Wine Time 2016

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 : Katie Vagnino, Amelia Kimball, Kylie Lato L I S T I N G S: James Johonnott D E S I G N: Serena Wagner, Eric Christenson

UNCOR KING

t h e c h i p p e wa va l l e y

wi ne scen e Yes, Wisconsin is beer country, but wine lovers who look closely will find palate-pleasing restaurants, retailers, wine bars, and vineyards aplenty.

words KATIE

VAGNINO •

MONA LISA’S RESTAURANT, EAU CLAIRE

photos ANDREA

PAULSETH, Hanna Agar , MEGAN JOHNSON •

design ERIC

It took everything in me not to cry out in horror.

I knew that bars in Eau Claire would be a little different than the ones I was used to on the East Coast (for instance, l had been warned that many were cashonly), but nothing could have prepared me for this: a 6 oz. plastic container, sealed with peel-off foil, and allegedly filled with red wine.

“You said Cabernet, right?” the bartender asked, confused by my dismayed expression. “We have other kinds, too, if you want something else.”

“Do they all … come like this?”

“Yeah, but I can pour it in a glass for you, if you want?”

My companion, a Wisconsin native who was enjoying a Spotted Cow, started chuckling. Scanning the bar and seeing mostly pint glasses, beer bottles, and cans, I realized that acclimating to Eau Claire might be more challenging than I had anticipated. I sighed and ordered a cider.

Fast-forward almost three years, and I’m happy to say I have found a few spots to get my wine fix that don’t involve peeloff foil. The Chippewa Valley may never be an oenophile’s paradise, but it isn’t a wine wasteland, either – and according to those who work in the industry, it’s improving all the time. Still, the fate of Splash, the shortlived wine bar on Water Street that closed in 2014, begs the question: Is there a viable wine scene here?

MONA LISA’S When I first moved to Eau Claire, I remember driving around town and feeling heartened upon seeing the word “WINE” in giant letters in the front window of Mona Lisa’s (428 Water St.).

It’s the place most folks associate with wine for a number of reasons: the popular Tuesday tasting series in the summer, the annual wine sale in November, the sheer

CHRISTENSON

number of bottles on their list (currently close to 200), just to name a few. Even the glassware (Fortessa crystal) is top-ofthe-line, beloved by sommeliers. Mona Lisa’s has been a fixture of the food and wine scene since it opened in 1994, so I figured if anyone would have something to say about wine culture in the Chippewa Valley, it would be Lisa Aspenson, who co-owns the Mediterranean/Italian eatery with her partner, John Mogenson.

Aspenson confirmed that their wine sales top liquor and beer sales by a sizeable margin, and that that has always been the case. A quick scan of their nearly 20 wines available by-the-glass offers a clue as to why; there’s a range of price points, a variety of regions represented, and a balance of less well-known varietals (Grüner Veltliner) and classic crowd-pleasers (Merlot). It’s an accessible list, designed to please wine snobs like me as well as your great-aunt Pat who likes an ice cube in her Pinot Grigio.

“My list is curated kind of like the wind,” Aspenson says, laughing, when I ask her about how she chooses wines (fun fact: she writes the tasting notes, too). The glass pour list changes weekly in the summer and about every two weeks otherwise, because Aspenson likes to be able to offer her clientele wines they won’t find elsewhere.

“When oaked Chardonnay was popular, we were selling unoaked Chardonnay,” she says with pride. This is also one of the reasons why she is not a fan of the keg systems that have proliferated on the West Coast. While the wine stays fresh and drinkable for longer, saving restaurants money, it’s considerably more difficult to switch up the selection on a regular basis.

So don’t expect the next Aspenson/Mogenson business venture, a restaurant opening next door on Water Street “sometime in 2016,” to have wine on tap, novel as that may sound.

Above all else, Aspenson wants diners to be able to trust the recommendations of her staff, so servers are encouraged to learn (and taste!) as much as possible in order to develop their palates. She’s also on hand herself most nights to suggest food-

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THE COFFEE GROUNDS, EAU CLAIRE

friendly pairings. Guiding people as they venture beyond their most-likely-Moscato comfort zones is one of her favorite parts of the job. Tell her what you usually drink, and she’ll pour you something in the same ballpark (but maybe closer to home plate).

