American icon Buffalo Bill Cody, may have said it best: “I could never resist the call of the trail.” His words ring true in Wisconsin today – although it’s the Door County Wine Trail that beckons. There are many ways to explore the infectious culture of our scenic peninsula, but the Door County Wine Trail is truly one of the greats. Comprised of eight local Door County wineries, modern pioneers come from places near and far to sip, swirl, and savor.
No two wineries are alike. Each one showcases its own creative philosophy, providing a glimpse of the expert winemaker’s passion. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a relative novice, when it comes to wine tasting, you’ll discover there are plenty of chances to uncork some fun!
Door County Wine Trail | List of Wineries – from North to South
- Orchard Country Winery & Market
- Stone’s Throw Winery
- Harbor Ridge Winery
- Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
- Door Peninsula Winery
- Door 44 Winery
- Red Oak Winery
- Von Stiehl Winery
Door County Wineries Near Sturgeon Bay
Although each of these delightful Door County wineries are just a leisurely drive from our fun-loving community of Sturgeon Bay, we wanted to take a closer look at those located nearby for you – our amazing guests – to visit.
In total, four of the eight Door County Wine Trail stops are found right in our area. And we couldn’t be more thrilled to call them neighbors!
Red Oak Winery
Door 44 Winery
Atmosphere: Door 44 draws inspiration from classic European wineries, while adding true Wisconsin touches.
Wine Varieties: Marechal Foch, Frontenac, Louise Swenson, St. Pepin, and Petite (genetic cousins of well-known varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Moscato, and Riesling)
Distance to Bay Shore Inn: approx. 6-minute drive
Husband and wife team Steve Johnson and Maria Milano planted their first grape vines back in 2005. Their dream? To transform their passion for wine into a celebration of Wisconsin’s local grape growing and wine making industry.
Named for its location along 44° Latitude, which is shared by infamous regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany, this Door County winery offers unique tours through their vineyard and production facility that conclude in the barrel room.
Door 44 offers cool climate varietals with the hallmark qualities of bright acidity, fruit forward aromas, and flavors unique to the Door County region. Simply relax, sip, and enjoy!
Door Peninsula Winery
Atmosphere: Exciting, experimental, and historic. Door Peninsula Winery was started in a 19th century school house that’s still utilized as their main entrance today.
Wine Varieties: traditional dry whites and reds, bold berry and fruit blends, and more
Distance to Bay Shore Inn: approx. 12-minute drive
Founded in 1974 by Mark Fehls and Tom Alberts in a former two-room schoolhouse, Door Peninsula Winery is a mainstay in our area, producing one of the largest selections of wines in Wisconsin.
The winemakers chose their school house setting based on its thick basement walls (which made it ideal for wine storage) as well as the visual appeal of its Victorian-era architecture and bell-tower.
After several expansions over the years, including the addition of a distillery in 2011, there are now over 45 different wines to be sampled at one of their two tasting bars.
For an intriguing mixture of tradition and innovation, Door Peninsula Winery is always an excellent choice to visit.
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
Atmosphere: Nestled in a natural wooded setting, this cozy, local winery offers comprehensive tours and an outdoor lounge deck.
Wine Varieties: red, white, rosé, and port wines
Distance to Bay Shore Inn: approx. 16-minute drive
Simon Creek offers the complete winery experience; from a beautiful taste room and gift area to impressive vineyards.
A guided exploration of the winery helps tell the story of their late founder, Colonel Tim Lawrie, and his vision for Simon Creek. These free winery tours feature a complete review of the wine making process from harvest through bottling.
Their outdoor patio offers live music performances on weekends throughout the summer months and is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna.
Spending time here provides a one-of-a-kind setting in which to share a bottle and get a taste of the good life.
Sip, Swirl, and Stay in Sturgeon Bay!
Before you embark on your journey to one (or all) of these fantastic Door County wineries, be sure to book a quiet, relaxing stay at Bay Shore Inn.
We offer luxury suites in a convenient, central location in the peninsula – perfect for a few refreshing days of wine tasting and serenity.