Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Wisconsin on the Map
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, the city of Eau Claire sits about 90 miles east of Minneapolis and has blossomed into a vibrant hub for craft brewing. At the center of this scene is the Lakely Brewing Company, where visitors can savor a range of small-batch ales in a cozy taproom perched alongside the scenic Chippewa River. What sets Lakely apart is their commitment to local ingredients and seasonal creativity, often highlighting Wisconsin-grown hops and barley. Touring their brewing space gives a behind-the-scenes peek at artisanal beer-making, and summer afternoons on their patio offer a perfect riverside spot to sip and watch kayakers drift by under leafy oaks.
Traveling roughly 80 miles southeast from Eau Claire brings you to the charming town of Cedarburg, about 20 minutes north of Milwaukee. Cedarburg is renowned not only for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture but also for the Cedar Creek Winery. In their rustic tasting room housed in a converted barn, visitors can sample wines made from hybrid grapes that thrive in Wisconsin’s cooler climate. The winery’s approach blends old-world techniques with Midwest terroir, producing crisp white wines and delicate reds that pair well with locally sourced cheeses. Visiting in the fall adds a festive touch, as the surrounding countryside bursts into vibrant autumn hues, enhancing the experience.
In Milwaukee itself, just a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the Lakefront Brewery offers an immersive encounter with Wisconsin’s brewing heritage. Their guided tours are lively affairs filled with humor and history, tracing the city’s German immigrant roots and their influence on beer styles like pilsners and bocks. The brewery’s taproom buzzes with energy, featuring innovative brews alongside traditional favorites, and the grounds often host community events that celebrate local culture. Early evening is an excellent time to visit, when the golden light filters through the large windows, and the city skyline becomes a glowing backdrop.
Approximately 50 miles northwest of Madison lies the quaint village of Baraboo, home to the Del-Bar Spirits distillery. Situated near the famous Baraboo Hills, this distillery crafts small-batch whiskey and gin, emphasizing the use of pure local spring water and regional grains. Visitors can take a guided tasting tour that explains the distillation process from mash to bottle, with opportunities to sample nuanced flavors shaped by Wisconsin’s unique climate. The distillery’s rustic tasting room, with exposed brick and warm wood accents, invites guests to linger, especially on crisp spring days when the surrounding landscape is blooming and the natural light enhances the welcoming atmosphere.
Not far from Baraboo, about an hour southwest of Madison, the Wollersheim Winery sits along the rolling hills of the Wisconsin River Valley near Prairie du Sac. This historic winery, founded in the 1970s, was a pioneer in bringing commercial winemaking to the state. Visitors can stroll the vineyards or join guided tours through the cellar and barrel rooms, learning about the cultivation of cold-hardy grape varieties like Marquette and La Crescent. The estate’s tasting room offers panoramic views of the river valley, making it an idyllic spot to enjoy a glass of their signature wines. Springtime, when the vines begin to leaf out, adds a sense of renewal and beauty to the experience.
Down in the southeastern corner of the state, near Kenosha and about 60 miles south of Milwaukee, lies the Carthage College campus, home to a hidden gem in the craft distillery world: the Red Eye Distillery. Known for their innovative use of Wisconsin grains, Red Eye crafts flavorful rye whiskeys and seasonal liqueurs. Their tasting room welcomes visitors with an intimate, educational approach, emphasizing the local agricultural heritage that informs their spirits. The surrounding lakeshore area is perfect for an afternoon visit, especially in late summer when the warm breezes off Lake Michigan complement a relaxed tasting session.
In the northern reaches near Bayfield, about 150 miles northwest of Duluth, the Apostle Islands Winery offers an inviting retreat for those looking to combine natural beauty with wine tasting. Situated close to Lake Superior, the winery capitalizes on the cool climate to produce unique fruit wines and hybrids that thrive in the region’s microclimate. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a cozy setting that also showcases local art, then venture out to the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for kayaking or hiking. Fall is a particularly magical time here, when the forests blaze with color and the lake’s vast expanse reflects the fiery sky.
Traveling east from Madison, the small city of Middleton, just 10 minutes from the state capital, hosts the Ale Asylum brewery, a cornerstone of the state’s craft beer movement. Known for bold, hop-forward IPAs and robust stouts, Ale Asylum’s taproom buzzes with energy and a sense of community. The brewery champions Wisconsin-grown hops and sustainable practices, while their seasonal brews often draw inspiration from local flavors and traditions. Visiting during the Wisconsin State Fair provides a vibrant backdrop of festivities, but the brewery itself is a year-round favorite for both locals and visitors seeking authentic flavors paired with a welcoming atmosphere.
Each of these destinations — from Eau Claire’s riverside taps to Bayfield’s lakeside wines — invites travelers to explore the rich tapestry of Wisconsin’s beverage culture. The blend of Midwest hospitality, innovative craft, and deep ties to the land create experiences that are as memorable as the flavors themselves. Whether nestled in a historic winery, strolling a vineyard at dawn, or savoring a freshly poured ale on a summer’s eve, visitors discover a state where craft distilling and brewing are not just industries but celebrations of place and tradition.