Three Lakes Cranberry Raspberry

Three Lakes Cranberry Raspberry is a Wisconsin fruit wine blending cranberry and raspberry through whole-berry fermentation, bottled at approximately 10–12% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by Three Lakes Winery — a pioneer in cranberry winemaking operating since 1972 — this expression highlights the natural interplay between two of Wisconsin's signature berries without relying on added flavorings or juices.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10–12%  |  Origin: Three Lakes, Wisconsin, USA  |  Fruit Wine  |  Producer: Three Lakes Winery

Production & Heritage

Three Lakes Winery, located in the Northwoods region of Wisconsin, has been producing cranberry-based wines since 1972 and is widely recognized as one of the state's original cranberry wine producers. The Cranberry Raspberry is made using their signature whole-berry fermentation process, meaning entire cranberries and raspberries are fermented without the addition of supplemental flavorings, juices, or concentrates. This approach preserves the full character of each fruit and distinguishes Three Lakes from producers who rely on flavor additions to achieve a fruit-forward profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a luscious, sweet raspberry fragrance that leads the initial impression. Underneath, subtler cranberry tartness emerges as the wine breathes.

Taste: On the palate, cranberry and raspberry compete for attention in an engaging push-pull between tart and sweet. Neither fruit dominates — the two arrive at near-equal intensity, creating a vibrant mid-palate tension that keeps the wine lively and balanced.

Finish: The finish resolves into zesty lemon-like acidity layered with warm jam undertones. It lingers at medium length, leaving a clean, berry-forward impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Cranberry Raspberry

Serve well-chilled at 40–45°F to highlight the wine's natural fruit acidity and aromatic intensity. It also works as a versatile base in fruit-forward drinks. A Cranberry Spritzer (topped with sparkling water and a lime wheel) plays up the tartness. A Berry Sangria benefits from this wine's whole-fruit depth, pairing naturally with sliced citrus and fresh berries. A Kir-style aperitif — a small pour of crème de cassis topped with this wine — creates a layered berry experience with minimal effort.

Best For

• Introducing non-wine-drinkers to fruit wine through an approachable, balanced blend
• Bringing a Wisconsin-made conversation piece to a holiday gathering or dinner party
• Pairing with Thanksgiving or Christmas meals where cranberry flavors complement the table
• Gifting to someone who appreciates artisan, small-production regional wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Three Lakes Cranberry Raspberry taste like? It delivers a balanced duel between tart cranberry and sweet raspberry, finishing with zesty lemon brightness and warm jam undertones. The two fruits arrive at near-equal intensity, making it neither overly sweet nor aggressively tart.

How does Cranberry Raspberry compare to Three Lakes Wisconsin Cranberry Wine? The standalone Wisconsin Cranberry Wine leans more heavily into cranberry's natural tartness, while the Cranberry Raspberry blend tempers that acidity with raspberry sweetness for a rounder, more fruit-forward profile. Both use the same whole-berry fermentation method.

Is Cranberry Raspberry good for beginners? Yes — its moderate alcohol level (10–12% ABV) and familiar berry flavors make it an accessible entry point for those who find grape-based wines intimidating or overly tannic.

Where is Cranberry Raspberry made? It is produced by Three Lakes Winery in the town of Three Lakes, located in Wisconsin's Northwoods region. The winery has been crafting cranberry-based wines at this location since 1972.

What foods pair well with Cranberry Raspberry? Roast turkey or chicken benefits from the wine's cranberry tartness acting like a sauce on the palate. Brie or Camembert cheeses complement its fruit sweetness. Dark chocolate desserts echo the wine's berry depth. A mixed greens salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries creates a direct flavor bridge. Pork tenderloin with a fruit glaze mirrors the wine's sweet-tart balance.

What sizes does Cranberry Raspberry come in? Three Lakes Cranberry Raspberry is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Cranberry Raspberry worth the price? It positions as a value-tier fruit wine, and the whole-berry fermentation process — which avoids added flavorings — delivers authenticity that justifies its modest price point within the American fruit wine category.

Why Cranberry Raspberry?

What separates this wine from the broader fruit wine market is Three Lakes Winery's commitment to whole-berry fermentation using real fruit with no supplemental flavorings or juices — a production standard that many fruit wine producers do not follow. The result is a wine where the cranberry and raspberry genuinely express themselves rather than tasting like flavored sugar water. Backed by over five decades of cranberry winemaking experience in Wisconsin's Northwoods, Three Lakes brings legitimate heritage to a category often crowded with novelty products. For anyone seeking an honest, well-balanced fruit wine rooted in regional tradition, this blend delivers substance behind its approachable profile.