Cold Country Vines & Wines

Went here cuz they had a bunch of ice wines and a couple were reds which you don’t see often. The lady working was super friendly and explained it all to us. So we got some ice wine samples and went to the other room to enjoy. All of them were super tasty. So we decided to buy a couple. When my wife paid, she went to leave a tip for the lady and didn’t realize it tipped on the wine purchase price also and left her a $25 tip. Didn’t realize it until that night. That’s kind of shady they set it up that way, but the ice wine is really good. Would go again for more ice wine but watch what the tip it asks for, read super close, cuz they’ll get you too.

So it's picking season. Here's a synopsis of a recent family adventure.

Sept 2024

Seems like grape picking is a simple thing, with little explanation needed to past pickers.

We went with family on Sept 21st. The atumnal equinox, with nice warm September weather.

If you've picked Berries and apples you kind of get the drift. Dirt, sunshine, a couple bugs, birds flitting about, and you getting to know a plant. From there you collect edible fruit passing from plant to mouth, as needed, along the way.

One of the newbie pickers in our group was curious why they took our names and time of arrival. Do we pay now - but 'I'm not seeing a transaction?'... internal questions blossomed.

No time to reflect, next we walk to the field and look to see what row we pick from.

This fresh family picker was surprised at their personal enormous yellow picking container. More thoughts - 'I'd never buy this amount.'

Next is learning. Figuring how the vine presents the grapes to you. How do you pick these? Ok they say "Not the green, not the shriveled", how about if it is mixed? Do I pick the bad ones out?
Now we are sliding into a fun comradery & picking frenzy. Vine after vine, thinking 'I want to keep up'. Meanwhile, fun conversation & song is filtering thru rows of vines. 'Wow' a successful Saturday. A great piece of entertainment.

A dewy sweat builds and the newbies thinks, 'What in the hell will we do with all of these grapes? Make em into smoothies or what?'

Then you see everyone dumping their baskets into a big gaylord at the end of the row.

The newbies thinks-

What? ... am I part of a cultish nonsensical tribe?

So ... we are doing this? for the winery? ?

Well, ... at least I don't have to pretend to eat or cook this many grapes, and I don't have to buy them!

Free lunch and music followed. A red hot, bag of chips, and a glass of wine or soda.

Big Plus at the end, was the group discussion of grape vs fruit picking.

'Ahhh so that's what we are doing'

We stumbled upon this little winery. This was our first time, and I wish she would have shared the story of the winery, explain where the grapes come from, etc. She literally just jumped in to selling us some wine. A missed opportunity. I asked questions but I shouldn't have had to.

The prices were right - only a dollar for each sample. Most of them were fine, and the prices for the bottles were reasonable. We didn't buy any bottles, but it was nice afternoon experience sitting outside, talking to others, and enjoying some wine.

This place has so many wines. They are so delicious from white to rose to red!!! I’m so impressed. Greta job!!!

This Oregon wine fan…. Thinks Cold Country has the best wines in Wisconsin. Excellent offerings at this winery.

Always a great time there!!
Got to try some new wines.
Loved the new ones.

Spectacular wines. Had a great wine tasting experience. Loved several of the wines and left with three bottles.

This is a whimsical moment with delightful scenery and a welcoming atmosphere! We stopped at Cold Country Vines & Wines on a whim!! and what a sight to see!!! We were greeted by the beauty of fallen grape leaves from Vitaceae, a long driveway, with acres of land surrounded by a sense of peace and serenity.Once we arrived at the upper tasting parking lot, we were welcomed by their family dogs and a friendly smile inside.The vineyard lies along the Niagara Escarpment glaciers, where grapes are known to flourish with beauty and a bountiful taste. As a first timer, I decided upon tasting a variety of their Estate Grown, even though they all taste great. I would recommend White Out for the crisp blend of white Blanc sweetened with notes of apricot, tangerine, and melon, Red Sunset with a semi sweet smoky note of black cherry and vanilla, or if you desire a port wine, take a moment to sip on Marquette Indulgence.The Marquette Indulgence is filled with the pleasant satin taste of berry, plum, and cinnamon apple. This luscious port is perfect for pairing with your favorite dessert or sipping while reading a good story.As a first-time experiencing Cold Country Vines & Wines is a delightful experience. I hope our leap of faith to stop on a whim is as delightful as it was for us. It will be for you, too!One more suggestion, take a moment in the gift shop, there is something to sure strike your interest!10/30/2023.

What a pleasant unexpected stop today! Melissa, so helpful and friendly, Vinny directing the parking, (winery fur baby)...but best wine in Northern Wisconsin so far! Highly recommended from a wine maker!

Nice wine pleasant place.

Nice selection of wines, beautiful vineyard.

This was a nice winery in a secluded area. Wine choices were good although my wife wished there were more sweet wines available. $1/1oz pour for tastings. They had a decent outdoor space and inside decor was just ok.

Good selection, something for every palate. Try a flight and find your favorite.

If I could give this place zero stars I would. The lady behind the bar judged our group even before we purchased anything. Saying "You're not the normal type of people we get in here" as soon as we step in the door. She pretty much ignored us. It's not like we rolled in and trashed the joint as soon as we got there. WTH? The gentleman behind the bar was a little more friendly so there was that. I'd say the friendliest thing about this place was the dog. Never again.

Great venue for live music, semi-outdoors over looking the vineyards and lovely wine!