Wisconsin’s first wine grapes were planted here in 1847 by the legendary Agoston Haraszthy. The site of Haraszthy’s original planting is today the location of the Wollersheim Winery, the only winery making wines carrying the Lake Wisconsin AVA identity. This is Wisconsin’s only official viticultural area, located in the south-central part of the state. Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River form part of the appellation’s boundaries, both moderating winter temperatures. Vineyards are at 800-900 feet, with south and southwest-facing slopes enjoying good water and air drainage. This results in delayed frost and a growing season of 140-160 days, two to three weeks longer than adjacent growing areas. Average annual precipitation is lower than most of the state. Deep, well-drained, gravelly and sandy loam glacial till soils also distinguish this AVA. Currently, there are a little more than 20 acres planted, primarily to the red French-American hybrid, Marechal Foch.