Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe in Altoona. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

Each year our Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll quizzes thousands of folks about their favorite things in the Valley – including where to enjoy the best wine! Here are the relevant results from our most recent poll, published in February. 

BEST WINE SELECTION (BAR, RESTAURANT, OR WINERY)

1. Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe
2. River Bend Winery & Distillery
3. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

With its upscale decor and great view of River Prairie, Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Place, Altoona) offers a wide variety of wine — not to mention beer, cocktails, spirits, coffee, and a few bites to eat to hold you through it all! River Bend Winery & Distillery (10439 33rd Ave., Chippewa Falls) has deep roots in the Valley. They offer high-quality wine and spirits in a gorgeous, homey space. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery (3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire) has a range of wines that remain a favorite for locals wine aficionados. –Kelly Carlson

River Bend Winery (via Instagram).

BEST WINEMAKER

1. River Bend Winery & Distillery
2. Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines
3. Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard

The award-winning River Bend Winery & Distillery (10439 33rd Ave., Chippewa Falls) lands in first place with its locally renowned blends such as Magenta, Sunset, LaCrescent, and Moonlight. Second up, Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva) serves unbeatable service and delicious varieties. Following closely in third is Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard (19947 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls), where every step — from production to bottling, corking, and labeling — is meticulously done by hand at their facility. –Hannah Angell

BEST WINE SELECTION (RETAIL)

1. Woodman’s Markets
2. River Bend Winery & Distillery
3. Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines

With more than 3,000 wines in stock, Woodman’s Markets (2855 Woodman Drive, Altoona) is the go-to retailer for Chippewa Valley connoisseurs. Whatever your taste or budget – from Dom Perignon to Barefoot — Woodman’s is sure to have something you’ll enjoy. River Bend Winery & Distillery (10439 33rd Ave., Chippewa Falls) not only boasts breathtaking views thanks to its vineyard, but you can taste and buy wine directly from their location – or get it shipped to you (shipping available to 30-plus states). And local winemaker Bemis Bluff Custom Fruit Wines (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva) offers nearly 20 of its locally-made varieties from sweet to dry to seasonal!  –McKenna Scherer