Wollersheim Winery, Distillery & Bistro near Baraboo, WI
A Wine Country Afternoon Near Baraboo
If you are staying in Baraboo and someone tells you to save an afternoon for wine tasting, it’s Wollersheim Winery they mean. Sitting about 20 minutes south along the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, it’s the perfect wine stop away from the Dells and Devil’s Lake crowds. Between the tasting room, distillery, and bistro, Wollersheim has grown into one of the most recognizable names among Wisconsin wineries, and it is a great addition to any Baraboo itinerary.
The History Behind Wollersheim Winery
Wollersheim Winery traces back to the 1840s, when Hungarian nobleman Agoston Haraszthy first planted grapevines on the hillside before moving on to help found California’s wine industry. The Kehl family ran the property as a working winery until a hard winter in 1899 wiped out the vines. Bob and JoAnn Wollersheim bought the land in 1972 and started replanting, and winemaker Philippe Coquard, who arrived from France’s Beaujolais region in the 1980s, has led the winery since. The property now holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and the original hillside wine cave has been restored into a small exhibit on the estate’s past.
Wine, Spirits, and a Bistro in One Stop
Wollersheim Winery is really three experiences in one. The winery itself pours Prairie Fumé, a dry white made from a French American hybrid grape, alongside a rotating lineup of reds and dessert wines. The distillery, added in 2015, produces brandy and gin. The bistro serves a scratch-made menu designed to pair with their wines. Tours and tastings run throughout the day, though hours shift seasonally, so it is worth checking Wollersheim’s site before you drive down. Prairie du Sac sits close to Sauk City as well, so it’s easy to make a stop in either town.
Planning Your Visit
Wollersheim Winery makes an easy half day trip from Baraboo. Start your day with a morning hike at Devil’s Lake or a stop in downtown Sauk City on the way south. Wine tasting in Wisconsin has few stops with this much history behind the label, and Wollersheim remains the benchmark for the region.
Where to Stay Near Wollersheim Winery
You might be wondering: where can you stay near Wollersheim Winery that is not a highway motel? Ringling House Bed and Breakfast sits in downtown Baraboo, about 20 minutes north of the winery, and is one of the better options among Hotels near Wollersheim Winery for a wine weekend. Built in 1901 for Charles Ringling of circus fame and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house puts you within walking distance of Baraboo’s restaurants while keeping you close to Prairie du Sac, Circus World, and Devil’s Lake State Park. Book your stay, spend the afternoon tasting wine, and come back to a historic house with a home cooked breakfast waiting the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wollersheim Winery located?
Wollersheim Winery sits in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, on a hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River, close to Sauk City.
How far is Wollersheim Winery from Baraboo?
It is about 16 miles, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive south from Baraboo via Highway 12.
Does Wollersheim Winery have food?
Yes. The on-site bistro serves a seasonal menu built to pair with the winery’s wines.
Where should I stay near Wollersheim Winery?
Ringling House Bed and Breakfast in downtown Baraboo is about 20 minutes from the winery and puts you within walking distance of Baraboo’s own restaurants and shops.
What is Wollersheim Winery known for?
Wollersheim is best known for Prairie Fumé, its flagship dry white wine, and for being one of the oldest wineries in Wisconsin, with roots dating to the 1840s.