These are not recommendations from a somalier or professional spirit experts. Rather, they're recollections of DKHT and friends whilst on various quests, when quenching thirst from a days' hard ride led to discovering favorite wines and spirits, most available online. In addition, we look for wineries and facilities that offer tours and tasting opportunities, so when you're on vacation you may want to stop in, see how your favorites are made, and get a chance to sample new choices. Be advised that online ordering may have some restrictions, based on availability, location and season.
 
This listing is presented in no special order..... Enjoy!
 

 
· Simon Creek Vineyard and Winery ·
 5896 Bochek Road
 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (Door County)
 www.simoncreekvineyard.com
 
Comments: I haven't been to this vineyard and winery complex, but thanks to nearby neighbors who frequent Door County, I've been pleasantly surprised to have received several selections as birthday presents. Most recently I had the American Viognier. Some say that the Voignier is the new Chardonnay, but I think this statement is made in the spirit that the Viognier will replace Chardonnay in popularity with the American palette. The Viognier is a new taste (to me, at least). So, if you're into trying new things, order a bottle or two.
As the label states, Simon Creek Vineyards is located exactly midway between the equator and the North Pole (45th parallel) in the ideal wine growing climate of Door County Wisconsin. A wonderful visitor's Center is located here, with tours and tasting available.
 
Sample Selections: (This is just a guide and product offerings may be changed at anytime by the company)
 

 
· Door Peninsula Winery ·
 5806 Hwy. 42
 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
 Main Site - www.dcwine.com  Secure Online Ordering - shop.dcwine.com
 
Comments: Another Door County representative. This review is courtesy of Suzanne D. from NC , an email pal who shares my enjoyment for wines. She's a real fan of this winery and gives it very high marks.
Door Peninsula Winery boasts being the largest in Wisconsin, and has "Over 50 delicious, 100% Natural Fruit and Varietal Wines at the same Door County location for over a quarter of a century!". Indeed, I was quite suprised to discover that they offer a wide variety of standard Merlot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and similar trusty favorites in addition to their fruit and varietal wines. But, Suzanne is the expert, and I'll let her tell you about it in her own words...with limited editorial interference...
"Favorites tasted are Peninsula Red ***** 5 stars, Blackberry ***** 5 stars, Merlot *** 3 stars. My taste tends to "medium" and I prefer the red over the white. While I was driving around the site, I saw one I would like to try, the Peninsula White. I have also tasted the Cranberry wine from DCWINE and it is a good one too, *** 3 stars, tart and a little "sassy". The Peninsula Red is a medium sweet smooth as silk. Reds tend to be a bit heavier, but this is a light, smooth one. The Blackberry is a sweeter wine, smooth too with a true berry flavor. The merlot was a bit heavier than my tastes lean at this time, it is a good deal lighter than the rest of the merlots tend to be.
Their ship time is amazingly FAST and I have never had a problem with the product in shipping, although this last shipment had some packaging damage, the wines all arrived in good order. I have no doubt if there was ever a damaged item, Door Peninsula Winery would take care of me properly as one of their faithful and regular customers. Their customer service department is easy to deal with and very attentive when I have had to call them. Ordering either on line or over the phone has always been a positive experience."

 
Sample Selections: (This is just a guide and product offerings may be changed at anytime by the company)
 

 
· Three Lakes Winery ·
 6971 Gogebic Street
 Three Lakes, WI
 www.fruitwine.com
 
Comments: This is a modest but quality winery in Wisconsin's Northwoods, specializing in fruit wines. Situated in cranberry country, began with cranberry wines and blends and expanded to include other fruity wines. My business trips required me to pass through Three Lakes occasionally, and I enjoyed stopping in and checking out new offerings and picking up a few bottles to sample or to use as gifts.
This is an unobtrusive facility which combines store and winery in one building. Production is limited to the availability of fruits. Tours are available but are most interesting when production is in full swing...this is a situation you'll find at most wineries....when harvest is not in it's prime, you won't see a lot of activity.
The staff is friendly and tasting is a welcome activity.
Three Lakes is between Rhinelander and Eagle River Wisconsin, so if you're in the area, this is a worthwhile stop.
 
Sample Selections: (This is just a guide and product offerings may be changed at anytime by the company)