Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STONE CLIFF WINERY
STONE CLIFF WINERY. In 1996, Nan and Bob Smith, future vineyard owners, decided to return to Nan’s hometown of Dubuque, to raise their two daughters in a small town environment. They purchased the Stone Cliff Farm near Durango and planned to conventionally farm the land. Changes of plan, however, led to the decision to raise grapes and eventually operate a winery. They began their business planting 2000 vines. (1)
Beginning in 2007 the winery was operated out of a portion of the DUBUQUE STAR BREWING COMPANY founded by the Rhomberg family in 1898. The building had several owners after the Rhombergs before it was acquired by the City of Dubuque in the early 2000s. Operations of Stone Cliff Winery in the building began around 2012.
Beginning in July, 2022 the historic use of the building was resumed. While Stone Cliff Winery would remain unchanged with its tasting room, and opportunities for indoors or outdoor dining. The owners purchased the rights to he Dubuque Star beer in 2022. Dubuque Star Beer would also be offered. The brewing business was co-owned by Nan and Bob Smith and Jodi Bryson. Between six and eight beers were offered at the start including a lager, IPA, ale and a pilsner. The beer was brewed in Potosi, Wisconsin until a beer-brewing system could be installed beside the winery operation. (2)
brewery
In July, 2024 the owners announced that its was their intention to retire at the end of the year and sell the business. (3)
News that the winery had been sold appeared in January, 2025. Dave Fritz and Chad Walsh, who own the Star Brewery Building, purchased the business which included a large production area and tasting room along with an indoor and outdoor event venue. Walsh, former co-owner of EPIC Construction, led the historic reconstruction of the Star Brewery building in 2006. Fritz also owns the Potosi (Wis.) Beverage Co. (4)
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Source:
1. "Stone Cliff Winery," Online: https://kazzit.com/winery/stone-cliff-winery.html
2. Reese, Kayli, "Stone Cliff to Tap Star Beer," Telegraph Herald, June 14, 2022, p. 1A
3. Nieland, Grace, "Popular Winery for Sale in Port of Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, July 30, 2024, p. 2A
4. Nieland, Grace, "Dubuque Winery Changes Hands," Telegraph Herald, January 28, 2025, p. 1A