The Countryside Winery & Distillery Tour

Climb aboard the trolley and head out of Eau Claire into the rolling Chippewa Valley countryside, where we’ll explore a culture of winemaking and craft distilling that’s been growing along the banks of the Chippewa River.

Your first stop is Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, the very first winery in the Chippewa Valley. Tucked into the hills outside Chippewa Falls, Dixon’s grows its own apples, including the family’s exclusive, patented Champagne Apple, and produces wines right on site. You’ll enjoy a glass of wine and a peek into what makes this orchard-winery so beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Next, you’ll head into Chippewa Falls to visit Chippewa River Distillery, a craft distillery with deep hometown pride. Founded in 2015, they source locally grown ingredients and hand-craft everything from whiskey and gin to schnapps. You’ll get two cocktail samples while you get a taste of their story.

Your final destination is River Bend Winery & Distillery, a hidden gem set on six acres of working vineyard on the west side of Chippewa Falls. Founded in 2009 and known for its award-winning wines and handcrafted spirits, River Bend is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again. And you’ll have your choice of wine or cocktail to cap off the afternoon in style.

• Additional menu items may be available at select locations for individual purchase.
• Depending on weather, be prepared for the trolley to be set up enclosed with sliding windows, or open-air with brass railings (and roll down curtains in case of rain). Appropriate clothing layers for heat/humidity or cool breezes is a good idea.
• Gratuities are NOT included; please consider bringing some cash to tip the folks who make it all happen. Thank you!

All alcoholic samples or product offered as a part of this tour are provided to those 21+ for free by each establishment.