River Bend Winery & Distillery — Attraction in Town of Wheaton

ooking for something to do on a warm summer day, I saw that they were having a free live music concert featuring the Bear Creek Band. The winery/distillery is nestled into a scenic area, right next to the Chippewa River. Behind the building is a large area with the stage, with the vineyard behind that. On this day, they had Happy Trails Pizza serving food. The inside of the building has a large main seating area. There are different areas for tasting wine, ordering cocktails, or buying snacks and merchandise. The entire space is well-designed.

We ordered a few cocktails and grabbed a table under the pergola-covered area. There weren't that many other people there (it was a very warm 90°F day), so we had lots of space. My Lavender Collins was very good, and everyone else enjoyed their refreshments. While we listened to the band, we munched on the caramel corn that we purchased inside. If we hadn't already had lunch, we would have tried the pizza. Maybe next time.

Would definitely come back again for a drink...

Is it just me or are wineries either really good at ambiance or really good at wine? Well guess what? This place has both! That’s right, she’s defying the odds. Amazing wine (disclosure: I am a white/sweet wine drinker - delish!, I’m afraid I can’t comment on the reds, not my jam). PLUS the ambiance, the environment, the vibe. Walking in we were greeted by the sweetest lady with rosé samples and the most welcoming and comforting aura (think your grandma but also she loves to drink wine with you). Then we had a free wine tasting by the most wonderful wine pouring expert, followed by a glass each and some amazing cheese and the best beef sticks I’ve ever had - I don’t say that lightly. We had all of our questions answered, felt welcome the entire time, and even grabbed a few bottles for the...

Was visiting with friends and sadly arrived after they cut off mixers 1/2 hour prior to closing which was ok with me as I prefer to take it for another day. Proceeded to the counter to inquire about at least purchasing a bottle to take home since I had traveled 4 1/2 hours to visit my friends. Walked in on the counter lady legitimately screaming at a gal over a bottle of wine she wanted to buy unopened for her group to the point that the young lady was crying. How unacceptable for staff to act in such a manner you never yell at a guest regardless of the conversation. For someone never visiting what I thought was a highly praised establishment I sure was mistaken. You have a awfully sour crew for the spirits you serve. Needless to say I walked out empty handed and took my...