About Us:
Open: Year-round
Door 44 Winery opened in June 2013. It is sister winery to Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery. Parallel 44 was started in 2005 by husband and wife team, Steve Johnson and Maria Milano. For Steve and Maria, wine making and grape-growing was a dream that turned into a commercial venture. They had a vision that grapes could be grown here in Wiscosin that made delicious wines, and they believed this region would one day be known for producing quality grown wines. Although it took courage for Steve and Maria to begin this venture, their passion for regional wines continues as they keep producing award winning wines that are pleasing to consumers.
Steve grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin where his father Carl experimented early on with growing grapes in Wisconsin. Maria grew up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin where her Italian born father continued his tradition of making wine for friends and family celebrations. Both developed an early appreciation and love for wine!
Steve and Maria met while in school at Madison and then attended law school together. While working as attorneys, they attended seminars on grape growing in Wisconsin. Driven by their vision for quality locally grown grape wines, they continued searching for a site with the perfect soil, sun exposure and temperatures for growing grapes, they found their current site in 2005. They purchased the land, and planted vines immediately. In 2014, they are up to 8000 vines or 10 acres of grapes, with the goal of planting up to 25 acres at their current location.
The winery was built in 2006 and opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2007. Since then, they attribute their success to their dedicated customers, whose support has allowed Parallel 44 to grow and expand each year.Steve is the self taught wine maker at Parallel 44, whose passion it is to provide the best wines that Wisconsin has to offer. It is his belief that wine should reflect the soul of the land from which it comes - this is the French concept of Terroir. Steve, growing up in Green Bay and being a die-hard Packer fan, created the Frozen Tundra Family of Wines as a line of wines that truly celebrate the flavor of grapes from the Upper Mid-West or as Steve likes to say, provide "A Taste of the Tundra!"
Steve's father Carl, along with Steve, tend to the vineyard which is meticulous cared for so as to produce the best flavored grapes Wisconsin has to offer.Maria oversees the business end of the winery, including sales, marketing, distribution, financials and more.In an effort to bring our wines to more people, Steve & Maria opened our sister winery, Door 44 in June 2013. This winery is in the heart of Door County. Steve and Maria feel this will be the perfect place to share more Wisconsin wines.It is all our passion here at Parallel 44 and Door 44 to provide you with the highest quality Wisconsin wines. Steve and Maria, and all our staff, personally invite you to stop at Parallel 44 and Door 44 and explore your vision, explore your passion and explore your taste!
