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Get ready wine lovers! The Door County Wine Fest is making its grand return on Saturday, June 21, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be the wine event of the summer. Set against the picturesque backdrop of About Thyme Farm in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, this celebration brings together the finest wineries of the Door County Wine Trail for a day of unlimited tastings, delicious local cuisine, and live music that’ll have you swaying with a glass in hand.
Having attended similar festivals in the past, I can tell you the Door County Wine Fest stands out for its perfect blend of casual vibes and premium wine experiences. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your festival day – from shuttle services to what to pack and all the sipping opportunities in between!
Quick-Glance Festival Details
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s everything you need to know at a glance about the 2025 Door County Wine Fest:
- 📍 Location: About Thyme Farm, 8425 County F, Baileys Harbor, WI
- 📅 Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
- ⏰ Time:
- VIP Entry: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- General Admission: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- 🍷 Wineries: 10 local wineries from the Door County Wine Trail
- 🎟️ Tickets:
- VIP: $95 (early entry + exclusive wine & cheese pairings)
- General Admission: $80 (souvenir glass + unlimited tastings)
- Designated Driver: $15 (souvenir glass + two non-alcoholic beverages)
- 🧀 Food: Local bites available for purchase
- 🎶 Music: Live performance by the Levi Ballenger Trio
- 🚍 Shuttles: Free rides from multiple Door County locations
- 🚫 Restrictions: 21+ only, no pets or carry-ins
- ☀️ What to Bring: Valid ID, sunscreen, comfy shoes
The Door County Wine Fest Experience
The Door County Wine Fest celebrates everything that makes Wisconsin wine country special. This beloved annual event showcases the diverse wines produced along the Door County Wine Trail, giving you the perfect opportunity to sample varieties you might never have discovered otherwise. From crisp whites that capture the peninsula’s cool climate to rich reds and fruit-forward specialties, there’s something for every wine preference.
As you wander through About Thyme Farm, you’ll have the chance to chat directly with winemakers about their craft. These passionate artisans love sharing stories about their vineyards, production methods, and what makes Door County wines unique. It’s not just a tasting – it’s a complete immersion into Wisconsin’s wine culture. If you’ve been curious about wine tourism destinations, this festival offers a perfect introduction to one of the Midwest’s hidden gems.
While the wines take center stage, the festival atmosphere adds to the experience. The Levi Ballenger Trio provides a soundtrack of live music that perfectly complements your tasting journey. You’ll notice groups of friends comparing tasting notes, couples relaxing on the grounds, and everyone enjoying the laid-back Door County vibe that makes this festival so special.
Ticket Options and What They Include
When planning your Door County Wine Fest adventure, choosing the right ticket is key. Here’s what each option offers:
VIP Tickets ($95) give you early access starting at 11:00 AM, which means a full hour of less-crowded tastings before general admission begins. VIP tickets also include exclusive wine and cheese pairing experiences not available to general admission attendees. If you’re serious about wine tasting and want to learn about food and wine pairing fundamentals, this ticket is worth the upgrade.
General Admission Tickets ($80) include entry from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, a souvenir wine glass, and unlimited tastings from all participating wineries. This is the standard festival experience and offers excellent value for the variety of wines you’ll sample.
Coming with a non-drinking friend? Designated Driver Tickets ($15) allow your companion to enjoy the festival atmosphere, including a souvenir glass and two non-alcoholic beverages, while ensuring you have a safe ride home if you’re not using the shuttle service.
All tickets can be purchased through the Door County Wine Fest official website. My tip? Buy early – this event regularly sells out, especially the VIP tickets!
Smart Transportation Planning
One of the most important things to note about the Door County Wine Fest is that there is absolutely no parking at About Thyme Farm. This might seem inconvenient at first, but the organizers have actually created a brilliant solution that enhances safety and eliminates designated driver dilemmas.
