Midwest wine tour season has started!

First winery visit of the season: Hook Stone Winery

Tucked right in with all the tourist shops lining main street is a little wine tasting room right in Hayward, WI. Four dollars will get a full tasting and a glass etched with the winery's name and "mascot". In addition to having fun wines like "Campfire" and "Rock Bass", the shelves are also lined with great food items like olive oils, mustards and sauces. I fell for the olive oils which were lined up right by the front door. These oils were different in that the olives are pressed right along side the accompanying flavors. For instance, the roasted garlic is pressed right with the olives as opposed to the olives being pressed, then infusing the oil later with the flavor. Pressing together allows for a much more predominate flavor and richness.

All wines are made on premises with grapes from California and Washington. I really enjoyed the whites. The reds were all pretty oaky. The port was my "best in show" - it is non-fortified (meaning no brandy added) and I thought it was just lovely.

Address:
10588N Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843

Phone:
715-634-WINE (9463)