Sit and Sip at Wisconsin Wineries and Breweries

In partnership with: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Crafting local wine and beer isn’t just a business, it’s a labor of love for Wisconsin wineries and breweries. Whether you prefer a full-bodied marquette or a locally sourced microbrew, Wisconsin wineries and breweries are raising a glass to visitors seeking local flavor and authentic experiences.

Ziegler Winery

Eugene “Shy” Ziegler, his wife, Jennifer, and brothers, Randy and Joe, became winemakers in the late 1990s after experimenting with fruit grown in their backyard.

“I was making some absolutely wonderful wines,” Ziegler says. “My brothers and other family members tried them and said, ‘Man! This is really good!’ Randy threw his hand in and started making wine, too.”

In October 2015, they purchased land in Fond du Lac and opened Ziegler Winery, where they grow approximately 7,000 grapevines. Their varieties include northern hardy and French American hybrids – vines that can withstand Wisconsin winters. They now make and sell 30 wines, with more than 90% of the fruit grown on-site and the rest from small growers within 10 miles, but 100% of their fruit is Wisconsin-grown.

See more: Trout Springs Isn’t Your Average Wisconsin Winery – Here’s Why

Open year-round, Ziegler Winery offers a large tasting room, live music and events.

“Interacting with the community is very important to us,” Ziegler says. “We have craft beers on tap from local breweries, and our meats and cheeses come from local makers. Our goal is to showcase what our state has to offer.”

Ziegler Winery plans to expand its offerings while maintaining strong relationships with local businesses and makers.

Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company

Located in Elkhorn, Ben and Laura Johnson brew locally crafted beer at Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company. The microbrewery sits on Laura’s six-generation family farm that’s been in the Duesterbeck family for more than 150 years. The Johnsons began brewing in 2019, when Ben convinced Laura to restore the rundown barns.

To craft their brews, they use ingredients sourced from local Wisconsin growers. Their taproom features over 20 styles of craft beer with agriculturally themed names like Roosterbeck and Bees Be Crazy.

See more: A Sip and a Swig at Wisconsin Wineries and Breweries

Visitors come from all over to enjoy the brewery’s peaceful, family-friendly environment. Events include music on weekends, tours, a Christmas market and Oktoberfest with a German band and dancers.

For both Laura and Ben, brewing local beers and welcoming visitors to the farm has been a rewarding experience.

“I enjoy the community and partnerships that we’ve created,” Laura says. “I also appreciate the impact we’ve made on our community, and how people are embracing us. It’s great knowing that our brewery means something to the community.”