THE COFFEE GROUNDS Another longtime staple in the Chippewa Valley wine community is The Coffee Grounds (4212 Southtowne Drive), which just celebrated its 25th anniversary this month. I first heard about it from a guy I met on OkCupid – although we only went one date, he will always hold a special place in my heart for that valuable intel. As the name suggests, coffee remains central, but wine sales are now also robust, making up 30 percent of the business’s annual revenue. Based on how much I alone buy there, I’m actually surprised that number isn’t higher.

What separates The Coffee Grounds from other wine retailers in the area is the focus on small producers; 90 percent of the inventory comes from wineries that put out fewer than 10,000 cases a year, with a majority yielding only 3,000-5,000 cases total. To put that into perspective, Australian behemoth Yellow Tail sells roughly 8 million cases a year in the U.S. alone. Owner and wine guru Eric Nelson likes to work with family-owned operations and has visited about half of the vineyards represented in his store. He estimates that he tastes around 750 to 1,000 wines a year, 350 of which end up making it onto his shelves.

The selection at the Coffee Grounds is completely different than what you’ll find at any of the supermarket chains or liquor stores – and it won’t break the bank. “I look for wines that overdeliver for the price point,”

Nelson explains. It’s quite easy to find something delectable for under $10; I would personally recommend a red from Chile or Argentina. For a few dollars more than what you’d pay for massmarket domestic label (Rex Goliath, anyone?), you can buy a bottle that’s truly outstanding and will impress your spouse/roommate/ cat. The best values, though, are the $12-$15 bottles – according to Nelson, once you’re in that range, you can expect the wines to have more character and structure, as well as traces of the terroir (the land where the grapes were grown). And if you’re really looking to splurge, there is a reserve temperature-controlled cellar with bottles priced in the $50-$2,000 range.

The Coffee Grounds also boasts a cute little bar with a few beers on tap as well as four reds and four whites by the glass for $6 a pop. Or you can buy any bottle and pay a corkage fee to drink it in house. They also host a monthly event called Cork & Fork, where after a brief talk – usually given by a wine rep or distributor – you get to enjoy delicious food sourced from local farms and dairies, and sample the wines you’ve just learned about.

Nelson is encouraged by the recent spike in wine curiosity, which he attributes to the wineries that have cropped up nearby in the past decade. He describes his current customer base as “adventuresome” and eager to learn more about what they’re drinking.

Word has apparently gotten out, too – it is not uncommon, Nelson says, for folks from the Twin Cities to stop in to purchase wine – and beer. (I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that The Coffee Grounds also has an extensive specialty beer selection. When my friends from Minneapolis visit, they stock up on the most obscure stuff they can find.)

FROM THE VINE If you Google “wine bar Eau Claire,” as I did soon after relocating, the first hit is From the Vine Wine Room (2526 Golf Road). Over a glass of Zinfandel, I chatted with owner Kathy Nuenke, who five years ago this July decided to find out if a wine bar could survive in a beer-saturated market. After 29 years working as an accountant for the public health department, Nuenke was ready for a change, and the success of wine-centric venues in Appleton and La Crosse gave her hope that if she poured it, they (the winos) would come. And indeed, they have – especially women, who were (and still are) her primary demographic.

“I wanted to provide a place for women to relax with friends, and not be bothered by the hockey game on TV,” Nuenke says. On weeknights, it’s a mostly after-work crowd, but on weekends, she sees a lot of couples on first dates. A few folks have even gotten engaged (hopefully not on the first date). Some evenings, Nuenke brings in local musicians, but nothing too boisterous.

Nuenke believes wine-drinking, like wine-making, should be a slow, unhurried experience, and she wants her guests to savor each sip.

From the Vine is the perfect place to experiment:

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You can choose from 19 different flights, each consisting of three two-ounce samples grouped together by region, varietal, and flavor profile. Flights start at just $5, and affordability is important to Nuenke, who admits that she used to make her own wine because she was “too cheap to buy it.” Unlike at Mona Lisa’s and The Coffee Grounds, Wisconsin wineries, such as Elmaro and Belle Vinez, are represented among the 65 wines, almost all of which can be ordered by the glass. The list changes frequently, and discontinued vintages end up on a discount rack – I scored a very-marked-down bottle of Muscadet on my way out.

In addition to numerous wines from California and Washington, From the Vine has a few interesting Old World offerings from Europe and South America.

