The small town of Pepin, Wisconsin, is right in the heart of wine country. It is a great spot from which to base a weekend of wine tastings and vineyard tours. While Villa Bellezza is the most well-known winery in town, it is not the only one.
The list below covers all the best wineries near Pepin, WI. It starts with larger wineries like Villa Bellezza and ends with a couple of hidden gems.
Villa Bellezza Winery
Pepin, WI
Villa Bellezza is the highlight when visiting Pepin Wisconsin. The winery is like a small Italian village nestled into bluff country. Il Forno Italian Ristorante is an authentic Italian eatery providing a little taste of Italy, including authentic wood-fired pizzas. It is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area.
It is an old world winery right in the heard of the Midwest. The tasting room is the located right off of La Piazza Belleza, a Tuscan-inspired village square. The central Piazza even has La Fontana, a traditional village fountain. Sala del Vino is a unique tasting experience where you can see the winemaking process in action.
Would you like to learn to cook Italian meals? Then check out their cooking school run by Chef Antonio Cecconi and focused on Italian country cooking.
Looking for a unique Christmas event? Then check out Pepin Nouveau or their authentic European Christmas Market.
Villa Bellezza also hosts weddings and other large events. Our favorite Villa Bellezza wine have to be the Terra Reserve or Cotes du Pepin.
Danzinger Winery
Alma, WI
Danzinger Vineyards is another Wisconsin winery on the Great River Road Wine Trail. They serve great wine, pizzas, charcuterie plates, beer, and cider. Stop by for a bite or try a wine tasting and one of their winery tours.
Read More: 35 Exciting Things to Do With Kids in La Crosse, WI
Elmaro Vineyards
Trempealeau, WI
Elmaro Vineyards has a unique story that is rooted in a 300+ year old white pine tree on their property. These are the trees we dream of seeing on our canoe trips and love seeing one that wasn’t logged at the turn of the century!
Back to the wine. Their extensive list of fine wines boasts 10 whites, 3 roses, 7 reds, 3 fruit wines, and a couple of reserve wines. They also serve a nice selection of appetizers and cheese plates.
We’d recommend their artisan cheese plate with salami and a flight of wines.
Seven Hawks Vineyards
Fountain City, WI
Seven Hawks Vineyards is a beautiful winery with stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley. We love their Picnic Hikes. The winery packs a tasty picnic lunch paired with their excellent wines. Then they send you on your way to some secluded picnic spots overlooking the river.
Their tasting room is in downtown Fountain City in a beautiful historic brick building from the 1870s. We recommend Frontenac Reserve for the red wine lovers and La Crescent Reserve for the white wine lovers.
Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery
Stockholm, WI
So, not technically in Southern Minnesota, but it is close enough. Maiden Rock Winery is one of many amazing wineries just across the river in Wisconsin. They also offer cider crafted on site from their award-winning cider orchard.
Read More: 30 Exciting Things to Do in La Crosse, WI
Garvin Heights Vineyards
Winona, MN
My brother went to Winona State University, and we always needed a fun place to stop on our visits. Garvin Heights Vineyards is the spot. It is located on a bluff above Winona, with beautiful views of the surrounding area and excellent wines.
They have a couple of unique port-like dessert wines that are worth a try.
Read More: 30 Stunning Wineries in Southern Minnesota
Whitewater Wines
Plainview, MN
Whitewater Wines is located just outside of Whitewater State Park. I remember visiting that area on field trips back in elementary school!
They have a great patio overlooking their vineyard. There are also walking trails through the hardwoods and prairie that surround the farm.
Read More: 20 Breathtaking State Parks Near Rochester, MN
Forestville Winery & Events Center
River Falls, WI
Forestville Vines has a unique tasting room in the a school built in 1897! In addition to great wine, they also serve up real food with homemade pizza as the highlight. They also have a couple of micro brews on tap in case someone in your group isn’t a wine drinker.
Itasca Reserve is a bold chardonnay that is a crowd favorite. 1897 Reserve is an award-winning pinot noir that is one of our favorites.
Bemis Bluff Winery
Eleva, WI
Bemis Bluff Winery is located just south of Eau Claire, WI. The family originally tested their skills with homemade moonshine and wine, back when that skill was a necessity. Since then, they’ve refined their touch and produce a wide variety of wines from many grape varieties and styles.
Read More: 10 Best Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Green Lake, WI
Lake Pepin Winery
Lake City, MN
Lake Pepin Winery is located outside of Lake City, MN. It is a smaller operation and does not have a website. The wine gets good reviews and could be a fun stop on a Great River Road Wine Trail tour.
Cracked Barrel Winery
Hudson, WI
Cracked Barrel Winery is conveniently located close to the Twin Cities, just minutes from the St. Croix River. If you are visiting the Pepin, WI area from the Twin Cities, then it is a great stop either when leaving home or on your way back.
Falconer Vineyards Winery & Cidery
Unfortunately, Falconer Vineyards has closed up shop. Bummer.
