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Major Events at Wineries and Distilleries
Have a special event? We will help promote it with a detailed write-up.
1 min read
Wisconsin’s Semi-Sweet White Wines: Indulge in Subtle Sweetness
Imagine a warm summer day—preferably a Friday or on the weekend. You’re with friends on a veranda overlooking one of the state’s picturesque views. In your hand is a wine glass filled with an absolutely delightful wine. You bring it to your mouth and immediately take in the fruity and floral aroma of the wine. The flavor is equally enchanting, almost like an adventure to the orchard of tastes: citrus, peach, and even apricot. The wine has a touch of sweetness, not overpowerin
2 min read
Unbound Spirits' HoldFast Bourbon Wins Silver
Holdfast Bourbon recently received a Silver medal (2026) at the Fifty Best competition in New York City.
1 min read
Creekside Winery Planning Spring Opening Under New Ownership
Creekside Winery, located in Black River Falls, is planning an April 2026 reopening under new ownership. New owners Madelyn and Gustavo Calderon are excited to be a part of the Wisconsin winery scene. Madelyn, a Black River Falls native, has a degree in Viticulture and Enology with more than 11 years winemaking experience, working at wineries in Washington state. An exact reopening date is forthcoming.
1 min read
Wine Tasting Prices in Wisconsin
Most wineries charge a fee to taste their wine. However, a few still allow free tastings, or a limited number of free tastings. I like visiting Wisconsin wineries and tasting the extensive selection of great-tasting wines. Once upon a time, wine tasting was simple and easy. You would walk into a winery and tell the server you want to taste wine. Friendly as always, these servers would gladly accommodate and pour samples of wine. Then things changed. Some thought of wine tasti
2 min read
Sip, Savor, Repeat: Wine Tasting for First-Timers
So, you’re going to a winery in Wisconsin and you have never been before? Fantastic! You can read a lot online about the intricacies of wine tasting, but when it comes right down to it, will it really matter whether you tasted subtle hints of Peruvian vanilla bean with a dash of black cherry?
3 min read
The Best Tasting Rye Whiskey in Wisconsin
Is it time to consider spicing up your life? Then, you might be a perfect candidate for rye whiskey. Rye whiskey has a following that enjoys the flavors of the spirit. Spicey is the word used by many to share how the whiskey tastes.
2 min read
The Best Tasting Whiskey for Beginners in Wisconsin
What is the best-tasting whiskey for beginners living in Wisconsin? You probably know what follows if you have read the other pages on the best types of whiskey. Bear with me, as this offers a slight twist. Types and variations of whiskey are almost too numerous to mention.
3 min read
What is the Best-Tasting Bourbon Whiskey?
This question, at best, will spark plenty of debate. It can also cause a heated discussion. You first must remove any bias from the conversation. No relying on what you think you know. The best method for finding an acceptable answer to discovering the best-tasting bourbon whiskey starts with understanding what makes up its taste and flavor profile.
3 min read
Vodka Cocktails for Your Inner James Bond and Every Other Mood
Most people know the name, James Bond. The sophisticated British spy character may have single-handedly elevated the martini to among the most recognized cocktail ever. He always ordered the vodka cocktail and who can forget the line, “shaken, not stirred.”
2 min read
What is Vodka Made From? You Better Sit Down
It's a simple question, or so I thought when I first asked, "what is vodka made from?" When it comes to the ingredients of vodka, many people, me included, assume that the potato is the primary ingredient. Boy, was I wrong! The potato is a favorite of vodka distillers, although it is far from the only option. So, what is vodka made from? The reality is more and varied ingredients. One of the most unusual is the milkfat and sugars from dairy. That’s correct! Old farmer Jones c
2 min read
Best Vodka in Wisconsin
Where can you find the best vodka? I know. This is a topic sure to cause lively debate. Much of it relates to personal preference. However, the best vodkas made in Wisconsin have a few characteristics in common. Taste and smoothness tend to top the list. These characteristics are subjective.
2 min read
Semi-Sweet Red Wine Might Not Be That Sweet
Really? A red wine that is semi-sweet? It’s true. It is possible to have a semi-sweet red wine. It is possible to create a semi-sweet version of practically any wine. However, the terms semi-sweet and semi-dry for red wines do not apply as easily as with white wines.
2 min read
Exploring Wisconsin’s Dry Red Wine
Let’s face it. To many on either coast, Wisconsin is an afterthought. Flyover country. It doesn’t matter whether the discussion focuses on sports, politics, or even wine. What good can come from Wisconsin? Certainly not great dry red wine.
I feel sorry for these people—at least a little. They don’t know what they’re missing.
2 min read
Essential Home Wine Making Supplies
So, you have decided to become the next Ernest (or Julio) Gallo and start making wine. Congratulations! But you better have a good understanding about the supplies you will need and the equipment necessary.
2 min read
Home Winemaking Equipment Essentials
How much do you want to invest in your home winemaking equipment? You could go the route I did when I was young and stupid—using a glass gallon jug, balloon, and cheap ingredients. That sounds like a recipe for success, right?
3 min read
Homemade Wine Tips for Successful Winemaking
You’ve made the decision. The equipment for your mini-winery is here and you are ready to become the next great wine sensation. But here are a few tips before you jump in. Following this advice will not guarantee the greatest wine ever, but your likelihood of winemaking success will skyrocket.
3 min read
The Best Gin Cocktails According to MOST
MOST? Huh? MOST what? MOST is an acronym for my guide (yours may be different) to determine the best gin cocktails. MOST stands for Mood, Occasion, Season and Temperature. I used to have a go-to gin cocktail. But after years of staying in the conservative lane of gin drinks, I decided to do a little experimenting.
4 min read
What is Gin Made From?
If you have ever discussed gin with friends, you likely have joked about the pine needle taste of the liquid. It is not uncommon to associate gin with pine needles or Christmas trees. However, that line of thinking is not quite accurate. So, what is gin made from?
2 min read
Reintroducing Mead Wine to a Modern Audience
Mead is among the oldest fermented beverages known to man. This honey-based drink is mentioned in records dating back to 2000 BC, and because its fermentation process can occur naturally, some suggest the Chinese drank it even earlier.
2 min read
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