White Winter Mead, Cider, Spirits, located in Iron River, Wisconsin, is marking its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in 1996 by Jon and Kim Hamilton, the meadery is Wisconsin's oldest and has become a fixture in the region's craft beverage market. The operation began with a straightforward objective: to leverage regional resources in creating high-quality, sustainable beverages. Over three decades, White Winter has expanded from a honey-based winery into a multi-category producer offering meads, hard ciders, and artisanal spirits. The company sources Wisconsin honey and fruit locally, a practice that has defined its approach to production and regional sustainability. White Winter positions its output around what it calls "The Drink of Celebration," framing its portfolio as embodying the character of the Lake Superior region.
Why It Matters
White Winter's longevity underscores sustained regional demand for craft meads and ciders—categories that remain niche but resilient in the broader spirits market. As a three-decade-old producer, the meadery serves as a benchmark for craft beverage sustainability in Wisconsin's Northwoods, where tourism and local sourcing anchor many beverage businesses.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
