Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, an area untouched by the glacial drifts of the last Ice Age, presents a landscape of rolling hills, lush valleys, and fertile soil, offering a unique terroir for viticulture. This area is the ideal environment for growing a variety of grapes that thrive in both the heat of summer and the cooler climate in the winter. The region’s stunning natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for wine tastings—two of our favorite wineries are Tenba Ridge Winery & Elmaro Vineyard.
Over the years, the Driftless Region has quietly emerged as a notable wine-producing area in the Midwest, drawing fans and casual enthusiasts alike to explore its up-and-coming vineyards and wineries. The history of winemaking in this region is a testament to the resilience and innovation of local vintners, who have skillfully adapted to the climate, cultivating cold-hardy grape varieties that produce wines with distinct character and depth. You’ll find this and more at Tenba Ridge Winery and these other nearby wineries in Wisconsin.
One of the best ways to enjoy the bounty of Wisconsin wineries is to plan a weekend getaway or extended trip with wine tasting in mind. At Justin Trails Resort, you’ll find some of the most luxurious log cabin rentals in Wisconsin (as well as bed and breakfast suites, glamping, and camping options) for your overnight accommodations. We’ll provide you with a lovely breakfast each morning, and our resort has plenty of on-site activities to enjoy during your stay. Book your lodging today!
Wine Tasting at Tenba Ridge Winery & Elmaro Vineyard
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and bounty of our beautiful area, a journey through the Driftless Region’s wineries promises an unforgettable exploration of taste, tradition, and terroir. Many of these local wineries are family-owned, and you’ll likely meet the winemakers themselves on a visit.
As a guest at our B&B rooms or log cabin rentals in Wisconsin, you’ll be in one of the most stunning areas of the Driftless Region. These Wisconsin wineries are well worth the scenic drive, and you can create your own self-guided tour of the nearby wine tasting opportunities.
Here are a few of our favorite wineries in Wisconsin to visit:
- Tenba Ridge Winery: Just under an hour from our resort, this gorgeous wine terrace that looks out over thousands of acres of woodlands is well worth the scenic drive. The award-winning wines at Tenba Ridge Winery are bold and floral, offering some of the best cold-weather varietals grown in the Driftless Region. They also have a fantastic happy hour every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. for two-for-one drinks! Save room for Passquale’s Pizza, thin-crust delights that pair perfectly with the Tenba Ridge Winery glass pours.
- Elmaro Vineyard: Nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, this beautiful Tuscan-esque estate in Trempealeau offers sweeping views of the vineyards. The vineyard focuses on Midwest grape varietals and provides ideal conditions for cold-hearty vines to thrive. Voted the Wisconsin Winery of the Year in 2016, the winemakers at Elmaro continue to create some beautiful wines in a stunning location.
- Vernon Vineyard: This vineyard and tasting room is about half an hour from our beautiful resort near Sparta, WI. They offer a wide range of white, red, and blush wines, including dry and sweet varieties and light and full-bodied options. Look out over the vines while you sip!
- Creekside Winery: This Wisconsin winery reopens on April 6th for a creekside tasting on the elegant outdoor patio. It offers crisp, delicate whites and bold red wines ideal for sipping on a sunny summer day.
- Burr Oak Winery: Since 1997, this family-owned operation has been creating award-winning, estate-grown table and dessert wines from our vineyards in New Lisbon, WI.
- Turisimo Winery: If you head into La Cross during your stay, this is a fun, local spot for wine tastings and other unique fermentations, including hard seltzers and fruit ciders.
As a guest at Justin Trails Resort, our staff and Innkeepers are well-versed in the area’s activities, so if you’d like more information about getting to Tenba Ridge Winery or Elmaro Vineyards, please feel free to ask.
The Best Log Cabin Rentals in Wisconsin
After an adventure in the Driftless Region exploring the delicious wines of the area at Tenba Ridge Winery and/or Elmaro Vineyard, you’ll love returning to our resort near Sparta, WI. We offer an array of lodging accommodations, from charming bed and breakfast suites and glamping cottages to our luxurious log cabin rentals in Wisconsin. Two of these unique cabins are built in the Scandinavian-Scribe style, creating a magical setting for your getaway. Be sure to bring a bottle of wine back to enjoy in your private accommodation!
The Little House on the Prairie Cabin is designed for couples (though the entire resort is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry babies along!). This cozy log cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Relax in a queen-size bed and watch the flickering flames in the gas fireplace, or climb the ladder to the private loft, where you’ll find a BainUltra Whirlpool tub. A separate bathroom with a toilet and shower is on the first floor behind a curtain.
As a guest at our resort, you’ll have access to our stunning grounds, including a wonderfully maintained trail system, friendly pet llamas, two championship disc golf courses, shared indoor spaces for games and gatherings, and more. Also included in your stay is a complimentary, homecooked breakfast, the perfect way to start each day! Book your lodging today!
