Here in Wisconsin, fall is a time that invites everyone to step back, slow down and take in the beauty of the vibrant leaves. Although you can certainly enjoy wine year-round, autumn's crisp evenings are made for cozying up and savoring every drop of a good glass of vino.
Festivals fill Wisconsin autumns, many of which focus on wine, food and activities that celebrate the season. These wine walks and festivals are a perfect opportunity to gather up your girlfriends and take the day (or the whole weekend) off.
Here are five fall wine celebrations that you and your closest friends are sure to love.
unWINEed Fall Wine Walk – Oshkosh
The title of this wine walk says it all. You can quite literally “unwind” as you visit several storefronts in downtown Oshkosh. As you shop and sip alongside your pals, you’ll taste up to 20 wines. There are plenty of restaurants to experience on the route as well, ranging from quaint cafés to eateries with global flair. Afterwards, you’ll take home a souvenir wine glass.
Wine & Harvest Festival – Cedarburg
Held for almost 50 years, the Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival is a true homage to everything we adore about autumn. Since there’s so much to do, you can easily turn this festival into a weekend-long celebration with friends. Sample wines crafted by the award-winning Cedar Creek Winery, peruse the charming boutiques, craft booths and farmer’s market and don’t forget to eat up fall foods, like harvest apple brats and cranberry turkey wraps.
Fall Festival – St. Croix Falls
Presented at the Chateau St. Croix Winery & Vineyard, this annual harvest festival takes place in a locale that feels a lot like a European castle. Specializing in wines produced by grapes that are grown on-site, you and your friends can delight in red, white, rosé and dessert wines as you listen to live music, visit food trucks, purchase Honeycrisp apples and try local craft beer.
Fall Wine Walk – Wisconsin Dells
The shops you visited in the summer brim with fall ambiance during this wine walk. Take a stroll amid the 20 businesses participating in this event, where you’ll pair red and white wines with sumptuous eats. Your group will receive information on the wines along with commemorative wine glasses. After the event, get in some extra steps at the nearby Dells Scenic River Walk, where fall foliage flanks the sandstone bluffs along the Wisconsin River.
Holiday Harvest Wine & Food Festival – Stockholm
If you prefer your wine served with a side of amazing views, the Holiday Harvest Wine & Food Festival in Stockholm is for you. Take a jaunt on the Great River Road Wine Trail and see breathtaking views of fall leaves and the Mississippi River while making stops at 12 wineries. Carry your ticket and wine glass to taste wines, local foods and cider at each winery. Make a weekend out of it with your girlfriends and book a stay at an area bed & breakfast.
Wondering what else to do in Wisconsin this fall? Take our quiz to find out which activity is perfect for you!
