NEWBIE OR A STRAIGHT-UP CONNOISSEUR, the Chippewa Valley and surrounding areas offer a vast variety of different wines and beverages. Despite Wisconsin being known as a beer state, we hold our own in the sweet (or dry) treat. So as the weather turns nice, hit the road – or stay right in town – and enjoy the fruit of the vine.

WORDS: Tom Giffey

LISTINGS: Tyler Griggs

PHOTOS: Andrea Paulseth

DESIGN: Janae Breunig, Eric Christenson

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TRAVELING BEYOND THE ORDINARY

Wisconsin offers a bevy of quirky museums to explore

hether it’s mustard, accordions, or angels, Wisconsinites have a unique way of taking a hobby and turning it into an exhibit hall. Our state is home to an eclectic mix of museums that go beyond the ordinary and are the product of a passionate person with a vision: a vision so strong that erecting a museum is quite simply the most reasonable option. Both entertaining and educational, these museums offer an out-of-the-box perspective. Use this list, compiled by Travel Wisconsin, to plan your summer road trips. I F R O C K S C O U L D TA L K House on the Rock, Spring Green No words can truly describe House on the Rock in its entirety, but we’ll try. This classic Wisconsin museum features hundreds of eclectic displays and outof-the-ordinary collections. The world’s largest carousel, standing 35 feet tall and illuminated with more than 20,000 lights, is a rare masterpiece. Another spectacular display is the daring Infinity Room, a glass-walled structure that projects 218 feet over the Wyoming Valley, which lies 156 feet below. There’s also a giant sea creature longer than the Statue of Liberty. Is your mind spinning yet? This is a “see it to believe it” destination where the creativity of late founder Alex Jordan lives and thrives. And seeing as he built the house by dragging stones to the top of a 75-foot chimney of rock, one at a time, that’s dedication we simply can’t ignore. Bravo Mr. Jordan, you put House on the Rock at the top of our list. The House on the Rock • 5754 State Highway 23, Spring Green • (608) 935-3639 • open daily May 4-Oct. 18 • information@ thehouseontherock.com • www.thehouseontherock.com

HOUSE ON THE ROCK, SPRING GREEN

ALL ROADS LEAD TO HARTFORD Wisconsin Automotive Museum, Hartford Go from zero to amazed in three seconds at this museum. Dale Anderson is the driving force behind the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. Twenty-nine years ago, Dale, with the help of the community, opened the museum to showcase the city’s history and connection with car making. The Kissel, a high-caliber custom automobile was manufactured in Hartford from 1906 to 1931. Of the 35,000 produced, only 200 exist today and many are on display here. But you won’t just see cars here, you’ll see trucks, an airplane and even a 250-ton operating steam locomotive – with tracks that run right into the building! Wisconsin car enthusiasts will also appreciate the display on the Nash, a car manufactured in Kenosha in the early 1900s. In fact, there is no other Nash museum in the U.S. Wisconsin Automotive Museum • 147 N. Rural St., Hartford • hours May 1-Sept. 30: 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, noon5pm Sunday • (262) 673-7999 • www. wisconsinautomuseum.com

I N T E R N AT I O N A L S N O W M O B I L E HALL OF FAME , E AGLE RIVER

AND ALL SNOWMOBILE TR AILS LEAD TO EAGLE RIVER International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, Eagle River Though Wisconsin can’t take credit for inventing snow, we can take credit for inventing the coolest thing to do in the snow. Snowmobiling has deep roots in Wisconsin, which is why it comes as no surprise that our state is home to not one, but two snowmobile halls of fame and museums. The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in Eagle River shows the history and the people who have helped make snowmobiling one of the world’s premier winter sports. Eagle River is the Snowmobile Capital of the World, and the museum is just a snowball’s throw (literally 200 feet!) from site of the World Championship Snowmobile

