You may be surprised to know that the climate of Wisconsin is actually very adverse to wine grape growing. Nevertheless, there are over 40 wineries in the state, which has one viticultural area; Lake Wisconsin. In order to continue producing, in spite of these unfavorable conditions, some of the local wineries complete their grape supply with the yields of vineyards from other states.
Though it is not a state with a large wine industry, this hasn't hindered the evolution of the Wisconsin wine club, under its many forms. Below you'll find some of the most respected and interesting ones in the market.
Letters & Wine
Among the players in Wisconsin's wine club scene, I have to say that the Wisconsin MBA Wine Club is the one that instantly caught my attention. This original wine club is open to "all full-time University of Wisconsin MBA students and their significant others," as well as to staff, faculty, alumni, and sponsors of the University's MBA program. This select wine club has the mission to educate members about wine, through "enjoyable and responsible" tastings.
Holding about 12 events every year, I do not doubt that this wine club must be a great place for students to plead their case, whatever that maybe, with stern professors rendered benevolent by Bacchus' powers. Though, that is just a guess. :-) What can be said for sure is that the MBA wine club will provide an elevated intellectual fulfillment in addition to the more earthly pleasures of tasting great wines.
The most common wine club in Wisconsin is the local winery version. In this category, you'll find many regional wineries which run their own wine clubs. For example, Simon Creek Vineyard's Untouchable Wine Club offers two bottles of Simon Creek wines on a quarterly basis, including pre-releases; membership also includes free tastings and winery tours. They also have a special annual event called Oktoberfest, and club selections range from $17-26 per bottle.
With a mainly educational mission, the Wisconsin Vintners Association of Milwaukee offers monthly tastings, Wine Judgings, and, my two personal favorites, a Summer Picnic and an Annual Harvest celebration.
Naughty Girls Love Their Wine
The most original Wisconsin wine club I found is run by the Von Stiehl winery. It is called the "Ladies of the Vine" Club. Membership includes discounts on gifts and decorations, free winery tours, and some very elegant events. For example, I read a member's note, complimenting the club for their "Naughty Girl" event, where she highly praised the staff, the luncheon, the weather, and the massage! Now, that sounds like my kind of wine club. A great choice if you are a wine-loving Wisconsin lady...
There are a lot of options when it comes to finding a Wisconsin wine club, but, I have to say that MBAs and ladies seem to have a bigger choice. :-) If you are not lucky enough to be one of those, you can also check out the wine clubs at Captain's Walk Winery, Door Peninsula Winery, and Vino 100.
