Food+Drink

Sandstone Ridge Winery

couple starts new vineyard

Jenny Talen, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

A LOT ON THE VINE. Co-owners Bob and Connie Dubiel pause amongst the vines of Sandstone Ridge Winery.
A LOT ON THE VINE. Co-owners Bob and Connie Dubiel pause amongst the vines of Sandstone Ridge Winery.

Settling into another day at the office, Bob and Connie Dubiel were in search of something more. Both finance and accounting majors, the duo had become accustomed to regiments and routine work. Being avid wine-drinkers, Bob sparked an idea, and they decided to establish a vineyard, and the idea would change their lives’ forever.

Their first vineyard began slowly with a mere 40 vines on a patch of his parents’ farmland. Enjoying the wine-making process and continuing to learn, Bob and Connie realized 40 vines just wouldn’t suffice. 

“Forty became 600, and 600 is now 3,400 vines,” said Bob. 

Beautiful rolling hills and breathtaking scenery, Western Jackson County was the epitome of the ideal vineyard location. Bob and Connie first saw the site five years ago and have created a vineyard that focuses on a peaceful and relaxing setting. 

They now own a 40-acre parcel of land, and since establishing the vineyard in Jackson County, the pair now has six acres of land flourishing with grape vines with room for future expansion.

“Forty became 600, and 600 is now 3,400 vines.” – co-owner Bob Dubiel

Experimenting with different ways of growing grapes to produce the highest quality is key, said Bob. Sunlight, dry and sandy soil, and airflow help aid growth. 

Fortunately, Wisconsin is known for its sandstone interior – a haven for healthy grape production. 

 “We were putting in the trellising system with all the posts, which go several feet into the ground,” said Bob. “On some of the hills we were hitting hard sandstone rock and it was frustrating at the time, but then we realized that the quality of the soil in this part of Jackson County is very conducive to grape growing.”

With sandstone on the mind, another idea emerged – The Sandstone Ridge Winery. Featuring scenic views, the ideal environment, a peaceful setting, and their determined attitude, an additional winery would ensure growth and new opportunity. 

Now in its final phase, Sandstone Ridge Winery is set to make its debut on May 12. A cozy fireplace, stone pathways, outdoor patio, sizable windows that overlook the vineyard, and the opportunity to see the wine production process, the newly built winery is sure to please. 

“In this part of the country, there aren’t too many people that have had the experience of going to a vineyard,” said Bob. “I hope they come out and just appreciate the fact that we have a new industry here in Wisconsin. They can enjoy wine production just as much as anyone else in the U.S. and learn about how grapes are grown.”

Sandstone Ridge will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11-7pm. Opening weekend, Connie said the winery will feature eight varieties of wine – from reds to whites, sweet to dry. By August, she adds, they’ll have an additional five wines. 

Other projects in the works include opening their doors to live music, showcasing local artists and their artwork at the winery, educational tours, and cheese samples.

“The tag-line ‘Unique Tastes Only Come From Unique Places’ is the spirit of this place,” said Bob. “This is a unique place. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. I think it’s one of the most beautiful sites in Wisconsin.” 

Sandstone Ridge Winery will be open from May to December. 

“Come and experience it for where you are at in your life,” said Connie. “If you have kids and you want to bring a picnic, then sit down and have a picnic. If you are a couple and you want to have a romantic glass of wine on the patio, have at it. Everyone will get something different from the experience and we certainly want to be versatile.”