June 18, North Central Wisconsin Wineries

When it comes to wine and grapes, most think of France, Italy, California, or, more locally, Door and Sauk counties. But in the last few decades, an increasing number of wineries and vineyards have emerged in colder areas across the Midwest, where winemakers have benefited both from the development of cold-hardy grapes and a rich abundance of fruit and honey. Crafting wines and meads with flavor unique to north central Wisconsin, area wineries are growing in number and popularity, and they’re having a significant impact on the local economy.

Shereen Siewert welcomes Jon Hamilton of White Winter Winery, located in Iron River, and Lynita Delaney of Elmaro Vineyards, in Trempealeau, for a conversation about north central Wisconsin wine and winemaking, and the trends inspiring more people to “drink local.”