Overview: The Driftless Area is establishing itself as a significant new frontier for American wines, characterized by scenic vineyards and cold-hardy grape varieties across southwest Wisconsin and neighboring states. VinePair ranked the region among top underrated wine regions in 2025, highlighting its limestone-rich geology and steep ridges suitable for viticulture that contrasts with the flattened plains of the rest of the Midwest.
The Full Story
During the last glacial period, glaciers largely bypassed this region, leaving a uniquely rugged landscape behind featuring deep gorges, steep bluffs, groundwater springs, and cold-water streams. Much of the region falls within the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA, established in 2009, while the smaller Lake Wisconsin AVA lies within it. Across southwest Wisconsin and into parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, sprawls a roughly 24,000-square-mile expanse known as the Driftless Area. While Midwest winters can be notoriously cold and long, the region’s steep ridges and limestone-rich geology have helped shape a distinct growing environment for cold-hardy grape varieties.
Member wineries participate in the Great River Road Wine Trail and Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail, offering pairings with local cheese and charcuterie. Current trail members include Vernon Vineyards, Branches Winery, and Elmaro Vineyard – all well-regarded, family-run establishments. The Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail runs between Madison and La Crosse, and includes member wineries like Wollersheim Winery and Distillery in Prairie du Sac. It also includes Wild Hills Winery in the Driftless Area’s Ocooch Mountains, and Rock N Wool Winery toward the area’s eastern edge, 30 miles north of Madison. Along the way, artisan cheesemakers like Arena Cheese and Nordic Creamery offer a Wisconsin-appropriate break between tastings.
Production & Profile
American grape breeders spent decades crossing local vines with hardy French grapes to develop hybrids with better flavor that could withstand the Driftless Area’s extreme weather. Expect to encounter varieties such as St. Croix, St. Pepin, Frontenac, Marquette, and La Crescent on a Driftless Area wine-tasting adventure. Native Vitis riparia can withstand brutal winters, but its high acidity and low sugar make for less-than-ideal conventional table wine. About 75% of the Driftless Area lies in Wisconsin, a longtime U.S. agricultural anchor with a massive cheese economy and five geographic wine regions, making it a natural place to encounter mouthwatering pairings.
Brand & Industry History
It may come as a surprise that the Driftless is becoming a wine hotspot. Sommelier Dylan Estey of renowned steakhouse Hawksmoor Chicago described winemaking in the Driftless as “still in its infancy,” yet VinePair included the area among the country’s top underrated wine regions in 2025. Wollersheim Winery and Distillery is one of Wisconsin’s most historic wineries, where Agoston Haraszthy planted grapevines before establishing wineries in Sonoma Valley, and is part of the Lake Wisconsin AVA. According to the Wine Institute, California accounts for 80% of U.S. wine production, but for hidden gems and less pricey experiences, the Midwest has its fair share of undersung wine regions.
What This Means
In addition to the Driftless Area, the southernmost corner of Illinois features the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, a collection of charming vineyards near the Shawnee National Forest. Michigan also boasts a wine scene, particularly along the Traverse Wine Coast near Traverse City, the beautiful Lake Michigan community with Italian vibes. While healthy debates rage over which California wine region— Napa or Sonoma — offers the better wines and the ultimate getaway, for hidden gems and less pricey experiences, the Midwest has its fair share of undersung wine regions.
Consumer Takeaway
Guests love its charming outdoor patio and wood-fired pizza, which pairs with grape wines like “Mrs. Sippi,” “Outlaw White,” and classic Midwest fruit wines like the popular “Campfire Hootch.” Fergedabouit Vineyard & Winery boasts a 4.8-star Google rating (guests call it a hidden gem and rave about the cheese plates and focaccia). Massbach Ridge Winery has a vineyard in Elizabeth and a tasting room conveniently located in downtown Galena. “Nice selection of some unique wines,” wrote one Google reviewer. “Daffodil White was rich, sweet, white, soft, flowery, not too sweet, smooth.”
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