KOHLER, Wis. — In Jan. 2024 a wide range of new liquor laws went into effect in Wisconsin, impacting breweries, bars and wineries.

What You Need To Know

  • Wisconsin wineries are now able to open multiple locations

  • Blind Horse plans to open a second location in Cedarburg

  • Wineries are now able to stay open later

  • A date for Cedarburg location opening has not yet been announced

Now, a little more than five months after those laws took effect, staff at one winery said the changes are actually prompting them to expand their business.

The Blind Horse Winery, which opened just north of Kohler in 2014, is now planning a second location in Cedarburg.

As part of the overhaul in state liquor laws, wineries are now able to stay open later. Previously, wineries needed to close at 9 p.m., but are now permitted to remain open until bar close. In addition, legislation has changed allowing wineries to open more than one location.

It is something Blind Horse owners Connie and Bob Moeller said have allowed them to grow the business. The Blind Horse does not intend to extend their hours, but the chance to serve a new community is something they look forward to.

“Cedarburg has a tremendous foot traffic year round. That was key. Everybody that comes to Kohler has to drive here. In Cedarburg, it is a different situation,” said Bob Moeller.

With many wineries around the state located in rural areas, Bob Moeller feels the ability for other wineries to grow their footprint will mean a lot.

“No matter where you are at in Wisconsin, they can find an outlet, they can find a place in a municipality, they can bring their product there. They can put a salesman on the road and sell directly to other businesses,” said Moeller.

While work has begun on The Blind Horse’s second location along Washington Avenue in Cedarburg, no opening date has been set.

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