Derby, which is held each January. Visitors to the museum can take a self-guided tour that includes vintage sleds and groomers such as the 1953 Ellison all the way to the high-tech models of today. International Snowmobile Hall of Fame • 1521 N. Railroad St., Eagle River • 10am4pm Monday-Saturday • (715) 479-2186 • admin@ishof.com • www.ishof.com

MUSIC IN THE EAR OF THE BEHOLDER World of Accordions, Superior Whether it’s polka music or simply the romantic tune of “That’s Amore,” there is nothing quite like an accordion to turn a song from “nice” to unforgettable. Walk into the World of Accordions museum in Superior and you’ll see how these “squeeze boxes” have transformed throughout the years. Helmi Harrington is the living and breathing force behind the World of Accordions. At her Harrington Arts Center in Superior, she maintains the museum, repair shop, technicians’ school, and concert hall focused solely on the accordion. And this isn’t just a “nice” museum either; it’s incredible, and features the world’s largest collection of accordion family instruments and cultural artifacts. But the music doesn’t stop there. The accordion repair school is the only one in the U.S. and the concert hall, which was once a church altar, is now the stage for accordion performances. Scholars from as far as Austria have come to use the museum’s archives. If you visit, you may be lucky enough to receive a short performance from Helmi herself. World of Accordions Museum • 1401 Belknap St., Superior • usually open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, but calling ahead is recommended • (715) 395-2787 • accordion@sprynet.com • www.accordionworld.org

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SWEET OR SPICY? TA S T E YO U R P I C K National Mustard Museum, Middleton Standing in an all-night supermarket looking for the meaning of life, National Mustard Museum founder and curator Barry Levinson heard a voice, “If you collect us, they will come.” That experience led to this most improbable museum, and a museum that now houses more condiments than you ever thought possible. Levinson has amassed more than 5,600 mustard varieties from 50 states and 70 countries. The museum is also home to hundreds of items of great mustard historical importance, including mustard pots and vintage mustard advertisements. Visitors can purchase mustard off the shelves at the museum, or from the first-ever mustard vending machine. The museum also includes a tasting bar with free samples. The best part? Admission to this wacky museum is free. And Barry or Mrs. Mustard (aka Patty, Barry’s lovely wife) may be around to give a tour. National Mustard Museum • 7477 Hubbard Ave., Middleton • 10am-5pm daily • (800) 438-6878 • www.mustardmuseum.com THE BIRTHPL ACE OF H E AV Y M E TA L Castlerock Museum, Alma For a rare look at some of the most intricate and artistically fascinating armor out there, a Renaissance fair just doesn’t cut it. You really need to visit the Castlerock Museum in Alma. It all began when Gary Schlosstein, at age 10, acquired a Civil War musket for $3. Now his museum, which arose out of his personal collection and lifelong pursuit of historical weaponry, is the most complete arms and armor display in the Midwest. The

CIRCUS WORLD MUSEUM, BARABOO

museum takes you through 2,000 years of history and hundreds of pieces of arms and armor. Start with Rome, make your way through the Dark Ages, Crusades, and the Renaissance. You’ll be an expert by the time you leave the museum – a real knight in shining armor. Castlerock Museum, 402 S. Second St., Alma • 1-4pm Friday and Saturday (year round) and Sunday (Memorial Day to Labor Day) • (608) 685-4231 • www. castlerockmuseum.com HE AVEN SENT Angel Museum, Beloit Every time a bell rings in this museum of 11,000 angel figurines, you can only imagine what happens. A love affair with an Italian bisque angel discovered in Florida by Joyce Berg was the impetus that began the world’s largest angel figurine collection. Housed in St. Paul Catholic Church in Beloit, today the Berg Collection has more than 13,600 angels – 11,000 of them on public display. Ranging from one-eighthinch to full-sized, the angels are made in more than 100 different materials from fine porcelain to macaroni. The

