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Thanks to our climate, it's unlikely Wisconsin will ever become a wine lover's destination, although with Bordeaux winemakers buying up land in the south of England thanks to global warming, who knows! But that doesn't mean that some hearty Dairylanders aren't giving oenology the old college try.

While some, like Wollersheim and Spurgeon, use Wisconsin-grown grapes, they and others also rely on grapes grown in places like New York, Washington and California, too. Other winemakers here eschew the grape in favor of cherries, apples and other fruits.

Here are some of the wineries closest to Southeastern Wisconsin. For a complete list of winemakers in the other parts of the state, visit the Web site of the Wisconsin Winery Association (below).

AeppelTreow Winery
1072 288th Ave., Burlington
(262) 878-5345
www.appletrue.com
Opened in 2001 in a barn adjacent to the Brightonwoods Orchard near the Bong Rec Area, fruit wines are the specialty here, along with hard ciders.

Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd.,Elkhorn
(262) 728-3266
www.applebarnorchardandwinery.com
There are no tours at Apple Barn -- which makes a range of fruit wines -- but there are free tastings from mid-June through mid-December and by appointment.

Cedar Creek Winery
N70 W6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg
(800) 827-8020
www.CedarCreekWinery.com
Cedar Creek has been located in an historic building in downtown Cedarburg for nearly 20 years now and its wines -- including Syrah, Vidal, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon -- have won numerous awards. It is owned by Wollersheim.

Kerrigan Brothers Winery
N2269 Cty N, Appleton
(920) 788-1423
www.KerriganBrothers.com
Kerrigan, which makes fruit wines -- including cherry, cranberry and apple -- is open year round and offers daily tastings.

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6 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by corkchronicle on Oct. 21, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (report)

For my review of Simon Creek winery (and other wineries in the future) check out my wine blog... www.corkchronicle.blogspot.com

Posted by esygoing on Feb. 6, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (report)

There is no comparison between Stone's Throw and Simon Creek, after visiting both in the fall. The wines at Stone's Throw are far above all other Wisconsin wineries. Stone's Throw makes fine wine from Napa and Sonoma, using only fresh grapes. Try the primitivo, cabs and zins, my favorites. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our tasting and learned alot about wine. We also got glasses to keep with our tasting. The tasting room is beautiful and we played some bocce ball outside while sipping on wine. Highly recommended. It was like we were back in Napa Valley.

Posted by LivnADream on Feb. 5, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (report)

Russell has greatly expanded the varietals and continues to make outstanding wines. The summer concert series at the winery makes for a fun trip to Door County.

Posted by OlderWiser on Feb. 4, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (report)

Stone's Throw and Simon Creek are excellent wineries if you visit Door County. Enjoy sitting on the outside deck at Simon Creek from late May until October. On the weekends, they have live music on the deck and a heavenly view. Stone's Throw charges $4.00 for 6 tastes, while Simon Creek is still free of charge. Just returned from visiting both two weeks ago.

Posted by Master C on Feb. 4, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (report)

I agree with the previous comment, Simon Creek makes some excellent wines using the juice of California grapes. My wife and I stopped there last fall and the tour and facility are terrific as well. Also, they have their own vineyards that are (according to the tour guide) about 4 years away from producing wine-quality grapes.