Bold red blends and the sweeter flights are perennial bestsellers, though Nuenke prefers buttery Chardonnays and is searching for a French Malbec to add to her roster. Regardless of palate, she’s invested in “helping people on their journeys,” so don’t be embarrassed if your favorite wines are pink and bubbly. If that’s the case, try the Riesling flight, or a glass of the Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer.

For those looking to up their wine cred, From the Vine hosts classes on the second Monday of every month. For $20, you can taste four different wines and learn how to talk about tannins and aromas without sounding dumb.

BYE THE WILLOW After the Picket Fence Antique Mall closed its doors in 2013, the 100-year-old building at the corner of Willow and High Streets in Chippewa Falls became a notorious eyesore – until it was bought by Dawn and Amy Bye in May 2014. A little over a year before, on a road trip to Nashville to celebrate Amy’s 20th birthday, the motherdaughter duo came up with the idea to open an event space and wine bar in their hometown. Like Nuenke, the Byes also envisioned a predominantly female clientele and wanted to create a place where women

horizons, Bye the Willow offers a tasting flight with eight wines, and will also let you sample anything on their list before committing to a glass.

The Byes feel encouraged by the response they’ve received so far; Amy says that although Chippewa will always be “a Leinie’s town,” they have a number of regulars who love the contemporary-yet-cozy ambience.

“We want people to feel like they’re in someone’s living room,” Dawn explains. Someone with fairly sophisticated taste: It’s apparently not unusual for guests to exclaim something along the lines of “I can’t believe we’re in Chippewa Falls right now!”

COTTAGE WINERY, MENOMONIE

could comfortably chat over drinks after work. Bye the Willow opened in October 2014 and has become a popular destination, and not just for lady wine drinkers like me. Since the Chippewa Falls City Council granted them a full liquor license last summer, they have been attracting a more diverse crowd.

To call them a “wine bar” is a little inaccurate: In addition to the more than 40 wines available by the glass and bottle, they also boast an impressive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails.

Still, wine is central to their business, and they’ve even secured a few exclusives from their distributor; for instance, Bye the Willow is the only place in Chippewa that

pours the award-winning Angeline Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley region in California. Other honorable mentions: Campus Oaks “Old Vine” Zinfandel, made from grapes grown on 80+-year-old vines, and Ramón Bilbao Crianza, which is an ideal introduction to Spanish reds (and also happens to be Amy’s personal favorite).

Dawn admits that when they first opened, the learning curve was steep; she knew what she liked to drink, but not much about wine buying or selling. Now, after a lot of tasting, both her knowledge and palate have evolved – whereas she used to stick to sweet white wines, she now prefers bold, fruit-forward Cabs and red blends. To help others expand their

THE REV The rumors are true: Barstow Street is about to get its very own legit wine bar with the opening of the Rev (short for The Revolutionary). Benny Haas, owner of The Plus, is transforming the space next door (formerly benny HaHa, 204 S. Barstow St.) into a venue that he promises will be “not stodgy.” Plans include a tasting counter, flights, a tapas menu, and even rentable wine lockers for those who’ve run out of room in their personal cellars or just like the idea of an off-site secret stash.

Haas will focus on domestic wines, in keeping with his Americana theme and a vibe he describes as “modern rustic.” As the name implies, he wants to “overthrow” the stereotypes people have about wine (that it’s for fancy, pretentious types; that there are rules about what to drink and how to drink it). For starters, he’s installing a tap system for the 18 or so wines that will be featured in flights and available by the glass, to take a little of the pomp and circumstance out of the experience (and maximize freshness).

However, bottles will still be on hand for those who wish to be to old school.

The Rev will also offer its own take on the paint-and-sip model, allowing customers to create art at their tables while imbibing, which could be a real lifesaver on interminable bad dates. (Nothing in common? Just smile and keep painting!) I know my brushwork certainly improves after a few glasses of vino, as does my dancing.

Perhaps most excitingly, the Rev will be able to do off-sales of wine until midnight. No beer or hard liquor will be served; for that, you’ll have to go next door to the Plus.

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FROM THE VINE WINE ROOM, EAU CLAIRE

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So it seems like things are looking up for wine enthusiasts like me. And for those interested in the winemaking process, there are a dozen wineries within an hour’s drive of the Chippewa Valley, plus Infinity Beverages (which doesn’t farm its own grapes, but does everything else). People may not associate wine with Wisconsin, but we are actually part of a certified American Viticultural Area (AVA). In 2009, the Upper Mississippi Valley region (which, in addition to Wisconsin, includes parts of Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa) received its official designation from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense: We already make the best cheese in the world – now we’re making wine to go with it.

