Wollersheim Winery & Distillery sits on a hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac, about 25 miles northwest of Madison. Philippe Coquard and his wife Julie brought their French winemaking heritage to Wisconsin in 1972, purchasing the historic Kehl Brewery building and surrounding vineyard land that dates back to the 1840s. The property itself has deep roots in alcohol production—Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy first planted grapes here in 1847 before heading to California to become known as the father of California viticulture. What started as purely a winery operation expanded into distilling in the 2000s, when the Coquards saw an opportunity to apply their fermentation expertise to craft spirits. The limestone building that houses their operations was constructed in the 1850s and maintains much of its original character, with thick stone walls that provide natural temperature control for aging spirits. They produce a range of spirits including brandy, gin, rum, and fruit brandies, often incorporating their own estate-grown ingredients when possible. The distillery operates alongside their established winery, creating a unique hybrid operation where visitors can experience both wine and spirit production in one location. Philippe’s background as a Frenchman trained in traditional distillation methods brings an old-world approach to their spirit production, while Julie handles much of the business operations and hospitality aspects. The 45-acre estate includes not just production facilities but also event spaces and tasting rooms that overlook the scenic Wisconsin River valley.
