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WISCONSIN WINERIES OFFER AWARD-WINNING WINES, TOURS AND UNIQUE DAY-TRIP EXPERIENCES

MADISON, Wis. (Feb. 15, 2008) - Although Wisconsin may be synonymous with beer, cheese and bratwurst, its wineries have recently begun earning national recognition as well. During the past decade, a spate of independent vintners has set up operations in the state, producing everything from regional fruit- or honey based wines to classic varietals such as merlot and chardonnay. Today, the Wisconsin Winery Association has 34 members from every corner of the state. Almost all of these wineries offer tastings and many also offer tours, making them a popular attraction for travelers. Here is just a sampling of some of the vineyards available to help craft a Wisconsin wine country tour.

AEppel Treow Winery 

Burlington 

Pronounced "Apple True," this winery features many unique Wisconsin grown and produced artisan hard ciders including champagne-method sparkling cider and perry draft ciders; standard and flavored table ciders; and apple and pear wines. Aeppel Treow visitors can sample wines, cheeses and more than 130 varieties of hand-picked heirloom apples. Hours vary depending on the season. (262/878-5345; www.aeppeltreow.com) 

Bayfield Winery 

Bayfield 

The Bayfield Winery is located high on the hills above Lake Superior at the top of Wisconsin. It specializes in traditional hard ciders, and country wines made from primarily locally grown fruits and honey. Guests may sample wines while enjoying a panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands from more than 600 feet above lake level. The Bayfield Winery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, May through October. (715/779-5404; www.bayfieldwinery.com) 

Botham Vineyards 

Barneveld 

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's Iowa County Uplands and surrounded by more than 900 acres of nature conservancy, Botham Vineyards & Winery is a mere 30 miles from Madison, but it seems like another time zone. Recently mentioned in USA Today the winery has been as critically acclaimed as many of the newer wineries in Northern California's Wine County. Started in 1989 by Peter Botham, Botham Vineyards' wines have won more than 250 medals in national and international competitions throughout the past 13 years. The winery offers eight varieties including Badger Blush and Uplands Reserve. Botham Vineyards is open to the public from March to December. (1-888-GR8-WINE; www.bothamvineyards.com) 

Cedar Creek Winery 

Cedarburg 

Cedar Creek Winery is located in the historic Cedar Creek Settlement in downtown Cedarburg, a short 30-minute drive north of Milwaukee. What used to be a woolen mill in the 1860s is now a cellar for aging more than a dozen different kinds of wine. Three, 45-minute tours run daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., offering visitors chances to sample one of several wines. Visitors may take the general tour or enjoy the chance to sample from more than a dozen different wines. (1-800-827-8020; www.cedarcreekwinery.com)

Door Peninsula Winery 

Sturgeon Bay 

This four-acre vineyard, located on the Door County peninsula, operates with approximately 5,500 total vines in production. More than 50 award-winning wines are bottled on site in the old Carlsville School House. Visitors can choose from blueberry merlot and other fruity red wines or bottles of pear, apple, and other fruit wines. Door Peninsula Winery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours and free wine tasting. (1-800-551-5049; www.dcwine.com) 

Mason Creek Winery 

Delafield 

Located at Old Lynndale Farms in the Waukesha County lake country, this winery to date has won 14 international awards, including a silver medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, one of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. Visitors can sample from of eight specialty wines and tour the winery seven days a week. The Garden Courtyard provides a respite for those who like to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy wines outside. Some of the area's finest musicians can be found performing in the courtyard during summer and fall weekends. (1-866-511-WINE; www.masoncreekwinery.com)

Orchard Country Winery 

Door County 

Orchard County Winery is nestled between blossoming orchards and lush vineyards, just south of Fish Creek in the heart of Door County. Established in 1985, the Lautenbach family winery features homegrown fruit wines carefully crafted in a 100-year-old restored dairy barn. Guided tours of the winery, offered May through October, make for interesting lessons in growing, harvesting and processing. The spacious market and wine shop offers a large selection of homemade products, with more than 30 award-winning wines available. (920/868-3479; www.orchardcountry.com)

Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery

Kewaunee

The 44th parallel is the line of latitude that runs across the globe from Kewaunee to Bordeaux, France and Tuscany, Italy, arguably the world's finest wine regions. At Parallel 44 you can tour nearly nine acres of vineyard planted with French Hybrid grapes . Then, enjoy the Italian-inspired winery and tasting room. (920-362-1550; www.parallel44.com) 

Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery 

Door County 

Also in Door County is Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery, the newest, most modern winery and largest vineyard (30 acres) in Wisconsin. Winery tours with samplings are free and offered daily, featuring a complete review of the winemaking process from harvest through bottling and casing. Recently, three Simon Creek wines, the "Untouchable Red," Cabernet Sauvignon and Door County Cherry, recently received double gold medals in an International competition. Live music events are offered in the summer months and can be enjoyed at the outdoor lounge and terrace. (920/746-9307; www.simoncreekwines.com)

Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery 

Highland 

Located five miles west of Highland, in the scenic hills of Southwest Wisconsin, is Spurgeon Vineyards & Winery. A fully guided tour discusses grape growing and care, as well as the in-depth steps to wine production. Visitors may hike to the tops of surrounding hills to view 16 acres of vineyards, or relax on the covered deck and enjoy a glass of wine, gourmet cheese or sausage from the gift shop. Tours are offered April through October, with tastings year-round. (608/929-7692, 1-800-236-5555; www.spurgeonvineyards.com) 

Stone's Throw Winery 

Egg Harbor 

Nestled in an 80-year-old stone barn between Egg Harbor and Bailey's Harbor, this winery combines small lots of premium grapes from California's finest growing regions - Napa, Sonoma & Monterey counties - to make fine wines. Visitors will find 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages, including handmade examples of pinot noir, merlot, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, riesling and others. Although no tours are available, tasting sessions are offered seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The winery also offers occasional live music concerts in summer. (1-877-706-3577; www.stonesthrowwinery.com) 

Three Lakes Winery 

Three Lakes 

Nestled against the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and surrounded by the world's largest chain of inland lakes, the McCain family has been making Wisconsin's original cranberry wine since 1972. Located in a turn-of-the-century train depot, the retail shop is a quaint stop full of delightful antiques and surprises. Free wine tasting is offered year-round, and visitors can tour the newly constructed facility to see the fruit made into wine. Three Lakes Winery has received numerous national gold medals, with varieties like pumpkin wine, kiwi fruit wine and elderberry wine among others. (715/546-3080, 1-800-944-5434; www.cranberrywine.com)

Von Stiehl Winery 

Algoma 

The Von Stiehl Winery, listed in the Federal Historic Registry and part of the Wisconsin Heritage Tourism Program, offers a nostalgic view of turn-of-the-century German America. The historic winery has won more than 100 medals on its German-style wines, including six golds and the "Gold Taste Award" for its popular Johannisberg Riesling. Tours include a visit to the century-old underground limestone caves where wine is fermented and aged. See and learn how wine is created, and then plan to sample more than 25 varieties of grape and fruit wines. (920/487-5208; www.vonstiehl.com)

Wollersheim Winery 

Prairie du Sac 

Wisconsin's oldest winery, Wollersheim is located near Prairie du Sac, overlooking the Wisconsin River midway between Wisconsin Dells and Madison. This national historic site was first selected for vineyards in the 1840s by the "father of modern winemaking in California," Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthx. Today, Wollersheim is led by winemaker Philippe Coquard, who is originally from the Beaujolais region of France where he grew up working in the wine industry. Wollersheim is opening a 15,000 square-foot expansion this summer consisting of a new winery store, new barrel aging room and an outdoor balcony overlooking a courtyard and hillside vineyards. Visitors can taste Wollersheim's popular Prairie Fume and other the award-winning wines at one of seven daily tours. Wollersheim is open year round. Private group tours available by reservation. (1-800-VIP-WINE; www.wollersheim.com) 

For free Wisconsin travel information and travel-planning guides, including the 2008 Wisconsin Spring/Summer Event Guide or the Wisconsin Activity Guide, visit TravelWisconsin.com or call the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's toll-free number 1-800-432-TRIP/8747. Travelers can also obtain guides and information at the Wisconsin Welcome Centers, located in select state-border cities.

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