A tour of Door County wineries has become a family tradition for me. A couple of years ago, before my daughter Megan moved to Hawaii to begin married life, she had a request. To drive up to Door County and spend the day stopping at wineries.
After that experience, I’ve gone to Door County several times with friends, family, or solo, and I always make a point to visit my favorite wineries..
If you want to experience Door County solo either with the wine or without, please don’t hesitate. It’s one of my favorite places in Wisconsin to go it alone. I will say this the best time to visit Door County solo is right after Labor Day weekend. The crowds are gone, and it’s you and mostly retirees or groups of women on getaways.
Why Are Door County Wineries So Special
Door County, Wisconsin, has increasingly become a haven for wine enthusiasts looking to explore something a little off the beaten path. The region’s unique terroir, characterized by limestone-rich soil and a moderating lake effect, provides optimal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, including cold-hardy varieties like Marquette and La Crescent, as well as the native Concord and Niagara grapes.
In Door County, vineyards and wineries offer a rustic yet sophisticated experience, often set against stunning backdrops of rolling hills and shimmering lake views. Beyond traditional wine offerings, the area is also known for its fruit wines, capitalizing on locally grown cherries, apples, and other fruits to produce red wines and white wines that offer a burst of flavors reminiscent of the county’s rich agricultural bounty. With a multitude of tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and even wine-centric events like festivals and pairing dinners, Door County serves as a comprehensive, sensory experience for wine lovers eager to discover the flavors of the Midwest
These wineries are in order from south to north. You won’t be able to visit them all in one day, so why not make a weekend out of it! Book a hotel, or camp at one of Door Counties fabulous campgrounds.
Algoma Wineries
von Stiehl Winery
Our first stop is in Algoma at von Stiehl Winery. I like to encourage people to take the scenic route up to Door County, which includes skimming the lake Michigan shoreline along Highway 42. This route will take you right through Algoma.
Von Stiehl Winery is the oldest certified winery in Wisconsin, opened in 1967. It’s also housed in a beautiful stone building built in 1868. For these reasons alone, it’s worth stopping. In the Door County tradition, the first wine produced by founder, dr. Charles Stiehl was Door County Cherry.
Today they produce the wines from grapes grown in Door County and other areas around the United States.
When you stop here for a tasting, you not only have access to a stunning piece of history inside the building, but the gorgeous river view outside too.
They also offer their cider at the Cider Room next door.
115 Navarino St, Algoma, WI 54201
Sturgeon Bay Wineries
Door 44 Winery
Steve and Maria, the owners of Door 44 and sister winery, Parallel 44 (in Kewaunee), aim to educate visitors about the grapes they use for their wines. They are also making it their mission to make Door County as much of a wine connoisseurs destination than Napa Valley. The 44 in the name represents 44 North Latitude. You can follow that line to such well-known wine regions as Bordeaux and Tuscany. Their grapes can survive Wisconsin’s winter climate and are similar to European varieties..
Wine flights of 4 samples are $10. Tours are available. Door 44 hosts special events throughout the season. They are open every day May-October. Check the website for open times the rest of the year.
5464 Co Rd P, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Red Oak Winery
This is the third tasting room location of Red Oak Winery. Owned by Door County native Andrew Wagener, Red Oak offers a wide variety of wines. Signature Door County fruit wines and semi-sweet to dry, and even dessert wines.
A tasting features five sample wines with a pallet cleanser.
5781 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Door Peninsula Winery and Distillery
One of the largest, longest operating, and popular Door County wineries is Door Peninsula. It has two tasting rooms that see a waiting line of visitors during peak season. There is a store to purchase all the varieties along with food items, gifts, and souvenirs. Wine and cider tastings are free and run all day every day. With over 60 varieties available, it is hard to choose which ones to try.
Don’t miss this one!
5806 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery
From Door Peninsula winery, head east inland as you make your way to the quiet side of Door County. Simon Creek is in the heart of Door County. This quiet setting, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the beauty of Door County is a perfect place to taste their wines. Enjoy live music on Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re looking to spread out and enjoy a glass of wine in a peaceful setting, Simon Creek is your place.
5896 Bochek Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Egg Harbor Wineries
Anchored Roots Vineyard and Winery
Breaking from the Door County standard of offering a variety of fruit wines, Anchored Roots is all about the grape. The owners started with three acres of vines in 2020 and expanded the following year to include three more. They anticipate their first harvest from these vines in fall of 2024. While they wait, they are sourcing their grapes locally in Wisconsin and from Washington state.
They offer tastings of 5 varieties at $10, with the tasting fee waived if you purchase wine. You can also take a tour to see their winemaking process. Reservations can be made online in advance. Or come to enjoy live events.
4873 Willow Rd, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Harbor Ridge Winery
Another favorite is Harbor Ridge Winery.
Even though Carmen had her last dance here and the savvy blonde never got to call a cab, the three wise guys ended up committing crimes against the vines.
I know, I know, you probably do not know what I was talking about with that last sentence. It was my fun way of spotlighting some names of the wines at Harbor Ridge.
If you couldn’t tell, I love the names of these wines. But I love the way they taste! My dirty little secret is I love a sweet wine and Carmen’s Last Dance is probably my favorite of all time. If your curious about the stories behind the unique labels, visit the website to find out their meanings.
Harbor Ridge is located just off Highway 42. It’s small and there is a tasting room and a store inside with seating outside as well. There is a cheese shop placed strategically next door if you’d like to try some pairings.
Wine tastings start at $10 for 4-2 ounce pours.
4690 Rainbow Ridge Ct, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Baileys Harbor Wineries
Stone’s Throw Winery
A visit to Stone’s Throw Winery is a tour that offers a nod to Napa Valley in the tranquil setting of Door County. While there is no vineyard here (the grapes arrive from California at just the right harvest time), you enjoy an elevated experience. Sipping award-winning wines, or enjoying a taste of that other fine wine region, Tuscany with Vino! Vino! the wine bar and tapas. Spending an afternoon here is all about the experience.
Tastings are available.
3382 County Rd E, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Fish Creek Wineries
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery
Lautenbach’s is virtually a Door County landmark. This Door County winery has been around so long. It’s impossible to miss the big red barn on the left as you’re making your way north. Still a family operated business, they have been producing wine and cider since the 70s from fruits grown on the farm. Their list of wines total nearly 50 varieties. They offer wine tasting flights inside their sizable inside space, or take yours to the garden outside.
This is also the place to stock up on jams, pies, cheese, seasonal fruit, and gifts.
I absolutely NEVER leave Door County without stopping here and getting a bottle or two of their Honey Crisp Apple wine.
9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Ellison Bay Wineries
Island Orchard Cider
Hard cider fans have to stop at Island Orchard Cider’s taproom for a flight glass, or pitcher! It’s the northernmost stop on our list and I’d say well worth it. The apples for their hard ciders are all picked by hand from their orchard on Washington Island. They arrive by ferry to the mainland and are crushed at a nearby orchard. The owners and staff are so friendly and enjoy welcoming everyone to ask questions. I love grabbing my flight and sitting outside on the front patio, but there’s room inside and in back of the building too. I have a fondness for the Apple Lavender for an interesting flavor.
12040 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Door County in Wisconsin is fast becoming a wine lover’s destination. Some of the best wineries in Wisconsin are Door County wineries and they are here offering award winning Door County wines.
Whether you visit with family and friends, or solo, go hit the Door County wine trail!
Questions? Comments? Share then with me!