ANGEL MUSEUM, BELOIT

museum also features a collection of 600 African-American angels donated by Oprah Winfrey, who was given the angels by her fans. The Angel Museum • 656 Pleasant St. (Highway 51), Beloit • 10am-4pm Thursday-Saturday • (608) 362-9099 • www. angelmuseum.org

is preserved for future generations at the 64-acre Circus World Museum, the vision of a Ringling family attorney. Located on the original winter quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus, visitors to this National Landmark Site can explore decades of circus history and a brand-new animated miniature circus. A trip to the Circus World Museum includes walking around the campus to various buildings and seeing circus advertisements and artifacts. Did you know that Circus World is home to two-thirds of the world’s surviving circus wagons? We’re not clowning around. Circus World Museum, 550 Water St., Baraboo • open weekdays through May 21, and daily May 22-Aug. 30 • (866) 6931500 • ringmaster@circusworldbaraboo. org • www.circusworldbaraboo.org —

THREE RINGS MAKE A RIGHT Circus World Museum, Baraboo Baraboo is home to a deep circus history; in fact, the three largest circuses in the world were all located in Baraboo at one time. Today its history

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Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas, travel planning, events, and free guides can discover their own fun at TravelWisconsin.com, Facebook.com/TravelWisconsin or @TravelWI on Twitter.

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tasting your way across the Dairyland

IF YOU THINK THE ONLY GOOD WINE COMES FROM NAPA or some other name-brand locale, think again. Right here in Wisconsin winemakers are creating a wide variety of world-class bottles. The Winemaker’s Association of Wisconsin breaks the state up into five distinct regions of awesomeness, each with its own styles and specialties. Time to go tasting.

NORTHWOODS REGION

DOOR COUNTY

Most the Chippewa Valley falls into the Northwoods Region of Wisconsin wineries (though we’re right on the border of Driftless, along the Mississippi). Northern wines come from a long tradition of fruit wines, brought by the first German immigrants who settled in Northern Wisconsin. The wines are sweet and usually considered to be dessert wines, but they pair well with all sorts of foods – including holiday feasts. Not all northern wines are fruit wines though; the grapes throughout the region have produced award-wining bottles of all varieties. WHAT TO TRY: Check listings of

When most people think of Wisconsin wine, they probably think about Door County. The peninsula has some of Wisconsin’s largest and oldest wineries with a wide variety of everything from traditional grape wines to unique, sweet fruit wines. The region is also naturally beautiful, with Lake Michigan on either side. WHAT TO TRY: Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery, Kewaunee; Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery, Sturgeon Bay; Stone’s Throw Winery, Bailey’s Harbor.

FOX VALLEY REGION The Fox Valley Region is all about unique wines. The intriguing wineries include Trout Springs Winery, which doubles as a Class A trout hatchery, and Kerrigan Brothers Winery which offers a huge variety of fruit wines, including lemon, Dutch apple pie, and pineapple. WHAT TO TRY: Trout Springs,

local wineries on Page 37.

Greenleaf; Captain’s Walk Winery, Green Bay; Kerrigan Brothers Winery, Freedom.

DRIFTLESS REGION

GLACIAL HILLS REGION

The Chippewa Valley’s other bordering region is the Driftless Region, which spans the Mississippi River and reaches east about halfway across the state. The south-facing hillsides of Western Wisconsin allow for vineyards that are reminiscent of many parts of Europe and offer more traditional varieties of grape wine than other parts of Wisconsin. WHAT TO TRY:

It’s tough to imagine rolling, lush vineyards in urban Southeastern Wisconsin, but the Glacial Hills Region has a plethora of wineries on the outskirts of the cities. You’ll find plenty of traditional vineyards, but also unique locales like AeppelTreow Winery, which creates sweet ciders. WHAT

Wollersheim Winery, Prairie Du Sac; New Glarus Primrose Winery, New Glarus; Seven Hawks Vineyard, Fountain City.

TO TRY: Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, Elkhorn; Cedar Creek Winery, Cedarburg; Vines To Cellar, Port Washington.

