Tucked into the hills of across from the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, about 25 miles northwest of Madison, Wollersheim Winery is an award-winning, historic spot that produces some of the most interesting wines in all of Wisconsin. These hills were first planted with grapes back before Wisconsin was even a state. It was converted into a traditional farm but in 1972, Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim bought the land and began converting it back into a vineyard. The sloped hills and unique terroir mimic wine-growing regions of Europe and this small vineyard has grown to become the biggest in the state, producing more than 100,000 cases of more than 15 different wines as well as seven different spirits.
Part of what makes Wollersheim so unique and amazing is the 170-plus years of wine-making history that exists here. All the original buildings are in use, though they've added on in the same style as the vineyard has grown. And one of the most remarkable pieces of the whole thing is the cave built right into the hillside here.
Wollersheim's founder, Agoston Haraszthy, is considered a pioneer in American viticulture. When he left Prairie du Sac and headed west, he took his wine knowledge with him and soon thereafter became the first commercial grape grower in Sonoma County, California.
The limestone-lined cave was started by the Haraszthy, way back in the 1840s and was lengthened by the Kehl family, who took over the vineyard after he left for California. The cellar provided a plus for the wine, but was also used as a root cellar for the farm.
This cave was used for making and aging wine as it was kept a regulated temperature year-round. It was the perfect place for storage and protection of the wines as the Wisconsin weather fluctuated outside. Using caves for temperature-regulated storage is something Wisconsin beer-makers also took advantage of. The caves could be packed with large ice blocks and be turned into a makeshift refrigeration area because of their cool temperature.
Today, the cave stands as a testament to the history of this fabulous vineyard that's not only been named Vineyard of the Year and had international acclaim for its wines, but has ties back to the man known the "Father of California Viticulture," and the "Father of Modern Winemaking in California." It's an amazing lineage for what started as a small family-owned spot in the Wisconsin River valley.
The caves were excavated by the Wollersheim's 150 years after they were first created. The inner part of the cave that Haraszthy built had collapsed and was filled with dirt and tree roots. Workers dug it out by hand until they could fit equipment in and then the whole thing was reinforced and reconstructed.
There are artifacts from the history of the vineyard kept here and the cave now stands as a testament to winemaking and the history of viticulture in not just Wisconsin, but the entire country.
Getting to explore this bit of the vineyard that houses not just the history of the wine-making, but also housed the Kehl family in the 1850s when their home was being built, is a fascinating look at at time gone by and a unique and rare opportunity.
If you've never visited Wollersheim, you're missing out on not only a great piece of state history, but some of the tastiest, most recognized wines. This is a family-owned and family-run operation that's made a name for wine-making in Wisconsin. You'll love the whole grounds and definitely need to take the time for a tour. The wine cave is the highlight of a spot that's chock full of Wisconsin and wine-making history.
Wollersheim Winery is located at 7876 WI-188, Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578. You can find more information about this award-winning Wisconsin winery and distillery on their website or by checking out their Facebook page.
The winery and distillery are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with wine tours each day. The distillery offers tastings every day, but tours happen on select Saturdays.
