Lautenbach Wins Grower of the Year

Bob Lautenbach celebrates the Grower of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association with his daughters, Erin Lautenbach (left) and Carrie Lautenbach-Viste. Submitted photo.

Bob Lautenbach of Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market in Fish Creek “had an idea that something was going on” when everyone insisted that he attend the three-day Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Wisconsin Dells last month.

On the first night of the event, Jan. 25, the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association held a Corks n’ Cuisine dinner, at which Lautenbach received the Grower of the Year Award.

“I was shocked,” he said. “There are some pretty good grape growers in the state. We’ve worked at it for a while here, and it’s starting to pay off for us.”

Lautenbach began producing fruit wines in 1985, and in 1999 planted his first vineyard. The award recognizes his contributions to the Wisconsin grape industry, as well as work to advance the presence of cold-hardy grapes in the Door County region. He currently grows six varieties and four wines named after his grandchildren feature these estate-grown grapes.

“I am very proud of this award. Growing grapes is challenging – but we are proof that cold hardy grapes can grow in Door County and produce excellent wines,” he said.

Lautenbach said he is particularly happy with results they have been getting with the cold-hardy variety Marquette grapes. “We might even try a rosé with the Marquette. We’ve never done a rosé.”

Lautenbach said he hadn’t been to a meeting of the grape growers group for several years, so he said it was good to connect with some old friends in the industry.

“I am so impressed with the wineries here and what they have been doing,” he said.

Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market, 9197 Hwy. 42, Fish Creek is currently open Thursday – Monday with complimentary tasting from 10 am – 4 pm. For additional information call 866.946.3263 or visit orchardcountry.com.