Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, small-batch spirits, or locally made wine, the La Crosse area has something to sip and savor. From scenic riverside breweries to wineries nestled in the bluffs, this region is full of places where creativity and craftsmanship come to life in every pour. Many spots also offer live music, food trucks, and beautiful outdoor spaces—making them perfect destinations for a laid-back afternoon or lively evening out. Here’s a look at the breweries, distilleries, and wineries to check out around La Crosse!
Breweries
608 Brewing Company
Locations: 83 Copeland Ave, La Crosse and 103 State Street Suite 103, Holmen
Founded in 2018, 608 Brewing Company in La Crosse is known for its bold, innovative beers, crafting around 80 unique brews annually. With 17 taps and a lively taproom, it’s a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts in the Driftless Region.
Pearl Street Brewery
Location: 1401 Saint Andrew Street, La Crosse
Pearl Street Brewery operates out of a historic boot factory, offering award-winning beers alongside wines, ciders, and seltzers. Their taproom offers a laid-back vibe with live music, brewery tours, board games, and a diverse selection of beverages on tap. To get a look behind the curtain at how the beer is made, check out their group brewery tours!
Turtle Stack Brewery
Location: 125 2nd Street South, La Crosse
In the heart of downtown La Crosse, Turtle Stack Brewery is a small independent brewery dedicated to producing high-quality, flavorful beers. They emphasize local sustainability and offer a rotating selection of seasonal and innovative brews in their tasting room!
Skeleton Crew Brew
Location: 570 Theater Road, Onalaska
Skeleton Brew Crew is a microbrewery known for its small-batch craft beers and community-focused approach. They offer a variety of unique brews, contributing to the local craft beer scene! Take a fellow wine lover along with you, as they also have their winery on site.
Distilleries
La Crosse Distilling Company
Location: 129 Vine Street, La Crosse
Situated along the Mississippi River, La Crosse Distilling Co. is a distillery, brewery, and restaurant specializing in handcrafted spirits and farm-to-table dishes. Their vibrant atmosphere and commitment to locally sourced ingredients make it a standout destination. Don’t forget to check out their happy hour, too, with specials on drinks and apps!
St. Mary’s Distillery
Location: 26001 Melrose Road, Cashton
St. Mary’s Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery tucked along St. Mary’s Ridge, surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and beautiful sunset views. Set on a scenic 224-acre farm, it offers a peaceful countryside setting to sip and enjoy handcrafted spirits. Their tasting room is open every Saturday year-round, making it a great stop for a laid-back weekend outing.
Birchpoint Distillery
Location: 310 Skihill Drive, Westby
Birch Point Distillery offers a unique craft spirit experience centered around creativity, innovation, and local ingredients. Their cocktail room is a welcoming place to sip and explore handcrafted spirits, including distinctive pours made from animal milk sugars and fruit grown close to home. It’s a one-of-a-kind stop for anyone looking to try something a little different.
Wineries
Elmaro Vineyard
Location: N14756 Delaney Road, Trempealeau
Tucked in the bluffs of Trempealeau, you really can’t beat this view! Elmaro Vineyard is renowned for its picturesque setting and diverse wine offerings. They focus on creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.
Branches Winery
Location: E6796 Old Line Road, Westby
Branches Winery offers a selection of award-winning wines crafted from cold-climate grapes. Their scenic vineyard and welcoming tasting room provide a delightful wine-tasting experience. Grab a bite to eat while you’re sipping on your glass, too. They offer wood-fired pizzas over the summer on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Brambleberry Winery
Location: 234 North Leonard Street, West Salem
Brambleberry Winery is a charming artisanal winery known for its exceptional dry red grape wines, as well as a variety of white dinner wines and fruit-forward blends. Their cozy tasting room and scenic wine garden create a relaxed atmosphere to sip and savor, with a small menu featuring pizzas, bruschetta, cheesy bread, and charcuterie-style snacks. Stop by on Sundays from 2 PM – 4 PM for “Group Therapy,” where you can enjoy discounted flight tastings and featured wines by the glass.
Lost Island Wine
Location: 570 Theater Road, Onalaska
Envision you’re on a tropical island and head over to Lost Island Wine! They specialize in crafting tropical and fruit-infused wines that transport your taste buds right to that island paradise. Their vibrant flavors and relaxed atmosphere make for a fun tasting adventure with friends!
DNA Vintners
Location: 1229 Caledonia Street, La Crosse
DNA Vintners, located on the north side of La Crosse, focuses on producing high-quality wines using locally sourced fruits. They are a true “farm to table” winery, growing much of their own fruit—including an acre of rhubarb and 25 pear trees on their farm—to craft unique, flavorful wines. Please note that their tasting room is only open seasonally, but their wines are available at many local stores!