If I could travel back in time and talk to that bewildered girl on a barstool, I would tell her to not be concerned – there’s plenty of decent wine to be found here if you know where to look and who to ask.

Rosé season, a.k.a. the summer, is almost upon us, and I for one can’t wait to picnic by the river with a bottle or two. Cheers!

KEEPING SPIRITS UP

Chippewa Falls winery adds distilling gin, whiskey, and vodka to their operation words AMELIA

KIMBALL SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sachs said she heard someone say all wineries will be distilleries in 10 years.

It’s a fast growing business and a good extension of a winery. Although she believes this, she said it takes commitment, patience and quality to make it work.

For the River Bend Vineyard & Winery, Sachs said it’s important they use local resources. For the upcoming distillery, they’ll be using grain from a farmer they know. It gives our products a local flavor and connection, she said.

“We want to keep our reputation intact,” Sachs said. “For us, the wine takes center stage…it’s what we hang our hats on.”

RIVER BEND VINEYARD & WINERY, CHIPPEWA FALLS

Standing outside on a gorgeous sunny day, gazing out at the vineyards and sipping a quality glass of wine is an experience. An experience River Bend Vineyard & Winery in Chippewa Falls is committed to.

Guests will soon be able to enjoy spirits as well. Owner/winemaker Donna Sachs said they’re shooting to open their distillery the first weekend in June.

With their permits in hand, Sachs said they’re one step closer to offering gin, brandy and other spirits. Sachs and her husband have been working with grapes for 10 years, so they thought they would use their experience to make gin with grapes.

“We’re always interested in trying to produce something new and different...It’s a good extension of the business,” she said.

Gin originated in Europe from grapes, but a lot of them died off because of the cold, so people started to make gin from grain, Sachs said. Because gin and vodka

are neutral spirits, they can be made from grapes, and that’s exactly what the vineyard intends to try.

Distilleries are growing everywhere in response to local food movements. People, especially younger generations, want to know where their food and drink is coming from and what’s in it, she said.

“The younger consumer is really into trying new and local things,” Sachs said.

Young people aren’t typically loyal to certain products. They’re willing to try different things. For example, young women today drink whisky, and that wasn’t a big thing when I was younger, Sachs said.

Getting a distillery in place is a long process. You have to be sure you want to do it, Sachs said. They had some barrels and necessary equipment in place already, which was helpful. Having the winery as a starting point made a difference.

“Starting from scratch would have been intimidating,” she said.

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WHERE FRUIT WINES FLOURISH from cranberry to currant to rhubarb, Eleva’s Bemis Bluff has it all words & photo KYLIE

Charming and picturesque, Bemis Bluff Winery is nestled in the rolling hills of Eleva, off Highway 93 across from the Blueberry Ridge Orchard.

They offer an inviting outdoor deck which makes for a great place to enjoy a bottle of wine on those warm Wisconsin afternoons. As you open the door to the tasting room, your eye is immediately drawn to a large feature wall with decorative rock, which was installed by the owner, Jeff Bemis. In the center of the wall you’ll see a large wooden Bemis Bluff sign made by a regular customer at the winery who traded the stunning sign for his favorite wine. This focal point perfectly frames the handcrafted bar and complements the high-table seating throughout the room. To the right there is a large window through which you can see several giant glass jugs filled with handcrafted wine and all of the machinery used in production.

The winery and tasting room are located in the walk-out basement of the Bemis home,

and once you walk into this warm, welcoming winery you’d never even know you’re in someone’s home.

Bemis Bluff specializes in fruit wines, and Jeff grows more than 51 percent of the fruit used to make his wine on his 40 acres of land. These fruits include strawberries, elderberries, apples, blackberries, raspberries, rhubarb, and (coming soon) black currants. His blueberries come from across the road at Blueberry Ridge and his cherries come from Michigan.

Cranberries come from Edlen Cranberry Company, a marsh in Humbird managed by his brother, Mike. Jeff grew up in Humbird on that same marsh, which was previously managed by his father, Harlan, for 50 years.

