Without exaggeration, St. Croix falls wineries can rival any lush wine valleys of Europe while still holding true to their American roots and traditional values! The northern climate allows for acres of cold-climate grapes producing delicious drinks that all wine enthusiasts should take time to savor. In alphabetical order, here are the best places for enjoying wine flights as well as some home crafted brews too!

What to know more?

Read to the bottom to find our Road Scholar Lesson on Fermentation and our google map link of all 11 St. Croix falls wineries listed here!

Amery Ale

Put the top down and make a lovely day trip out to this delightful rural location for a day trip to delicious sips of home brews or craft cocktails paired with traditional pub bites. This converted rustic barn has been given new life complete with an awesome outdoor patio. Corn hole games and a fire pit adds to the evening fun and ambiance. 

• Address: 588 115th St, Amery, WI 54001
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Bunnycup Winery

Another rustic tasting room option – a barn turned into a source of sipping pleasure, Buttercup Winery is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon with a glass of wine. No raised pinkies here, just plenty of space, outdoor seating and live music on the patio to add to the fun atmosphere.  Start with a wine tasting and choose your favorite bottle or two to take home!

• Address: 2019 100th St, Luck, WI 54853
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Chateau St. Croix Winery

Wow your work friends with a Friday happy hour in this stylish Southern European hunting lodge with an expansive view of open fields and gorgeous Saint Croix vineyards. Trade your tokens for tastings, and bounce around and try all the different lavish seating areas.  Serving wines and ports paired with delicious food – this location is sure to be a hit with all your adult friends.

• Address: 1998 WI-87, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Clover Meadow Winery & White Wolf Distillery

Not all St. Croix Falls wineries are certified organic by MOSA. This uniquely decorated winery is proud to hold that certification! They are also proud to share their wine, cordials, brandy and moonshine with anyone who can handle the wit and humor of the owner.  Serving up a great farm to table product in a welcoming tasting room, the warm feeling you get while drinking doesn’t just come from the drink – all proceeds go to helping rehabilitated animals that live on the premises, including several horses.

• Address: 23396 Thompson Rd, Shell Lake, WI 54871
• Food Available: Yes, from locally sourced ingredients
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Dancing Dragonfly Winery 

Dancing Dragonfly Winery is another one of the highly rated St. Croix Falls wineries. Celebrating super successes at the prestigious MGGA – International Cold Climate Wine Competition (ICCWC), Dancing Dragonfly Winery has been honored with multiple awards. This speaks volumes about the craftsmanship of their wines and they’re happy to showcase their facility with a group or private tours.  Grab a like minded wine drinker, order a flight, pair it with a pair of panini sandwiches and give this place a gold star!

• Address: 2013 120th Ave, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Deer Lake Winery

Near the shores of Deer Lake, a small fishing pond, this winery has a welcoming atmosphere that also serves up small bites and large! (Seriously- try the Large Nachos!) Their wines are crafted from organic grapes from the picturesque vineyards of the Saint Croix Falls area. Conveniently located on Highway 8, pop in for a visit any Thursday through Saturday while visiting Wisconsin’s twin cities. 

• Address: 1721 US-8, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Rustic Roots Winery 

With local art displayed in the dining room and plenty of places to spread a picnic blanket outside, this pet friendly venue is worth a visit any day of the week! Although technically not located in the state of Wisconsin, it is only a 20 minute drive south from downtown St. Croix Falls.

• Address: 20168 St Croix Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Trap Rock Brewing Company

Just for the beer lovers, this urban microbrewery uses locally sourced ingredients to make their award winning pints of plenty! Order up a pizza or some hot pretzels to go with your bottles, crowlers, growlers and cans and you’ve got a “hoppening” evening out on the town! 

• Address: 520 S Blanding Woods Rd, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Uncommon Loon Brewing Company

For an inviting atmosphere with a great selection of beer, stop by Uncommon Loon. Cozy sofas, high top tables, beer garden with outdoor seating and colorful umbrellas provide just the right ambiance for a great happy hour. They often have food trucks, but also offer in-house snacks including pizza, or you can bring your own food. Events like Bingo Night, Trivia,  jiu jitsu or craft fairs make this a fun and fabulous destination.

• Address: 10825 Lake Blvd, Chisago City, MN 55013
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free – Limited (Use Side Streets if needed)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Wild Mountain Winery

Camping at a winery among the grapevines speaks to the name of “Wild Mountain Winery” and adds to the adventure. Pitch a tent, pull up your RV or book their Safai Stingray Tree Tent for an “elevated” experience! Enjoy a quiet pond and the soft sounds of the vineyard or listen to live music while drinking their wine and enjoying their oven fired pizzas all weekend long!

• Address: 16906 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

Winehaven Winery & Vineyard

This upscale 50 acre vineyard is rooted in Minnesota, but still only 25 minutes east of downtown St. Croix Falls. Numerous festivals, yoga, and twilight cruises in an authentic paddle boat on the Saint Croix River will give all wine enthusiasts a whole barrel of extra enjoyment! 

• Address: 10020 Deer Garden Ln, Chisago City, MN 55013
• Food Available: Yes
• Parking: Free 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/Stroller Friendly

It’s Lesson Time!

We are passionate about learning on the road and we journey across America. Today’s lesson is about the fascinating process of fermentation. If you’re diving into the world of wineries and breweries, here are five key things to know:

1. Basic Fermentation Process: In winemaking, yeast converts the sugars in grape juice into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. In brewing, yeast performs a similar role but with grains or malt. This process can also produce various flavors and aromas that characterize different beverages.
2. Yeast’s Role: Yeast is crucial in both wine and beer production. There are many types of yeast, and each can impart different flavors and characteristics.
3. Fermentation Vessels: The vessel used for fermentation can impact the final product. For wines, it might be oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, or concrete vats.. For beer, fermenters can range from open vessels to sealed tanks.
4. Temperature Control: Temperature plays a significant role in fermentation. Cooler temperatures generally slow down fermentation, which can lead to cleaner, more refined flavors. Warmer temperatures can speed up fermentation and produce more fruity or spicy flavors, often seen in ales. Winemakers and brewers carefully control fermentation temperatures to achieve the desired outcome.
5. Secondary Fermentation: Many beverages go through a secondary fermentation process. In beer, this can be bottle conditioning where additional yeast is added to develop carbonation. In wine, secondary fermentation might occur in the bottle (as with sparkling wines) or in the cask (for certain styles like port). This additional fermentation can further refine and enhance the complexity of the beverage.

Understanding these basics will give you a greater appreciation for the craft and science behind the beverages you’re tasting. Enjoy your exploration of fermentation! Click here for a Google Map of these amazing wineries and breweries! 

Nearby Travel Ideas

Wisconsin has some amazing sea kayaking just 3 hours away from the wineries and breweries of the St. Croix Valley. Check out our blog about kayaking in the sea caves and islands of Bayfield, WI!