Bunnycup Winery owners Mike and Amanda Derhiem pause for a photo by the bonfire during their Unfussy Winter Fest. – Photo by Sarah Beth Radomsky

 

LUCK – Bunnycup Winery welcomed visitors to its Unfussy Winter Fest on Saturday, March 1, transforming a snow-scarce landscape into a cozy celebration of winter, or what was left of it. With temperatures mild and sunny, and wind gusts up to 17 mph, the event drew a crowd eager to embrace the season, whatever form it took.

The winery, tucked away in the countryside of Luck, kicked off the fest with a laid-back vibe, offering outdoor activities, friendly competitions and a variety of vendor fare. Just a half hour after starting, several cars lined the parking lot, signaling a strong start despite the melted snow. Festivities included Hammer Schlangen, a German log-splitting game, winemaker tours, and live music provided by a DJ on the patio all day. A heated outdoor igloo, complete with couches and heater, and a fully stocked wine bar, provided a cozy retreat. For the younger crowd, games ran in the afternoon, including shuffleboard, also called “redneck curling” on the ice-skating rink. With no snow for snowmen, a dough-based alternative kept the creativity flowing, alongside a scavenger hunt. Food highlights included Drool Worthy, a Latin-infused barbecue food truck serving up what was highlighted as “phenomenal” eats. A hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and whipped cream kept the kids happy, while fire pits roared all day, and a vendor village showcased sourdough, wine accessories, metal art and glassware. Inside, the fully stocked wine bar offered tastings, with all merchandise discounted.

Owners Mike and Amanda Derheim, who opened Bunnycup Winery in April 2024 after purchasing the property about four years ago, leaned into the unpredictable Wisconsin weather. “We’re unfussy, so we don’t care,” Amanda said with a laugh. “We just pivoted.” The couple, who have known each other since high school in North Dakota, transformed the former dog training facility into a four-acre vineyard and winery, blending their love for wine with a desire to return to the rural life they grew up with. They also shared that they had been coming to the area for the last 13 years to enjoy a lakeside property, especially in the summers, which they plan to make their permanent home once their last son has graduated from school. In the meantime, it’s a lot of commuting from their home near the Twin Cities to run the winery.

“It’s about embracing winter and making it fun instead of complaining,” Amanda said, noting the winery’s goal to get people outdoors. The Derheims, who source grapes from their vineyard and other local growers, produce 14 wine varieties, including classics and fruit wines like their best-selling blood orange, which has no grapes involved. They also shared plans for two new varieties coming out soon.

The winery’s name, Bunnycup, nods to Amanda’s evolving nickname from Mike, starting as “honey bunny” and landing on a playful twist from the song, “Build Me Up Buttercup.” “It fits the low-key, easygoing vibe we wanted,” she said.

Bunnycup Winery plans three more seasonal fests in 2025, including Spring Fest, Summer Fest, and a fall iteration. For now, Winter Fest proved that even without snow, a little wine, warmth and Wisconsin grit can turn any day into a celebration.