Jeff got into winemaking after watching his grandfather and uncles make moonshine and other spirits during his childhood. He moved to Eau Claire a little over 25 years ago to attend Chippewa Valley Technical College for construction, and he has been building his construction business ever since. He started making wine about 15 years ago, around the same time that he built his house. The basement sat unfinished until last year when he decided to take some leftover pinewood that his family had cleared from the cranberry marsh and finish off the basement, creating his own winery and tasting room.

Jeff paid close attention to detail, adding the Bemis Bluff logo and custom built-ins throughout the rustic tasting room, which opened in July.

Bemis Bluff is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm and during the week by appointment. Guests are welcome to come any time during the week as long as they give a couple of days (or at least a few hours) notice. There is no extra charge to enjoy the tasting room outside of normal business hours, and Jeff said he’s hosted book clubs, scrapbooking gatherings, and birthday parties. The convenience of living above the winery allows Jeff to accommo-

LATO

date customers’ schedules during the week.

Jeff prides himself on creating a welcoming environment in his tasting room and loves to talk with customers.

Bemis Bluff is a family-run business, and you’re likely to see either Jeff’s significant other, Julie, or his parents serving wine in the tasting room or helping out around the property. Wednesdays are bottling days, and Jeff’s family gets together and typically bottles, corks, and labels about 300 bottles of wine. Each bottle is filled, corked, and labeled by hand, so it’s obvious that this business really is a labor of love. Julie also takes care of publicity, label design and creation, and a variety of other things. As Jeff explains, “I make it taste good and she makes it look good.” Jeff and Julie are a strong team, and it’s very obvious that they love what they do. While Jeff still does construction on the side from time to time, the recent increase in popularity of the winery

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has left little time for other things.

Bemis Bluff creates 23 seasonally rotating wines, including Caramel Apple, Cranbernet, Summer Seduction, and Purple Rain. Each wine has a distinct flavor as unique as its name. You can sample eight different wines and take the logo-bearing wine glass home with you for $6; full glasses are $4, and bottles are $13.

The wine can be found exclusively in the tasting room and is not currently available in grocery stores. However, you may find Bemis Bluff at local farmers markets sometime in the future. For more information and to learn latest happenings at Bemis Bluff, follow the winery on Facebook and certainly take the short, scenic drive out and visit the tasting room.

Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines • E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva • Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-6pm; other times by appointment • (715) 828-2344 • www.facebook.com/BemisBluff

WINE IT UP IN THE VALLEY 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 & Orchard Open May-

October • 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery.com Complimentary wine sampling, foods, fresh fruits, and cheeses. Pick your-own apples or pumpkins. Corn maze, wagon rides, outdoor patio, and gift shop.

Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines E2960 Hageness

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 glasses and enjoy all of their wines.

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.

Cottage Winery and Vineyard N7391 County Rd. F, 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.

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

Tilden exit #102. West on Cty Road B, & follow the 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 & Distillery producing a wide range of innovative and unique wines and spirits.

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 grapeapple 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 Open May-December • 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.

River Bend Vineyard & Winery 10439 33rd Ave.,

Chippewa Falls • 715-720-WINE • 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.

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

Seven Hawks Vineyard 17 North St., Fountain City •

(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.

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 • 715262-4235 • 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., Viroqua • (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 • 715-4428484 • 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(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 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.

WINE BARS

Many of the aforementioned wineries/winemakers have their own in-house wine bars in addition to the following great establishments.

The Barrel Room Wine Bar 320 Main St. E., Menomonie • (715) 231-9463 • facebook.com/BarrelRoomWI Bye the Willow 501 N. High St, Chippewa Falls • 715559-0468 • byethewillow.com

The Coffee Grounds 4212 Southtowne Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com

Duncan Creek Wine Bar 213 N. Bridge St., Chippewa

Falls • (715) 723-7000 • duncancreekwinebar.com

Family Farms Market 50684 N. Main St., Eleva • (715) 287-3332 • familyfarmsmarket.com From The Vine Wine Room 2526 Golf Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 833-8989 • fromthevineftv.com

Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery 930 Galloway St. Suite 4 (Banbury Place, Bldg 13), Eau Claire • 402-DRINK iB (374-6542) • infinitybeverages.com

Mona Lisa’s 428 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 8398969 • monalisas.biz The Rev 204 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • 833-9950 Zanzibar Restaurant & Pub 228 E. Main St.,

Menomonie • (715) 231-9269 • zanzibarmenomonie.com

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