Near Prairie du Sac in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wollersheim Winery
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
1. Wollersheim Winery Marker
In the early 1840's, Hungarian immigrant Agoston Haraszthy acquired acreage on the Wisconsin River near present day Sauk Prairie. He started a brick yard, riverboat and ferry business and laid out the village now known as Sauk City. On the southern slopes he planted a vineyard. His European vines could not withstand the Wisconsin winters and in 1849 Haraszthy departed for California, later to become known as the "Father of California viticulture."A fourth generation German winemaker, Peter Kehl, acquired Haraszthy's grape acreage in 1856 and planted vines that were more winter-tolerant. Kehl's impressive limestone home was erected in 1858; the winery was built during the Civil War. Son Jacob Kehl, continued the operation until 1899.
The slopes returned to their native condition and remained in limited farm use until 1972 when Robert and JoAnn Wollersheim purchased the property and restored it to a working family winery. The continuing success of the winery was enhanced in 1984 when Philippe Coquard arrived from the Beaujolais region of France and became winemaker. With a family background and knowledge of winemaking, Philippe along
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
2. Wollersheim Winery Marker
The marker is on the path from the parking lot to the winery, on the left in this photo.
On the slopes of Sugarloaf Bluff, Wollersheim Winery carries on the tradition into future generations.
Erected 2011 by the Dane County Historical Society. (Marker Number 44.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Dane County Historical Society series list.
Location. 43° 17.343′ N, 89° 42.484′ W. Marker is near Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 188, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7876 State Highway 188, Prairie du Sac WI 53578, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. August W. Derleth (approx. 0.9 miles away); Sauk City (approx. 1.2 miles away); Free Congregation of Sauk County (approx. 1.3 miles away); Culver's (approx. 1.7 miles away); In Memory of Rev. Adalbert Inama, O. Praem. (approx. 3.1 miles away); Father Adalbert Inama -- St. Norbert House (approx. 3.1
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
3. Peter Kehl's limestone home
Also see . . . Wollersheim Winery. This home page for the winery includes several history links. (Submitted on October 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
4. Detail of Kehl Home
The window capstone in the center of this photo says "P. Kehl, A.D. 1858."
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
5. Kehl Home
View of the Kehl home from a stone fence post that incorporates wine bottles.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
6. Kehl Home (in background) viewed from the grapevines
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
7. Wollersheim Winery Main Building
This building includes the store, the wine tasting rooms, and the Big Room.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
8. Wollersheim Winery Main Building
Some of the grapevines are in the background.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
9. Wollersheim Winery Antique Grape Crusher
This is an exhibit in the main building.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
10. The Big Room
The total tank capacity in this second fermentation room, known as the Big Room, is 187,000 gallons.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
11. Cave on the Grapevine Slopes
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
12. Plaque in the Vineyard
The Oak Tree
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree’s leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
“How can you be still standing, Oak?”
The oak tree said, “I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two,
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since birth.
You'll never touch them for you see,
They are the deepest part of me.”
—Author Unknown
Bob’s roots are deep within this ground,
His life’s work you see all around.
While patient hands worked with the vine,
So lush and green they intertwine.
He’ll always be part of this land,
Just as this mighty oak tree stands.
This Oak is in loving memory of Bob Wollersheim. Given by the employees (his friends) at Wollersheim Winery.
A mighty wind blew night and day
It stole the oak tree’s leaves away
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
Until the oak was tired and stark
But still the oak tree held its ground
While other trees fell all around
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
“How can you be still standing, Oak?”
The oak tree said, “I know that you
Can break each branch of mine in two,
But I have roots stretched in the earth
Growing stronger since birth.
You'll never touch them for you see,
They are the deepest part of me.”
—Author Unknown
Bob’s roots are deep within this ground,
His life’s work you see all around.
While patient hands worked with the vine,
So lush and green they intertwine.
He’ll always be part of this land,
Just as this mighty oak tree stands.
This Oak is in loving memory of Bob Wollersheim. Given by the employees (his friends) at Wollersheim Winery.
By William J. Toman, October 8, 2011
13. Wide View of The Oak Tree Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 928 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on October 9, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 12, 13. submitted on November 13, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.
RSS Feed