My Visit to Studio Winery in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
With determination to complete my 50 State Wine Tour Goal, I always try my best to visit a winery whenever I travel to a new state. In March, business took me to Wisconsin. While there, I checked Wisconsin off my list with a trip to the Studio Winery in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
My Visit to Studio Winery in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The owners of the winery are a husband and wife team – Doug and Kathy Jackson. After years of preparing for their winery dream, many twists of fate, and an extensive rehab of an old machine shop, Studio Winery opened its doors to the public in 2012.
While most of the grapes that are used for Studio Winery’s wine are grown on farms within 30 miles of the winery, some grapes are grown right on site. While the winery does not sit on a lot of land, Doug and Kathy have filled the property with a great number of vines.
The Tasting
I had the privilege of spending a few hours at the winery while Doug gave me a private tasting and tour.
While visitors can pay a tasting fee to select which five wines out of the roughly 20 options they want to sample, I put my tasting into Doug’s hands. Following my preference to stay away from sweet wines, Doug filled my glass with a white, two rosés, and a few reds. The wines did not disappoint.
In total, I tried seven wines during my visit. Three of them I loved so much that I immediately marked my tasting guide, so I would remember to purchase them later.
And when I drank them later, they were just as good as I remembered!
Throughout the tasting, Doug not only told me about the wines we were drinking, but also educated me on the process of making wine. During our talks, Doug mentioned how he enjoys teaching people about wine, and I can say that he showed that passion during our conversation.
From learning the different flavors French and American oak contributes to wine, to learning about what makes a random bottle of wine go bad, to discussing which grapes grow best in the region, I can say that I got more than I expected when I selected Studio Winery in Lake Geneva as my Wisconsin winery choice. I felt like I was being welcomed into their community of wine lovers.
One of the things I loved about Studio Winery, besides the friendly owner and the excellent wine, was the inclusion of art and the relaxed feel throughout the building.
Doug is a musician. Kathy is an artist.
Every Saturday, and the occasional additional night, live bands entertain the often packed winery. Making sure he always saves time for music in his busy winemakers scheduled, Doug’s own band plays a set the first Saturday of every month.
In addition to giving artists the ability to play live, the winery also has a recording studio available for rent in their lounge.
In the lounge of the winery, there is a recording studio that is available for rent.
Inside the recording studio is a mixer that was used by the Spin Doctors for their “Pocketful of Kryptonite” album.
Kathy then shares her talent with the public by offering Cork and Canvas classes at least once a month. On select days when classes are not available, visitors to the winery can paint on their own for a small fee.
Everyone has the ability to enjoy the arts when they visit Studio Winery.
Kathy has created a number of art pieces that can be seen all around the winery.
Cork and Canvas classes are offered at the winery at least once a month. Self-guided painting is also available.
I’ll be back!
Between the excellent tasting wines, the relaxed atmosphere, and the inviting owners, Studio Winery is a winery that I want to visit again. Lucky for me, I made such great connections during my business trip that I believe that there will be more trips to Wisconsin in my near future.
If you happen to travel to Lake Geneva Wisconsin, Studio Winery is a must for you to visit.
Very sweet. Looks like a wonderful winery to go to.