The Wisconsin wineries have been making quite a name for themselves in recent years, and you'll happy to know that they can be found all over the state. Whether you're hanging out in the big city or are taking things a bit more slowly in a rural environment, finding a nearby winery in Wisconsin shouldn't be much of a problem. The various Wisconsin vineyards are known to produce a diverse array of products, from traditional varietals to unique fruit wines. Most of the wineries in Wisconsin offer tours, so you can add one or more to your already long list of Wisconsin tour ideas. Visiting a winery is always a good way to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy the wine-making process.

A Wisconsin wine tour can be fun for the whole family, as you don't have to actually sample any wines during a winery visit. Just touring a vineyard and observing the wine-making methods of the various Wisconsin wineries is enjoyable enough for some. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out for any special events that a nearby winery might be offering, as they can include additional attractions and entertainment options. The king of the Wisconsin Wine events is the Wine Garden at the Wisconsin State Fair. The state fair here showcases all of the state's top agricultural products, and the local grapes are understandably included. You'll be able to sample virtually every kind of wine that is produced in the state at the state fair's Wine Garden, and you'll be happy to know that the top rated wineries across the state usually have a presence. The State Fair Park, which is where the Wine Garden is held in mid-August, can be found in West Allis, which is part of the greater Milwaukee area.

You don't have to attend the Wine Garden festival at the State Fair Park to sample some good Wisconsin wines. There are numerous wineries where you can enjoy an isolated Wisconsin wine tour, and the majority of them are family owned. While some of the Wisconsin wineries use imported grapes, many of them grow their own. As such, you might pay more attention to the wineries in Wisconsin that actually have vineyards. In addition to bottling traditional and hybrid varietals using grapes, some Wisconsin wineries focus more on sweet wines, using fruits and berries that have been grown on their lands. Apple cider wines and pear-based varieties are among the most highly-produced sweet wines in the state, and cranberries, cherries, and raspberries are also often employed. If you are truly looking to sample some interesting wines during a Wisconsin wine tour, you might head to a winery that uses blueberries, kiwi, elderberries, pumpkins, and even rhubarb in their wine-making processes.

Wisconsin Map

Since there are so many wineries in Wisconsin, finding the right place to enjoy a tour can sometimes be difficult. For those who are visiting Milwaukee, the Cedar Creek Winery in nearby Cedarburg is a good bet. The Cedar Creek Winery specializes in French-American hybrids, offering distinct labels that are hard to find elsewhere. Closer to the capital city of Madison, the Botham Vineyards Winery and the Wollersheim Winery are worth considering. The Botham Vineyards Winery offers vineyards, a gallery, a gift shop, and a tasting room. The Wollersheim Winery is one of the oldest in the state, and its old world charm is hard to deny. For those who are vacationing in Door County, the Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery should be moved to the top of the list when it's a Wisconsin wine tour that you have in mind, and when you're visiting the northwestern part of the state, you'll do well to make a stop at the Chateau St. Croix Winery.

The Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery can be found near Sturgeon Bay, which is Door County's county seat, and it is the largest winery in the state. You'll definitely want to try the cherry-based wines that the Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery is turning out these days. As for the Chateau St. Croix Winery in the northwest part of the state, the award-winning Reserves are pleasers that anyone would do well to add to their personal wine collection. These two wineries and the other Wisconsin wineries that are recommended in this article are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding state wineries to tour. Don't forget to check the event schedules for any wineries in Wisconsin that might be within reach of your featured vacation destination. These wine-related events can add some wonderful depth to your vacation, especially if you are a wine lover.