Gold Rush in Algoma: 5 Medals, 1 Historic Cellar, and What It Means for Your Next Tasting

There is a unique rhythm to working in Wisconsin’s oldest licensed winery. Down in our limestone cellars where the walls are three feet thick and the air is cool, we give our wine, cider and spirits what they need: time. As we like to say around here, character takes time to develop.

That patience was recently rewarded in a wonderful way. We’re thrilled to share that von Stiehl Winery, Distillery, and Cidery brought home two Gold Medals and three Silver Medals at the 2026 Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge!

Whether you’ve been visiting us in Algoma for decades or are planning your very first trip along the Lake Michigan shore through the gateway to Door County wine, here is a look at the award-winning lineup and why these bottles earned top honors across the Great Lakes region.

The Gold Medal Winners: Crisp & Textured Whites

Out of entries from across the region, two of our dry and off-dry white wines earned top Gold honors:

• Riesling (Gold Medal): A staple of our cellar since 1996, this flagship white features Yakima Valley grapes from Washington State. It balances a distinct floral character with crisp underlying acidity—an off-dry vintage that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, fresh fish, or grilled chicken.

• Viognier & Chenin Blanc (Gold Medal): Sourced from the Red Mountain region of Washington, this effervescent, Brut-style white delivers aromas of apricot and honeysuckle with tasting notes of white peach, ripe pear, and mineral. It’s an incredible match for sushi, chèvre, or Thai cuisine.

Silver Medals Across Wine, Cider, and Craft Spirits

We craft a diverse lineup—from fruit wines to barrel-aged spirits:

• Cherry Cider (Silver Medal): A true taste of place combining Door County apples and Door County Montmorency cherries. It’s intensely aromatic with a balanced sweet-and-tart finish.

• Cherry Bounce (Silver Medal): A nod to regional tradition, this sweet blend of cherry wine and cherry brandy is barrel-aged using our custom solera system.

• Grappa (Silver Medal): Distilled from single-varietal grape pomace and aged for four years in used bourbon barrels for a rich, complex spirit.

Taste the Winners in Algoma

Want to try these award-winning bottles for yourself?

Von Stiehl Winery, Distillery, and Cidery is located in Algoma, Wisconsin—just a short, scenic drive south of Door County along Lake Michigan. Our historic tasting room, cider & spirits bar, and outdoor spaces are open seven days a week, offering daily wine tastings, cider flights, and spirit pours. No reservations are required.

Stop in, say hello, grab a glass, and taste what 59 years of winemaking tradition feels like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is von Stiehl Winery located?

A: von Stiehl Winery is located at 115 Navarino St in Algoma, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin (just south of Door County along Lake Michigan).

Q: Can I taste von Stiehl’s award-winning wines at the winery?

A: Yes! Visitors can sample all of our Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge award winners—including our Gold-Medal Riesling and Viognier & Chenin Blanc—at our Algoma tasting room. We offer wine tastings, cider and spirit flights daily.

Q: Do I need reservations to visit the von Stiehl tasting room?

A: No reservations are required. Walk-ins are always welcome seven days a week during our regular hours.

Q: Which von Stiehl products won medals at the 2026 Great Lakes Winemaker Challenge?

A: von Stiehl won Gold for its Riesling and Viognier & Chenin Blanc, and Silver for its Cherry Cider, Cherry Bounce, and barrel-aged Grappa.

Q: Does von Stiehl have a vineyard?

A: Yes, the Stony Creek vineyard is located in Door County and owned and operated by von Stiehl.