FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: February 11, 2026
CONTACT: Sheila Everhart, (608) 774-1354, [email protected]
Erin Lautenbach / Carrie Lautenbach, (920) 868-3479, [email protected]

Nominating Lautenbach’s Orchard Country for 2026 Governor’s Tourism Arts, Culture & Heritage Award is as easy as “Cherry Pie” !

Janesville, WI – The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) is proud to announce the nomination of Lautenbach’s Orchard Country for the 2026 Governor’s Tourism Arts, Culture & Heritage Award. This nomination honors the Lautenbach family’s 70-year legacy as a “living museum” of Door County’s iconic cherry-farming culture and its profound impact on Wisconsin’s tourism economy.

Founded in 1955 by Bill and Ruth Lautenbach, the 100-acre estate has evolved from a small fruit stand into a premier year-round destination. The center of the property, a restored dairy barn, now houses a winery and cider mill that produces award-winning estate wines and hard ciders, effectively blending traditional farming with modern craft.

“Lautenbach’s Orchard Country is the definitive example of how preserving cultural heritage translates into a robust economic engine,” said Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of WATA. “Their commitment to land stewardship and authentic storytelling ensures that Door County’s farming traditions remain a vibrant, must-visit experience for travelers from around the world.”

Preserving Heritage and Driving Growth:

• National Spotlight: The orchard served as the primary filming location for the 2025 holiday movie, A Cherry Pie Christmas. The production injected over $600,000 into the local economy and created a new “Movie Trail” that continues to draw national visitors to Fish Creek.
• Economic Vitality: As a key driver of Door County’s $651.2 million visitor economy, Lautenbach’s helps support thousands of local jobs and generates critical tax revenue that funds regional infrastructure.
• Year-Round Engagement: From horse-drawn sleigh rides and cherry blossom viewing to the world-famous Cherry Pit Spit, the orchard offers diverse seasonal activities that extend Door County’s tourism reach into all four seasons.
• Honoring a Visionary: The nomination also serves as a posthumous tribute to Bob Lautenbach (1949–2021), a pioneer of agritourism who dedicated his life to promoting the cherry and wine industry.

The Arts, Culture & Heritage Award celebrates organizations that use history and local culture to enhance the tourism experience and community well-being. Winners will be announced at the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism in March 17, 2026.

About Lautenbach’s Orchard Country:

Located in Fish Creek, WI, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country is a family-owned orchard, winery, and market. For seven decades, the Lautenbach family has specialized in estate-grown fruit products, providing immersive agricultural experiences for generations of visitors.

About the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA):

WATA is a non-profit which provides policy information, marketing and education to working farmers, thereby organization dedicated to promoting agricultural tourism as a sustainable economic engine for Wisconsin across Wisconsin. By connecting travelers with authentic farm-to-table experiences, WATA supports the preservation of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities across the state. Learn more at WiAgTourism.com