Parallel 44 & Door 44 Vineyard & Wineries have announced their Spring 2026 Wine Club release, showcasing their commitment to innovative cold-climate winemaking. The release, which occurred on February 16, 2026, introduces two new wines: the Lively rosé, a blend of petite pearl, Atasa, and St. Pepin grapes, and the Promise red, crafted from the Verona grape. This release highlights the wineries' dedication to producing unique, locally-sourced wines that thrive in Wisconsin's challenging climate.
Introduction to Parallel 44 & Door 44 Wineries
Founded in 2005 by Steve Johnson and Maria Milano Johnson, Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery has been at the forefront of cold-climate winemaking in Wisconsin. Located on the 44th parallel north, a latitude shared with renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany, the winery has successfully cultivated hardy grape va
In a significant expansion, Door 44 Vineyard & Winery was established near Sturgeon Bay in Door County around 2013. This location specializes in Upper Midwest grapes, with exclusive on-site wines crafted by Steve Johnson. Both wineries emphasize storytelling through their wines, connecting consumers to the land and the winemaking process.
According to the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, Parallel 44 started planting vines in May 2005 with a vision to redefine Wisconsin wine. Steve Johnson, Co-owner and Winemaker, stated, "Since we started eight years ago, we've never wavered from our vision of producing high quality wines that are uniquely local from the ground to the glass and that reflect a flavor and style not easily reproducible anywhere else." This dedication to quality is a hallmark of their wine club.
Spring 2026 Wine Club Release Details
The Spring 2026 Wine Club release from Parallel 44 & Door 44, launched on February 16, 2026, features two exciting new wines that showcase the wineries' innovative approach to cold-climate winemaking. This release is a testament to their dedication to using unique grape varietals and crafting wines that capture the essence of the Wisconsin terroir.
The release includes:
- Lively rosé: A blend of petite pearl, Atasa, and St. Pepin grapes.
- Promise red: Made from the Verona grape.
These wines represent the culmination of years of experimentation and refinement, highlighting the potential of cold-hardy hybrids to produce exceptional wines even in sub-zero temperatures.
Release Date
- The Spring 2026 Wine Club release occurred on February 16, 2026.
Tasting Notes and Wine Profiles
While specific tasting notes for the Lively rosé and Promise red from the Spring 2026 Wine Club release aren't available in the provided research, we can infer some characteristics based on the grape varietals used and the wineries' overall style.
Lively Rosé
The Lively rosé, a blend of Petite Pearl, Atasa, and St. Pepin, is likely to be a refreshing and aromatic wine. Rosés are typically known for their bright acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and delicate floral notes. The combination of these three grape varietals could result in a complex and well-balanced rosé with a unique flavor profile.
Promise Red
The Promise red, made from the Verona grape, is expected to be a light to medium-bodied red wine. Red wines made from cold-hardy grapes often exhibit characteristics such as bright fruit flavors, subtle tannins, and a refreshing acidity. The Verona grape, in particular, may contribute to a wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, or other red fruit flavors.
Grape Varietals Used
Parallel 44 & Door 44's success lies in their strategic use of cold-hardy grape varietals that can withstand Wisconsin's challenging climate. These varietals, often hybrids developed specifically for cold-climate regions, allow the wineries to produce unique and flavorful wines that are distinct from those found in more traditional wine regions.
Petite Pearl
- Petite Pearl is a cold-hardy red wine grape variety.
- It is known for its resistance to cold temperatures and its ability to produce wines with good color and structure.
Atasa
- Atasa is another cold-hardy grape variety.
- Specific details about its flavor profile and characteristics are not available in the provided research.
St. Pepin
- St. Pepin is a white grape variety known for its cold-hardiness and disease resistance.
- It typically produces wines with floral aromas and crisp acidity.
Verona
- Verona is a red grape variety.
- It is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and produce wines with bright fruit flavors.
Wine Club Membership Information
While the specific details of the Parallel 44 & Door 44 Wine Club membership are not provided in the research, wine clubs typically offer members a range of benefits, including:
- Exclusive access to new releases and limited-production wines.
- Discounts on wine purchases.
- Invitations to special events and tastings.
- Customized wine selections based on individual preferences.
Joining the wine club is an excellent way to support these Wisconsin wineries and enjoy their unique, cold-climate wines on a regular basis.
Future Releases and Winery Events
To stay informed about future wine releases, winery events, and other news from Parallel 44 & Door 44, it is recommended to visit their official website at https://www.44wineries.com/. The website provides information about upcoming events, new wine releases, and other winery-related activities.
Parallel 44 & Door 44 continue to innovate and push the boundaries of cold-climate winemaking. Keep an eye out for future releases and events that showcase their commitment to quality and their passion for Wisconsin wine.
Steve Johnson, Co-owner and Winemaker, also noted that "Knowing the story behind the wine means a lot to those who enjoy wine." This highlights the importance of connecting with the wineries and understanding their unique approach to winemaking.
The Spring 2026 Wine Club release exemplifies Parallel 44 & Door 44's dedication to crafting exceptional wines from cold-hardy grapes. The Lively rosé and Promise red offer a taste of Wisconsin's unique terroir and showcase the wineries' innovative spirit. By continuing to explore new grape varietals and winemaking techniques, Parallel 44 & Door 44 are solidifying their position as leaders in the cold-climate wine industry.
Key Takeaways
- The Spring 2026 Wine Club release features two new wines: Lively rosé and Promise red.
- Both wines reflect the unique terroir of Wisconsin and the innovative spirit of the wineries.
- Joining the wine club provides exclusive access to new releases and special events.
- Parallel 44 & Door 44 are committed to cold-climate winemaking and producing unique, locally-sourced wines.