Free shuttle services run continuously throughout the event day from six convenient locations throughout Door County:
- Baileys Harbor Rec Park
- Downtown Baileys Harbor
- Egg Harbor
- Fish Creek
- Ephraim
- Sister Bay
The shuttles are comfortable, air-conditioned, and the perfect way to get to and from the festival safely. They run approximately every 30 minutes, making it easy to head back to your accommodations when you’ve had your fill of wine tasting. This setup also means you can fully enjoy the Wine Fest without worrying about driving afterward.
For those staying further away, consider arranging a rideshare service or taxi to take you to the nearest shuttle pickup location. Many local accommodations also offer special transportation arrangements for festival-goers – just ask when booking your stay!
What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
The sun can be intense in Door County during June, so come prepared for a day outdoors. Your essential packing list for the Door County Wine Fest should include:
- Valid photo ID – This is mandatory as the event is strictly 21+
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll be standing and walking between tasting stations
- Small bag or purse – For your essentials (large bags aren’t permitted)
- Cash – While many vendors accept cards, having cash on hand is always smart for food purchases
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated between tastings (water stations available)
Equally important is knowing what not to bring to the festival:
- Outside food or drinks (including water bottles)
- Pets (service animals excepted)
- Large bags, backpacks, or coolers
- Lawn chairs or blankets (seating is provided)
For those curious about appropriate attire, I’ve found a nice sundress with comfortable sandals or casual pants and a breathable shirt work perfectly. Check out this guide on wine tasting fashion dos and don’ts for more specific outfit ideas. The festival strikes a nice balance between casual comfort and wine-country chic, so don’t stress too much about your outfit – but do prepare for the weather!
Maximizing Your Wine Tasting Experience
With 10 wineries offering multiple varieties each, you’ll have access to dozens of different wines at the Door County Wine Fest. To make the most of this opportunity without overwhelming your palate, consider these tasting strategies:
Start with lighter wines (whites, rosés) before moving to fuller-bodied options. This classic tasting progression helps your taste buds adjust gradually. Between tastings, cleanse your palate with water or the bread provided at tasting stations. Don’t be afraid to use the dump buckets if you don’t finish a sample – they’re there for a reason, and using them allows you to pace yourself throughout the day.
Take notes on your favorites using your phone or a small notepad. With so many wines to try, it’s easy to forget which ones you enjoyed most! Most wineries will have bottles available for purchase, and many offer festival-day discounts. If you’re new to formal tastings, brush up on wine tasting terminology before you go – it makes the experience more fun and educational.
The food vendors at the festival offer delicious local specialties that pair beautifully with the wines being poured. Take advantage of these pairings to experience how food can transform a wine’s flavor profile. Most importantly, pace yourself! Sip water frequently, eat throughout the day, and remember the festival is about enjoyment, not consumption.
Plan Your Festival Weekend
The Door County Wine Fest makes for a perfect centerpiece to a weekend getaway in one of Wisconsin’s most charming regions. If you’re coming from out of town, I strongly recommend extending your stay to explore everything the peninsula has to offer. Door County accommodations fill up quickly for festival weekend, so book your lodging as early as possible.
Baileys Harbor, where the festival is located, offers charming B&Bs and inns within walking distance of shuttle pickup locations. Neighboring towns like Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sister Bay also provide excellent options ranging from luxury resorts to cozy cottages. Many properties offer special packages for Wine Fest attendees, so be sure to ask when booking.
Consider building a complete weekend itinerary around the festival. The day before, explore the area’s famous cherry orchards, art galleries, or lighthouses. The day after, recover with a relaxing beach day or scenic drive along the coast. Door County hosts numerous art and wine festivals throughout the summer season, so you might even catch another event during your visit!
For real-time updates, ticket information, and any last-minute changes, follow the Door County Wine Fest on social media (@DoorCountyWineFest) and check the official website regularly. Sign up for their newsletter to receive exclusive offers and important announcements leading up to the event.
As someone who’s experienced the joy of discovering new favorite wines at festivals like this, I can’t recommend the Door County Wine Fest enough. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore beyond your usual glass of Pinot, this festival offers the perfect blend of education, enjoyment, and Door County charm. Book your tickets, arrange your transportation, gather your friends, and get ready to toast to an unforgettable wine country experience. I’ll see you there with glass in hand!
