Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market brings together the heart of Door County’s agriculture, hospitality, and flavor. Located just outside Fish Creek, this family-owned estate offers visitors wine tasting, fresh-baked goods, seasonal fruits, and scenic views. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong local roots, it remains one of the most visited and beloved stops in the region. This article gives a full review of the Lautenbach experience from wine tasting and market shopping to outdoor fun for all ages.
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Overview
| Location | Fish Creek, Door County, Wisconsin |
| Property Size | Over 100 acres of orchards and vineyards |
| Established | Family-owned and operated since 1955 |
| Tasting Options | 50+ wines and ciders, self-pour flights available |
| Market Items | Bakery goods, jams, salsas, dried fruits, cheeses |
| Family Amenities | Playground, lawn games, wide open outdoor areas |
| Pet Policy | Leashed dogs welcome in outdoor areas |
| Seasonal Schedule | Open spring through fall, limited winter hours |
A Family Tradition in Every Corner
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country began in the mid-20th century as a small fruit farm. Over time, it grew into one of Door County’s top tourist attractions, still managed by the Lautenbach family. Visitors walk through cherry and apple orchards, sip wines made from estate-grown fruit, and explore a market filled with local flavors.
The land stretches over 100 acres, with walking paths, fruit trees, and flower beds offering views of each season’s change. Every part of the experience feels honest and grounded in family values.
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Wine and Cider Tasting with a Local Twist
Tasting is one of the most popular activities at Lautenbach’s. Guests create their own flight of five samples from a large menu of wines and ciders. The options include dry reds, crisp whites, cherry blends, sparkling ciders, and dessert-style fruit wines.
Wines are made onsite using fruit grown right on the property. Tasting flights are self-guided, allowing each visitor to move at their own pace. Friendly staff members provide guidance, answer questions, and explain flavor notes and suggested pairings.
Visitors enjoy sipping while relaxing on the outdoor patio or strolling the lawn near the orchard.
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The Market: A Taste of Door County to Take Home
The market at Lautenbach’s combines specialty food, fresh baked goods, and local products all in one stop. Inside, shelves are filled with:
- Fresh cherry pies, apple pies, turnovers, and muffins
- Cherry and apple salsas, BBQ sauces, and salad dressings
- Dried cherries, cherry trail mix, and sweet spreads
- Artisan cheeses, canned pickles, jams, and mustards
- Gift baskets, kitchen towels, and wine accessories
Everything is made or sourced locally, offering an easy way to take home the taste of Door County. Seasonal baked goods rotate through the year, depending on what’s fresh in the orchard.
A Relaxed and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Families find Lautenbach’s to be a comfortable and fun stop. The grounds include space for children to run, a play area with equipment, and yard games like corn hole. Parents enjoy tastings while kids enjoy apple cider or cherry soda from the market cooler.
Benches and shaded tables allow for peaceful picnics or breaks under the trees. During peak seasons, the orchard sometimes hosts small events or live music, adding to the community feel.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the property, making it even easier for families to visit together.
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Orchard Tours and Seasonal Fruit Picking
Depending on the time of year, guests can also enjoy walking tours of the orchard or even pick their own cherries or apples. Staff guide groups through rows of trees while explaining how the fruit is grown, harvested, and turned into jams or wine.
Cherry picking in summer and apple picking in early fall are especially popular. These experiences connect visitors directly to the land and show how tradition and agriculture go hand in hand.
Visitor Feedback and Experience
Guests describe Lautenbach’s as welcoming, clean, and relaxing. Many return year after year. Highlights often mentioned in reviews include:
- Free tastings with generous portions
- Helpful and kind staff who answer questions without rushing
- A wide range of unique wine flavors, especially the cherry wines and hard ciders
- Cherry pies and turnovers that are “worth the trip alone”
- A place that offers both activity and rest, ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers
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Tips for Visiting Lautenbach’s
- Arrive early in the day during weekends or holidays to avoid crowds
- Try the pies fresh if possible—many guests agree they sell out fast
- Use coolers if planning to bring home wine, cheese, or baked goods
- Bring a camera—the orchard’s natural setting is great for photos
- Dress for walking if you plan to explore the property or join a picking tour
FAQs
1. What can you taste at Lautenbach’s Winery?
2. Is the market open year-round?
3. Are kids and pets allowed on the property?
4. What’s the best time to visit for fruit picking?
5. Do you need a reservation to taste wine or cider?
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market reflects the best parts of Door County life. It brings together hard work, natural beauty, family care, and local flavor into a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re sipping cherry wine under the sun, exploring the market for local treats, or watching your kids play by the orchard, the visit leaves a lasting memory.
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From its roots as a small farm to its place as a top destination, Lautenbach’s remains true to its heritage while continuing to grow. It’s more than just a winery or a store it’s a celebration of the land, the season, and the people who share it.