Door County, Wisconsin, is not usually the top of mind for wine connoisseurs. But with more than 15 wineries in Door County and the surrounding area, it should be! The climate and soil in Door County are perfect for growing grapes, and as a result, the wines produced here are some of the best wines in the Midwest.
The first winery in Door County was established in 1967, and since then, the industry has flourished. Today, there are more than 15 wineries in the Door County area, each with its own unique atmosphere.
The wines produced in Door County are mostly red wines, but there are also a few white and sparkling options. The most popular grape varietals grown in the area are Marquette, Frontenac, and Petite Pearl.
Door County is the perfect place for a wine-tasting getaway with family-run wineries, award-winning wines, and stunning views. So next time you’re planning a trip to Wisconsin, be sure to add a few of these Dorr County wineries to your itinerary!
How many wineries are there in Door County, Wisconsin?
With new ones popping up all the time, it’s hard to say for sure. But we estimate that there are more than 15 wineries in the area.
What is the most popular wine from Door County?
The most popular grape varietals grown in the area are Marquette, Frontenac, and Petite Pearl.
History of wineries in Door County WI
The first winery in Door County was established in 1967, and since then, the industry has flourished. The charming towns in Door County, along with the climate and soil that are perfect for grape growing, have made it a prime destination for wine lovers. The area started out with a few small family-run wineries but has since grown to be a wine lovers’ paradise.
1. Door Peninsula Winery
Door Peninsula Winery is one of the OG wineries in Door County, opening its doors in 1974. Their wines range from red, white, and fruit wines, all made with grapes grown right in Door County. In addition to their delicious wines, they also have a Hard Apple Cider that’s perfect for fall days spent apple picking.
My favorite thing about this winery is they do FREE tastings… yes you read that right. They want you to find a wine you love, so they offer their entire selection for free tastings. They also have a beautiful gift shop on-site, making it the perfect place to pick up a friend’s bottle (or two).
Also, make sure to try their homemade fudge… it is melt-in-your-mouth good!
2. Stone’s Throw Winery
Stone’s Throw Winery is a legendary winery in Door County. They quickly made a name for themselves over 20 years ago and are still going strong. They offer a wide variety of red and white wines, all made with Californian grapes grown in their vineyard. My personal favorite is their award-winning Petit Verdot, a dry red wine that’s perfect for a winter night by the fire.
Their tasting room is cozy and charming, and their staff is always happy to help you find the perfect bottle of wine. Keep in mind this is a very upscale winery. They do not allow bachelorette parties or large party buses. This is a place to come to relax, enjoy the wine, and take in the stunning views of Door County.
Don’t forget to eat breakfast before wine tasting! Here are our top breakfast restaurants in Door County.
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3. Door 44 Winery
Door 44 Winery is a newer addition to the Door County wine scene, but they have quickly become a local favorite… and maybe my favorite too. Sitting on a 6-acre vineyard, they offer a variety of red and white wines, all made with grapes grown right on the property.
I love their relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to come to unwind after a long day exploring Door County. And their wine… it is some of the best wineries in Wisconsin. You can have just a normal tasting, a wine flight, or enjoy the whole winery by taking a tour of the property and the wine-making process.
If you’re looking for a special treat, try their white frosting, it’s a dessert wine made with grapes that are left on the vine until they are super ripe and sweet. It’s absolutely delicious!
4. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market is the perfect place to come to sample a variety of different things. This winery originally started out as an orchard farm in 1955. Since then, they have been using their juicy fruits to make delicious jams, jellies, and of course, wine.
They offer a wide variety of fruit wines, made with everything from apples to cherries to raspberries. My personal favorite is their Door County Cherry Wine. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
In addition to wine, they also have a market on site where you can purchase their jams, jellies, and other fruit products. They also have a deli with freshly made sandwiches, salads, and soups. Make sure to try their cherry pie. It’s out of this world!
5. Harbor Ridge Winery
Harbor Ridge Winery is a beautiful winery overlooking the bay of Green Bay. They offer a wide variety of red, white, and blush wines, all made with grapes grown in their vineyard. A lot of their wines are inspired by people and places around the world, which makes for some very interesting and unique flavors.
I really recommend the Jimmy Buffet inspired white wine. It has a complex flavor that is perfect for summertime. With their 70 barrels of wine aging in the cellar, there is always something new to try at Harbor Ridge Winery.
6. Red Oak Winery
A family-owned and operated winery, Red Oak Winery takes great pride in its wines. The family opened its doors in 2004, intending to create high-quality wines that everyone could enjoy. Ran by husband and wife with the help of their two daughters, Red Oak is truly a family affair.
Their vineyard is full of different grape families and produces red, pink, and white wines. Because of the high demand for their wines, they had to open up two additional locations in Egg Harbor to accommodate all of their die-hard wine drinkers. Due to the high demand, this is going to be one of the more expensive wineries on this list. Wine tastings and flights start at $10, and bottles average around $30.
Best Restaurants in Door County
7. Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
Your Sunday Funday just got a whole lot more fun at Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery. This winery is known for its live music and fun atmosphere. They have a large outdoor patio where you can enjoy a glass of wine and listen to live music. Every Sunday, you can enjoy some local music on select Saturdays. You can check their music schedule online.
Due to Covid, they are no longer offering tours, but you can always come in for a tasting of their award-winning wines. Their wines are budget-friendly and range in price from $16-$20, making it easy to grab a few bottles and not break the bank. My favorite is their specialty flavor, chocolate port. It is perfect with a dark piece of chocolate.
8. Von Stiehl Winery
Von Stiehl Winery is the oldest licensed winery in Door County and one of the oldest in Wisconsin wineries in Wisconsin. The winery was founded in 1967 by Doc Stiehl, and even though it still have the Stiehl name, it is no longer in the family. The winery was sold in 1981 to the Schilling family and has continued to be passed down through the family.
They introduced nonfruit wine into the collection when they took over, and now they continue to produce high-quality wines using grapes grown in their vineyard. You will have your choice from over 40 different wines, so there is sure to be something for everyone. As they say, the only limit on the wine you drink is how much room you have in your car!
Bonus Three Places to Grab a Drink
9. Door County Distillery
Needing something with a bit more of a kick than a glass of wine? Stop by Door County Distillery for some small-batch spirits. This distillery opened in 2011, and all of its products are made with locally sourced ingredients, and you can really taste the difference. So much pride and dedication go into each and every bottle.
My personal favorite is their cherry vodka. It has a smooth flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect on its own or in one of their delicious cocktails. You can take a tour of the distillery or just stop in for a quick tasting.
10. Island Orchard Cider
You know what they say… an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and I think that applies here as well.. Ha! Over the last decade, cider has become extremely popular, and Island Orchard Cider is leading the pack.
This cidery was founded in 2005 and is family owned and operated. All of their ciders are made with locally sourced apples and a few other fruits they have experimented with, and you won’t get a crisper, more refreshing cider in all of Wisconsin.
A fun fact about the cider from Island Orchard is that there are approximately two apples in every glass of cider you drink.. so you are sure to be getting your recommended dose of fruit. I highly recommend the apple lavender cider. It will leave you smackin’ your lips.
11. Hacienda Beer Co.
Hacienda Beer Co. is a must-stop on your Door County adventure if you like quirky labels and tasty brews. All of their beers are brewed on-site, and they have a great selection of year-round and seasonal options. You can always count on these guys to come up with some sort of delicious concoction.
My favorite thing about this beer company is the wacky artwork on all of its labels. They are always coming up with new and inventive designs, and it’s impossible not to find one you like. The milk stout is my current favorite with hints of coffee and coconut… mmm, SO GOOD!
