Wisconsin Wine Is Better Than You Think: Here’s Where to Taste It

Wisconsin’s wine country is ready to be taken seriously. Six wineries on a limestone ridge in northeastern Wisconsin have agreed to a rule that most American wine regions wouldn’t: each makes its own version of a dry white wine called Ledge Blanc. Before any of them can put that name on the bottle, the wine must score at least 90 out of 100 points from a blind tasting panel of outside professionals. It’s a bold thing to do in a state better known for sweet cherry wine, but it’s one of the best reasons to visit Door County right now. Ledge Blanc is a shared style with a shared name, much like European wine. Old World regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and Chianti are defined by place rather than grape. The six wineries each make their own wine from their own vineyards, but it has to taste as if it came from this specific stretch of northeastern Wisconsin before it can use the name. “The goal {of the Ledge Blanc Project} is to foster a cooperative winemaking culture and celebrate the region’s unique style through a recognizable appellation wine,” says Amy Gale, Owner of Anchored Roots Vineyard and Winery. Namely, a crisp, refreshing, light-bodied wine with pronounced aromatics, delive...