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FULL COURT (WINE) PRESS Wisco winery tops Final Four face-off

he Wisconsin Badgers may have lost a heartbreaker to Duke in the Final Four, but a Badger State winemaker had better luck in a hoopsthemed competition judged by the staff of Wine Spectator magazine. In early April, the magazine selected wineries located near the colleges playing in the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four. Staller Estate of Delavan (an hour southeast of Madison) represented the Badgers; Chateau Chantal of Traverse City, Mich., stood in for Michigan State; Round Peak Vineyards of Mt. Airy, N.C., took the place of Duke; and Springhill Winery of Bloomfield, Ky., suited up for the University of Kentucky. Staller Estate was founded by UW-Whitewater grads Joe and Wendy Staller on a former dairy farm the couple bought in 2006. The planted it with cold-hardy grape varieties such as Marechal Foch, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette. (Incidentally, the latter three vines were developed at the University of Minnesota. How’s that for Big Ten pride?) Wine Spectator reports the Stallers produce 2,500 to 3,000 cases of wine annually and sell most of it at the winery. “The winemaking community (in Wisconsin) is really exciting,” Staller

told the magazine. “There’s a tremendous amount of camaraderie – everyone’s willing to help everyone out, and it’s for the benefit of the industry.” By contrast, the Stallers’ vintages took no prisoners in the Spectator’s wine tourney. In the first round, the winery’s La Crescent Reserve bested a Cabernet Franc from Kentucky. “It gets an extended malolactic fermentation, with neutral oak aging, letting the floral, honeysuckle and stone fruit aromas and flavors shine through,” the Spectator judges declared of the Badger beverage. In the finals, a Staller Estate Ice Wine 2013 defeated a Pinot Gris from Michigan. The ice wine, the Spectator declared, “was a powerhouse contender that seven of our eight tasters picked as their champion.” (Call it Frank the Tank in a bottle, if you will.) The wine “impressed with honey, cantaloupe, gold apple and apricot on a lush, unctuous frame held up by acidity that zipped around the court.” Sounds like a slam dunk! If you’re interested in washing the bitter taste of the Badgers’ defeat out of your mouth, visit www.stallerestate.com to learn more about this fine Wisconsin vineyard.

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FAMILY ROOTS Autumn Harvest Winery changing hands, but will stay in the family

en years after creating a winery to complement their family’s well-known orchard, a Chippewa Falls couple are selling both businesses. However, Autumn Harvest Winery and John McIlquham Orchard will stay in family hands. Marykay and John McIlquham are selling the businesses to John’s cousin and his wife, Chad and Jean McIlquham. The businesses will officially change hands on May 1 – the first day the winery and orchard in rural Chippewa Falls will be open for the year. “It’s a little sooner than we anticipated, but it’s a great opportunity for all parties,” Marykay McIlquham said. “I’m happy that the orchard will continue to operate within the McIlquham family,” her husband added. Marykay and John launched Autumn Harvest Winery in 2005, while the

orchard was founded in 1924. Autumn Harvest now produces a dozen varieties of wine from grapes, apples, whole fruits, and fruit juices. The wines are sold statewide as well as at the winery’s tasting room, which features gourmet foods and a gift shop, as well as live music and special events. The wine and apples draw in people from all over the region every summer and fall. Marykay and John said they are excited for the opportunities that selling the business will bring. “We’re looking forward to some baseball games this summer, some fishing and family time,” said Marykay, adding the couple appreciate the support they’ve gotten over the years. “A lot of our customers have become friends,” she said. Learn more about Autumn Harvest Winery at www.autumnharvestwinery. com. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Marykay and John McIlquham

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ANDREA PAULSETH

Harvesting at River Bend Winery

WHERE TO WINE IT UP CLOSE TO HOME drink your way to grapy glory WINERIES & WINEMAKERS Featuring locations in Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Trempeleau, and Vernon counties.

Autumn Harvest Winery Open May-October • 19947

Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery.com Visitors enjoy complimentary wine tasting during regular business hours, sample gourmet foods, and may peruse the gift shop. The patio provides seating to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, while enjoying one of many Wisconsin cheeses.

