White Winter Mead, Cider, Spirits is marking its 30th anniversary as Wisconsin's oldest meadery. Founded by Jon and Kim Hamilton in 1996, the Iron River producer has evolved from a pioneering honey-based winery into a multi-category craft beverage destination. The meadery built its reputation on a straightforward mission: leveraging regional resources to craft high-quality, sustainable products. White Winter sources Wisconsin honey and locally grown fruit to produce meads, hard ciders, and distilled spirits, with a stated focus on capturing "the unique essence of the Lake Superior region in every bottle." Over three decades, the operation has become a fixture of Wisconsin's Northwoods craft beverage scene, accumulating awards across its mead, cider, and spirits categories.
Why It Matters
White Winter's longevity underscores the durability of regional craft producers that anchor their products to local sourcing and production traditions—a model that continues to resonate with consumers seeking authenticity and connection to place.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
