Traveling along Wisconsin’s Great River Road isn’t for those in a hurry. The slow and winding country road meanders through small town after small town that were some of the first places settled and frequented in Wisconsin thanks to their access to the River.
Today, these small towns are charming and welcoming places to while away some hours or some days as you make your way up or down river. Alma is a town of about 800 that sits on a natural bend in the river as it heads toward the Twin Cities. Danzinger Vineyards takes advantage of the tall bluffs and rolling hills of this part of the state as one of the most stunning homes for a vineyard you’ve ever seen in the US. Perched up on a bluff above the Mississippi River about midway between La Crosse and Minneapolis is one of the most breathtaking places in all of Wisconsin.
Danzinger Vineyards started as a retirement project for a family who loves to farm. They transferred that knowledge of the soil to 8,000 plants on 18 acres to create some truly delicious and unique wines. This is one of many Wisconsin wineries that take advantage of the unique flavor the soil and climate along the Mississippi River impart. You may head here for the tastings, but you'll keep coming back for the view.
This region is so great for growing grapes because the cliffs and hills allow for maximum sun exposure for the grape. With the long cold season, growers want their grapes to get as much of their growing done in the warm weather as they can.
Danzinger is situated on 18 acres of land that puts you high above the river valley but offers stunning views not only down to the Mississippi, but for miles beyond. The 2013 Wisconsin Grape Growers Winery of the Year, this place is 18 acres of estate-made wine with more than 8,000 plants. Their wines have won Best in Show at the Minnesota Cold Climate Wine Competition and awards at the Wisconsin State Fair.
It simply does not get better than an afternoon at Danzinger as part of a trip along Wisconsin's Great River Road. The mood here fits the casual meandering of the road and the river, and invites you to spend an hour or three taking in the views and letting your stress melt away.
I'm not sure there's a better way to spend an early evening in Wisconsin than sipping on the unique, fruity wines of Danzinger as you take in the sunset. It's a picture-perfect spot and one of Wisconsin's hidden gems.
Danzinger Vineyard is located at S2015 Grapeview Ln., Alma, WI 54610. You can learn more about this beautiful location at their website or by checking out their Facebook page.
