CRAFT DISTILLERY

Door County Distillery

Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin
— Vodka, Gin, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏛️
Historic Return
First legal distillery since Prohibition ended
🌾
Local Sourcing
Wisconsin grains and Door County botanicals
👨‍🔬
Founder Led
Brian Facktor runs tastings and tours himself
🪟
Production Views
Watch copper stills through tasting room windows
🍒
Seasonal Releases
Cherry season spirits showcase peninsula terroir
🛣️
Tourist Corridor
Right on Highway 42 with easy parking
📞 (920) 743-7431
🌐 http://doorcountydistillery.com/
📍 5806 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Door County's First Distillery Since Prohibition

Door County Distillery sits on Highway 42 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, making it the first legal distillery in Door County since Prohibition. Founded in 2013 by Brian Facktor, who left his career in finance to pursue craft distilling, the operation opened its doors in 2014 in a converted warehouse space. Facktor spent years researching and planning before launching, traveling to distilleries across the country to learn traditional techniques and modern innovations. The 5,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and produces vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal specialties using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The distillery focuses on small-batch production with attention to Wisconsin agricultural products, including local grains and botanicals. Facktor serves as both owner and head distiller, overseeing production from grain to bottle. The tasting room features reclaimed wood and industrial elements that reflect the building’s warehouse origins, with large windows offering views into the production area where visitors can see the distillation process in action. What started as one man’s dream to bring craft distilling back to Door County has grown into a destination that combines traditional distilling methods with Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Wisconsin Grains Meet Copper Pot Tradition

Door County Distillery holds the distinction of being the first legal distillery to operate in Door County since Prohibition ended, bringing craft distilling back to a region better known for cherries and tourism. Brian Facktor’s commitment to using Wisconsin ingredients sets them apart, sourcing grains from local farms and incorporating regional botanicals into their spirits. Their location in Sturgeon Bay puts them at the heart of Door County’s tourist corridor, making them easily accessible to the millions of visitors who come for the peninsula’s scenic beauty and agricultural attractions. The distillery’s approach combines traditional copper pot distillation with small-batch techniques, allowing for careful attention to each production run. Their seasonal releases often reflect Door County’s agricultural calendar, incorporating local honey, cherries, and other regional products that connect the spirits directly to the terroir of the Wisconsin peninsula.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Distillery Where You See Everything

You’ll walk into a working distillery where the smell of fermenting grains and copper stills creates an authentic craft distilling atmosphere. Brian Facktor or his team lead tastings and tours, explaining the grain-to-glass process while you watch production through the large windows separating the tasting room from the distillery floor. The tasting experience typically includes samples of their core lineup along with seasonal offerings, with knowledgeable staff explaining the production methods and local ingredients that go into each spirit. The space feels industrial but welcoming, with reclaimed wood accents and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages questions about the distilling process. Tours provide behind-the-scenes access to the production area where you can see the mash tuns, fermentation tanks, and copper stills up close while learning about the technical aspects of craft distilling from people who actually run the equipment daily.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Craft Distilling Without the Crowds

This is perfect for visitors who want to experience authentic craft distilling without the crowds of larger tourist distilleries. You’re getting direct access to the founder and production team, not scripted tour guides, which means deeper conversations about distilling techniques and the challenges of building a craft spirits business from scratch. Door County tourists will appreciate having a genuine local craft experience that complements the peninsula’s other agricultural attractions. Serious spirits enthusiasts will value the small-batch approach and opportunity to taste products that aren’t widely distributed beyond Wisconsin. The experience won’t overwhelm you with elaborate facilities or entertainment, but rather offers an intimate look at how craft distilling actually works in a small operation where every bottle matters.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their website for current hours since they sometimes adjust for production schedules or seasonal demand. The distillery is easy to find on Highway 42, with adequate parking available on site. Spring through fall offers the best visiting experience when Door County tourism is in full swing and you can combine your visit with other peninsula attractions. Ask about their seasonal releases if you’re visiting during cherry season or harvest time, as these limited products often showcase the best of their local ingredient sourcing. Come with questions about their distilling process since Brian and his team enjoy talking technical details with interested visitors. If you’re touring other Door County attractions, this makes a good mid-day stop that won’t take up your entire afternoon but provides a unique perspective on the area’s agricultural heritage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Door County Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations aren’t required for tastings, but calling ahead is recommended to confirm hours and availability. During busy Door County tourism seasons, advance notice helps ensure someone will be available to provide the full experience.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes, they sell bottles on-site including spirits that may not be available in stores. This is often your best chance to get seasonal or limited releases that don’t make it into wider distribution.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Most visits last 30-45 minutes including tasting and tour, but can extend longer if you’re interested in detailed discussions about distilling techniques. It’s a good mid-day stop that won’t dominate your Door County itinerary.

GETTING THERE

Find Door County Distillery

📍5806 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USA

 — 

📞 (920) 743-7431

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