Perhaps you've always dreamed of doing a bike trip through Italy—stopping off to visit sumptuous wineries in the rolling Tuscan hills, soaking up the countryside, enjoying a picnic. Problem: You don't have the time off or the cash available to make that happen any time soon. That doesn't mean that you couldn't recreate something similar in the surrounding Milwaukee areas this summer. Where there are flights of fancy, there are also wine flights, I say, right here at home. Take Mukwonago, for instance. A scant 34 minutes southwest of Milwaukee on US-45 S. takes you right there. You've got plenty of rolling hills, local parks, bike paths, rural scenery and small town hospitality to choose from. Here is my suggested itinerary to bring rustic Italian charm to your own backyard.
Mukwonago Park
First off, park your motorized vehicle at the always pleasant Mukwonago Park of Waukesha County (S100W31900 County Hwy LO). This really is one of the nicer small parks in the area. It is open year-round and the official park hours are sunrise to 10 p.m. Bonus if you are able to do this on a weeknight, because you will likely have most of the place to yourself. There are plenty of oak-shaded sections to enjoy. A pond is open for swimming, firewood for purchase and trails to explore leisurely on the premises. While hiking at various times of the year there, I have sighted flocks of sandhill cranes and alternately, wild turkey running around. The cost for spending the night is a paltry $12. If you just want to park while you do your day travels, that's cool, too. The park entrance fee is $4 per car. Just try and sneak a siesta on one of the available picnic benches before heading back, especially if you choose to partake in what I describe next.
Then hop on your bike and head east on County Hwy LO, back the way you came. There is a path on the south side of the road that runs parallel to the main road and the views are mighty fine. On the main drag, wet your whistle at Pam's Fine Wines downtown (100 Main St.). They are affable and have a nice selection for purchase and sampling. Pam's won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Mukwonago Chamber of Commerce in 2010. The prices are quite reasonable. If traveling with a partner, I would suggest sampling a wine flight to share. Start with white for the day or stick with red for your course. If traveling solo, ask Pam herself for a recommendation, or go with whatever strikes your fancy. Pam's is open Monday through Friday 12-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Looking for frugality? They offer a free wine tasting every Saturday between noon and 6 p.m.
Before heading out again, be sure to hit the restrooms and make certain your water bottle is full to stay hydrated. Bike northeast to Pieper Porch Winery & Vineyard. Head northeast on Main St. toward N. Rochester St. Turn left onto Route 83 N./State 83 N./State Route 83 N./WI-83 N./N. Rochester St. Continue to follow Route 83 N./State 83 N./State Rte 83 N./WI-83 N. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto County Road I. Your destination (S67W28435 River Road) will be on the right. This is not a bad jaunt at 5.6 miles—about a 32 minute ride. Pieper Porch is family owned and a natural, woodsy setting awaits there. They are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winery offers the option of chilling on their porch or walking the grounds. No appointment is necessary May through December. Test-drive their unique summertime treat, Lemon Wine, and keep in mind your personal cutoff when traveling onward.
Next, you can make a loop back through town to Crazy Bears Pizza at 111 Atkinson St. (just south of Pam's where you began). By this time, you should probably enjoy a little light sustenance after sampling that vino. Munch on one of their specialty pizzas, such as the Islander (red sauce, teriyaki, chicken, bacon, pineapple and red onion). They also offers salads and sandwiches, if you prefer something lighter. Sit outside, al fresco, if possible. Close your eyes. Is the sun out? Can you imagine yourself vacationing in Italy yet?
When you are ready, return to Mukwonago Park. Done at a leisurely pace, this is a perfect afternoon-to-dusk jaunt. I highly recommend staying the night at the park. That way you don't have to worry about driving anywhere. Build a roaring fire, try your hand at a simple yet elegant pan of sausage, peppers and onions for supper, and crack open a split of Riviera Pinot Noir for a nightcap (Ray's Wine & Spirits in Wauwatosa carries some good wine split options). Look up at the stars. Enjoy your taste of Italia without the passport.
