The Wisconsin Winery Association is a statewide organization that promotes wine making in the state.
History
The first wine grapes were planted in Wisconsin by Agoston Haraszthy in the mid-19th century. Before he migrated to California and helped to found the wine industry there, he established a vineyard, winery and wine cellars overlooking the Wisconsin River at what is today the Wollersheim Winery near Prairie du Sac. Although Haraszthy found the climate of Wisconsin difficult for wine grape production, later German settlers produced wine using both European and native American grape varieties.[2]
The first modern winery in Wisconsin, the von Stiehl Winery in Algoma, opened in 1967.[3]
Today over 110 wineries have commercial operations in Wisconsin, with most making wines from other fruits in addition to grapes.[4] Some Wisconsin wineries rely upon vineyards in other states for all or part of their grape sources.
The first annual professional wine competition in Wisconsin was held at the Wisconsin State Fair in 2011.[2]
