Wollersheim Winery & Distillery — Attraction in Town of Roxbury

We discovered Wollersheim Winery a long time ago when it was just a quaint old building. Since then, we have visited about 3-4 other times throughout the years whenever we are in the area and we have recommended it to many friends and families. We are amazed at how it has grown and we were eager to try their new spirits and see what else is new. This past weekend, however, I was very disappointed in my wine tasting experience.

I am a wine enthusiast and just love to stop at different wineries and will always do a tasting when given a chance. The person doing the tasting at Wollersheim Winery on Thursday, September 30, just doesn't understand how a true wine tasting should be done. I am hoping that this was just this employee and not Wollersheim's typical way.

I saw that the first wine on my "Dry Wine Flight" was the Chardonnay. I walked up with a smile and said that I was hopeful that I could try a different wine since I had just had a glass of Chardonnay with my meal in the Bistro. The lady behind the counter quickly responded with "Nope, no substitutions." I actually thought she was joking but I quickly found out differently when she immediately poured me a sample of the Chardonnay. I was doing this tasting with my sister-in-law and her choice was the Sweet Wine Flight. So the server could have easily poured me a sample from the other bottle she was holding. I was a bit flabbergasted at how rude she was---what a buzz kill! But I had not talked with this sister-in-law for about 3 weeks and we were meeting up with a bunch of others that were visiting the winery, so I continued with my good mood and good conversation. But things got worse...

Since we were talking so much we did not drink our first sample very fast. Before we knew it, the server was holding the bottle for our next tasting over our half full glasses of wine waiting to pour. So being the polite ladies that we are, we quickly picked up our glasses and downed the wine so that she could do her pour. Now wait a minute! Are we not supposed to savor the wine, experience the aroma, the texture, the color, the flavor on the front end, the back end, and everything in between? Should we not have had time to ask questions about the wine and possibly given feedback? This continued with all four samples. She held the bottle of wine over our glasses for each pour before we were actually finished. It should be a wine tasting EXPERIENCE, not an assembly line of pour, drink, repeat. I am not sure why she was in such a hurry. There were no other people waiting for tastings, so it was not like they needed to keep the line moving. By the time we were done with our four tastings, we were completely annoyed and frustrated and chalked it up to one bad tasting. I hope it was just a bad day for this employee and not a typical experience for Wollersheim.

We still love this winey. The grounds are beautiful and their story is very interesting, so I am sure we will give Wollersheim another try when we are in the area. However, I hope that they read this review and learn from it so our next experience...

I recently visited Wollersheim Winery & Distillery and was thoroughly impressed. Tucked away in the scenic landscape, the winery exudes rustic charm and tranquility, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Madison.

The picturesque setting of rolling hills and lush vineyards immediately captivated me. The winery's commitment to maintaining a beautiful and natural environment is evident in every aspect of the property. The spirit room was our first stop, and it did not disappoint. While they offer a selection of spirits including brandy, gin, and rye, the standout for me was the bourbon. It offered a complexity and depth of flavor that was truly remarkable, with intricate notes that lingered delightfully on the palate.

After the spirit tasting, we headed to the terraced patio for a leisurely lunch. The patio offers a breathtaking view of the vineyards, creating a serene backdrop for our meal. The winery's commitment to farm-to-table cuisine was evident in every dish. Fresh, local ingredients were the stars, elevating simple dishes to culinary delights. Each bite was a celebration of the region's produce, perfectly complementing the selection of wines we tasted.

The wine tasting itself was an experience to cherish. The knowledgeable staff guided us through a selection of wines, each with its unique character and story.

Wollersheim Winery & Distillery is not just about the spirits and the food; it's about the experience as a whole. The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share their passion for winemaking and distilling. The grounds are meticulously cared for, inviting guests to stroll and explore.

In addition to the tastings, the winery offers tours, providing an insightful glimpse into the winemaking and distilling process. This added a layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Wollersheim is certainly worth a stop for anyone in the Madison area seeking a serene and sensory retreat. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine spirits and wines or simply looking for a picturesque spot to unwind, this winery offers an...

I really want to like this place…

I have been to Wollersheim twice, once on a girls trip with a few of my friends and a second time with my parents (they have never been).

The location is stunning and from what I heard the wine is great (I am not a wine drinker). The problem I encountered both times were the employees in the winery.

I first trip was in 2022, my friends and I went in to use the bathroom before we headed back home (it is a long drive) while exiting the bathroom an employee looked at us as if we were carrying leprosy and told us there were closed an we needed to leave. We left and apologized saying we just needed to use the bathroom. We must have entered before they locked the door.

The second time was yesterday, I took a day trip to Cave of the Mounds with my parents and I suggested we make a stop at Wollersheim because they have never been. I was scolded by the cashier saying I need to dump my beer and that it was “not ok”. My beer can was empty and if Wollersheim offered more beer choices than just two or three I would not have felt the need to enjoy a beer I brought in from the car while my parents enjoyed wine. It was one can, it didn’t bring a cooler into the winery to set up shop and drink the day away which is not ok in my books.

The employees at the distillery on the other hand were fantastic, the distiller (I didn’t catch his name!) was great at explaining the difference between the two bourbons. My dad picked up a bottle, our visit ended on a high note!

I want to point out that I do not write bad reviews on places, just take a look at my google review history. I worked in retail all through high school and college and get it. Please Wollersheim, offer more beer choices! Not everyone enjoys wine and I didn’t want to get a drink from the distillery because of the high...