Senator Stroebel Co-sponsors Winery Hours Legislation
As the legislative session moves forward, new bills are frequently being introduced in the legislature. Recently, I signed on as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 311 relating to the closing hours for wineries in Wisconsin.
Under current law, wineries must close by 9pm. This is the earliest closing of any establishment serving alcohol. Many wineries, including the several in the 20th Senate District host events that now must be closed down before dusk in the summer months.
For example, Armstrong Apples and Winery in Campbellsport hosts a summer concert series. Additionally, the winery receives requests to host weddings on the property. The 9pm closure makes weddings logistically difficult.
The bill would allow wineries to be open until midnight unless the local municipality establishes an ordinance more restrictive. This allows the local governments to determine a closing time best for the neighbors of the winery.
Senate Bill 311 will have a public hearing in the Senate next week Wednesday, June 28 at 10:30 AM in 201 Southeast.
The 20th Senate District boasts several unique wineries – all of which have summer events.
Armstrong Apples and Winery
W853 County Road B – Campbellsport
www.armstrongapples.com
920-477-3007
Cedar Creek Winery
N70 W6340 Bridge Road – Cedarburg
www.cedarcreekwinery.com
262-377-8020
Chiselled Grape Winery
W64 N713 Washington Avenue – Cedarburg
www.chiselledgrape.com
262-377-8777
SoLu Estate Winery & Meadery
W8269 County Road F - Cascade
www.soluestate.com
920-528-1550
Vines to Cellar
114 East Main Street – Port Washington
www.vinestocellar.com
262-536-4544
Other Wineries in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Winery Association
www.wiswine.org
920-478-4499