Brambleberry Winery N3684 Claire Rd., Taylor •

(608) 525-8001 • info@brambleberrywinery.com • brambleberrywinery.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 estate-grown 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.

Cap-n-Corks 5256 Friedeck Rd., Eau Claire • (715)514-4110 • capncorksonline.com Cap-n-Corks is a wine and beer homebrewing supplies retailer, microwinery and wine tasting bar featuring a line of 25+ wines available by the sample or bottle.

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 red wines ‘oh so flavorful’. Distinct in flavor, bold in color, heavy on the palette, and speaking for themselves.

signs) • (715) 577-3408 • crvineyard@sbcglobal. net See contact info for details.

Danzinger Vineyards & Winery S2015 Grapeview

Ln., Alma • (608) 685-6000 • winery@danzingervineyards.com • danzingervineyards.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.

DnA Vintners 420 15th St. S, La Crosse • diana@

dnavintners.com • dnavintners.com Wholesale-only winemakers specializing in cranberry.

Elmaro Vineyard & West Prairie Winery N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempealeau • (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. Infinity Beverages 930 Galloway St., Eau Claire •

402-DRINK iB (374-6542) • info@infinitybeverages. com • infinitybeverages.com A winery and distillery producing a wide range of innovative and unique wines and spirits. Check out their Tasting Lounge for complimentary wine samples, spirit tastings, wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails. Stop by on just the right day and you may have an opportunity to taste test products in development. Thursdays offer all day happy hour (buy one, get one glass of wine) and live music Friday evenings.

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.

Cottage Winery and Vineyard N7391 County Rd. F,

Munson Bridge Winery & Vineyard W6462 Bridge

CR Vineyard 8489 120th Ave., Bloomer (Hwy 53 to

O’Neil Creek Winery 15369 82nd St., Bloomer • (715)

Menomonie • (715) 864-8898 • info@CottageWineryAndVineyard.com • cottagewineryandvineyard. com Experience a unique, European setting just three miles north of Menomonie. Cottage Winery & Vineyard offer wine tasting and sales, local artist display, wedding sites, and unforgettable views with a rolling vineyard in the backdrop. Tilden exit #102. West on Cty Road B, & follow the

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. 568-2341 • oneilcreekwinery.com O’Neil Creek Win-

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WHERE TO WINE IT UP... continued ery 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.

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.

using local grapes which work to create a blend of unique flavors. Varieties include reds, whites, ports, and rose.

River Bend Vineyard & Winery 10439 33rd Ave.,

Sandstone Ridge Vineyard & Winery N11601 Kaas

Ln, Osseo • (715) 984-4020 • sandstoneridge.co Atop picturesque, rolling hills, Sandstone Ridge Vineyard & Winery is the perfect retreat for relaxing atmosphere and fantastic local flavor. The vineyard crafts wines

(866) WINE-741, (608) 687-WINE • 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.

Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-WINE • riverbendvineyard.com Visitors to the Tasting Room enjoy complimentary samples and may purchase wine by the glass

Seven Hawks Vineyard 17 North St., Fountain City •

Tenba Ridge Winery N27587 Joe Coulee Rd., Blair • (608) 525-2413 • tenba@triwest.net • tenbaridgewinery.net From high atop a ridge in rural Trempealeau County sits one of Wisconsin’s most enjoyable winery experiences. Open by appointment until May 1.

Valley Vineyard W10415 521st Ave., Prescott • (715) 262-4235 • rudy@valleyvineyardltd.com • valleyvineyardltd.com What started as a hobby in 2006 turned into a full-blown winery adventure with several wines now available.

Vernon Vineyards Winery S3426 Peterson Ln., Viro-

qua • (608) 634-6181 • vernonvineyards.com Vernon Vineyards Winery is 15 acres in Vernon County in Western Wisconsin, and offers lovely vineyard views and a beautiful new Tasting Room. This area, with its many rivers, valleys and western-facing slopes, is able to grow more traditional wine grapes than other areas of Wisconsin.

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. Thursdays-Sundays May-September (with additional weekends OctoberDecember), 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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