Goodbye Napa Valley, So Long Sonoma County: A New Midwest Wine Hotspot Is Booming

If you were to plan a wine-focused vacation in the United States, you may assume that the best places to travel to would be Napa Valley or Sonoma County in California. However, while these are certainly top-tier wine-producing regions, there's another contender quietly putting itself on the map. But it's not near the West Coast — it's actually part of a Midwestern landlocked state. We're talking about the Driftless region of Wisconsin, which has become a premier destination for wine (and cheese) lovers. In fact, wine tasting here is one of the state's 10 most iconic tourist attractions you shouldn't skip. 

Before we dive into the different varietals and wineries you can explore, let's explain the name for the uninitiated. As you may know, much of the American Midwest near the Great Lakes was covered in glaciers during the last ice age. However, this part of Wisconsin didn't have any glaciers, so it didn't experience "glacial drift" as the ice receded — which led to it being called "Driftless." This meant that the soil in this area was undisturbed, making it ideal for growing wine grapes. Coupled with other climatological and geological conditions, Driftless is poised to rival any traditional winemaking region, so now is the perfect time to take advantage.

Beyond the wine itself, another reason to explore the Driftless region is to visit notable small towns and cities, particularly those situated along the Mississippi River, such as La Crosse and Prairie du Chien. So, let's practice our swirling techniques and discover why Wisconsin is such a hotspot for wine aficionados.

Since we're talking about an entire section of the Badger State, complete with numerous small towns, wineries, and points of interest, it will be impossible to take it all in during a single trip. Instead, you'll want to map your journey based on the kind of vacation you're trying to have. That said, one excellent place to start your adventure is in the city of La Crosse. Not only does it have its own regional airport for added convenience, but as a relatively large riverfront city, there's a lot to do here outside of wine tasting. There are multiple wineries and vineyards in this area, such as DnA Vintners, situated in the heart of the city, which specializes in cranberry-based wines (the cranberry is Wisconsin's official state fruit). There's also Lost Island Winery, which is in nearby Onalaska. It utilizes a tropical theme and makes a variety of semi-sweet wines, as well as a non-alcoholic THC version. Beyond wine, Lost Island also brews its own beer.

Another hotspot within the Driftless region is Viroqua, located about 45 minutes southeast of La Crosse. Wineries in this area include Vernon Vineyards, known for its Juliet wine that combines cranberries and grapes, and Branches Winery (in nearby Westby), which has a wide selection of wines from both local and international grapes. Both places offer wine tastings, but Branches also serves food and sells cans of wine, so you can drink your favorite blend practically anywhere. On Viroqua's Main Street, you can also get a glass at the Tangled Hickory Bar, or sample Wisconsin cheese at the Noble Rind Cheese Company.

When planning your Midwest wine excursion, knowing where to start is crucial because it will impact your travel options. For example, if you decide to begin in La Crosse, the closest major travel hub is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the most traveler-friendly airports in the Midwest. MSP is only about two and a half hours north of La Crosse by car, compared to the 3.5-hour trip from Milwaukee. Alternatively, if you prefer to start in Prairie du Chien or someplace farther inland from the Mississippi River, Milwaukee may be a better option.

Another point to consider is the season. Wine grapes are often harvested in late summer and early fall, so that's the best time to visit vineyards and sample various varietals. Plus, if you're into leaf peeping, the fall foliage in the region is stunning. Alternatively, spring is another great time to sample wines, as the weather gets warmer and wineries reopen their doors. Some cities even host wine-themed events, like the Wisconsin Dells Spring Wine Walk in April. If you're going to be in Wisconsin Dells, you may also want to visit one of the coolest indoor waterparks in the U.S., since the area is known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World."