Madison has a lot of things going for it, especially in the summer when you can buy farm-fresh vegetables and locally made cheese at the Farmers Market on the Capitol Square, or grab a pitcher of beer and a brat at the UW-Madison Memorial Union.
But wine lovers will be happy to learn that the area is also home to a growing wine scene, with vineyards offering everything from scenic views to surprisingly decent cold-climate wines. Just outside Madison, you’ll find a handful of wineries that make it easy to slow down for an afternoon.
Whether you’re new to Wisconsin wine or already a fan, these are the best wineries near Madison to add to your list.
Wollersheim Winery (Prairie du Sac)
One of the most well-known wineries in Wisconsin, Wollersheim Winery, is often the first stop for anyone exploring wines in the Madison area.
Wollersheim Winery sits in the hills above the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, about 30 minutes from Madison. The vineyard here is possibly the oldest in the state, with the first grapes planted in the 1840s by Hungarian nobleman and pioneer winemaker Agoston Haraszthy, who is touted as the Father of Modern Winemaking in California.
Many of Wollersheim’s wines are made from grapes grown on the rolling hills surrounding the winery. However, the winery also uses grapes from New York and Washington states. You can even find some wines imported from France that were made by the brother of Wollersheim winemaker Phillippe Coquard.
What to expect:
- Large, scenic grounds
- A mix of dry, sweet, and sparkling wines, as well as ports and ice wine
- On-site distillery (bonus if you enjoy spirits) & bistro
Wine to try: Ruby Nouveau, which the winery calls a “Wisconsin version” of a French Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s made with cold-climate Maréchal Foch grapes.
Botham Vineyards (Barneveld)
Tucked within 900 acres of nature conservancy in Barneveld is Botham Vineyards & Winery. Owners Peter and Sarah Botham first started planting the 15-acre vineyard in 1989 and converted the 1900s-era dairy barn on the property into a tasting room.
All the red wines Botham Vineyards produces are made from French-hybrid, cold climate grapes Maréchal Foch and Leon Millot that are grown on site. The winery also offers several light, refreshing white wines made from grapes purchased from New York’s Finger Lakes wine region.
What to expect:
- Holds frequent live music events
- Spacious outdoor patio and lawn seating
- Offers a unique wedding venue
Wine to try: Big Stuff Red, a semi-dry red wine that is a double-gold medal winner at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Drumlin Ridge Winery (Waunakee)
Just a short drive from Madison, in nearby Waunakee, is Drumlin Ridge Winery, named for the scenic drumlins along River Road, where it’s located. (A drumlin is a teardrop-shaped hill that was formed beneath a glacier.) The winery is fairly new, officially opening its doors in 2017.
A large variety of grapes are grown in the vineyards of Drumlin Ridge, including Brianna, Castel, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, Leon Millot, Maréchal Foch, Marquette, Petite Pearl, St. Croix and more. Many of Drumlin Ridge’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes, but the winery also purchases grapes from other Wisconsin vineyards. It also offers wines made from other fruits like apples and cranberries.
What to expect:
- Tours available by appointment
- Occasionally holds wine classes
- Available for private events
Wine to try: Elevage. Chardonnay lovers will enjoy this oaky white wine, made with Wisconsin-grown Frontenac Blanc grapes, fermented and aged in French oak barrels.
Rock N Wool Winery (Poynette)
Rock N Wool Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located about 45 minutes north of Madison in Columbia County. The 40-acre land of “vines and pines” has been owned by the Lapacek family since 1987. For years, the family raised sheep on the property.
In 2014, winemaker Shaun Lapacek and his father officially opened the winery and vineyard, the first of its kind in Columbia County. The rocky soil that once supported sheep proved ideal for growing grapes because of its natural drainage, helping inspire the winery’s name and mission. Today, the winery produces wines made exclusively with Wisconsin-grown grapes, reinforcing its “Taste Wisconsin” philosophy and strong connection to the state’s agricultural roots. The historic 100-year-old barn on the property serves as a wine shop and tasting room.
What to expect:
- Many outdoor and indoor seating areas
- Site of the annual Wicked Wine Run, held in September
- Available for private events and weddings
Wine to try: Stomp, my personal favorite. It’s an off-dry red wine made with Frontenac grapes. I like the fruit-forward, jammy taste of this wine.
Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery (New Glarus)
Bailey’s Run Vineyard & Winery has one of the most picturesque winery settings in the area. Located just outside the charming town of New Glarus, the winery overlooks the rolling Wisconsin countryside and 12-acre vineyard. Owners Todd and Janet Kuehl started planting grape vines on the property in 2015. They planted 3,000 vines that included La Crescent, Leon Millot, Marquette, Petite Pearl and Frontenac varietals.
Named for the couple’s golden doodle Bailey, the winery officially opened its doors in 2018. Today it produces 30 different wines, including reds, whites and rosés. In 2023, the couple also opened the Whiskey Run Distillery on the property. So, if you’re not a wine drinker, you can still enjoy the stunning views over a craft cocktail.
What to expect:
- Beautiful vineyard views
- Live music every weekend
- Craft distillery on the site.
Wine to try: Venom, a spicy jalapeno wine made with estate-grown Edelweiss grapes. Have it in a Bloody Mary or alone (if you dare).
Cambridge Winery (Cambridge)
Cambridge Winery, which opened in 2013, started as a tasting room on Madison’s west side. At the time, owners Frank and Laurie Peregrine primarily made their wines with grapes from California’s Central Coast. Then, in 2016, the couple bought the former Matt Kenseth Fan Club Museum near Cambridge, WI and opened its Event Center & Tasting Room. The site also includes a 12-acre vineyard.
Today, Cambridge Winery offers red and white wines made from estate-grown grapes, including Marquette Reserve, Frontenac, and St. Pepin. It also has wines from California and New York
What to expect:
- Operates two locations: Cambridge vineyard and event center, and a Madison tasting room
- Wine flights and events
- The Cambridge location is near Dancing Goat Distillery
Wine of note: St. Pepin, a light “porch pounder” white wine made from estate-grown grapes. This wine has earned accolades at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Tips for visiting wineries near Madison
Before you go, a little planning can make your day much smoother. Here are some tips for visiting the wineries near Madison:
1. Timing matters – Weekends can get busy, especially in summer and fall. If you want a quieter, more relaxed vibe, visit the winery on weekdays if you have the chance.
2. Check for reservations – Some wineries require or recommend reservations for tastings, especially during the busy summer months.
3. Plan transportation – If you’re visiting multiple wineries, consider a designated driver or a guided tour.
4. Dress for the weather – Wisconsin weather can turn on a dime, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. By wearing layers, you can enjoy the summer sun, but also keep warm if temperatures drop when the sun goes down.
FAQs about Madison-area wineries
What is the best time of year to visit wineries in Wisconsin?
Late spring through fall is ideal, especially during harvest season in early fall. Just make sure to check a winery’s website and socials to make sure that it isn’t closed for a private event (most of the wineries hold weddings).
Do Wisconsin wineries serve food?
Yes, many Wisconsin wineries offer food, such as cheese plates, pizzas and other snacks. On busy weekends, some wineries may also have a food truck on site or invite guests to bring their own picnic.
Are reservations required?
It depends on the winery, the day and the time of year. It’s best to check the winery website or socials before you head out.
Plan your perfect wine day
Exploring wineries near Madison is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience Wisconsin’s growing wine scene. Whether you’re looking for a scenic escape, a fun group outing, or a relaxed tasting experience, there’s no shortage of great options within a short drive.