Three Lakes Old Glory

Three Lakes Old Glory is a semi-sweet American fruit wine blending cranberry and blueberry wines at 11% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Three Lakes Winery — Wisconsin's original cranberry wine producer, established in 1972 — this expression uses whole berry fermentation with no added flavorings, juices, or grape wines, resulting in a distinctly fruit-forward profile that has earned gold medal recognition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Three Lakes, Wisconsin, USA  |  Style: Semi-Sweet Fruit Wine Blend  |  Winery: Three Lakes Winery (Est. 1972)

Production & Heritage

Three Lakes Winery has been making cranberry wine in northern Wisconsin since 1972, establishing itself as the state's pioneering cranberry wine producer. Old Glory is made through whole berry fermentation, meaning the cranberries and blueberries are fermented intact rather than pressed and juiced beforehand — a process that extracts deeper color, fuller body, and more nuanced fruit character from the raw berries. Critically, no grape wine, artificial flavorings, or supplemental juices are introduced at any stage, so the finished blend reflects only what the Wisconsin-grown fruit provides.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blueberry leads the nose, followed by tart cranberry and a subtle berry-jam sweetness. There is a clean, fresh quality that signals the whole-fruit origin.

Taste: The entry is smooth and gently sweet, with blueberry dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, cranberry tartness emerges and balances the sweetness, creating a lively push-pull dynamic. The blend reads as semi-sweet overall, never cloying, with genuine berry flavor rather than confected fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly tart cranberry close. A gentle tannic grip from the whole berry skins lingers alongside residual blueberry sweetness.

How to Drink Old Glory

Serve chilled between 45–55°F to let the cranberry acidity shine against the blueberry sweetness. Old Glory also works well over ice on warm days for a more casual pour.

• Wine Spritzer: Top with sparkling water and a lemon twist — the berry blend's natural tartness makes it a natural spritzer base.
• Sangria: Use as the primary wine in a red-fruit sangria; its cranberry-blueberry character replaces grape wine while adding complexity.
• Mulled Wine: Warm gently with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel — the berry sweetness deepens beautifully with holiday spices.

Best For

• Introducing non-wine-drinkers to fruit wine through a genuine, non-artificial expression
• Summer entertaining where a chilled, lower-alcohol berry wine replaces heavier reds
• Gifting to someone who appreciates Wisconsin-made artisan products
• Holiday gatherings where its patriotic name and cranberry character suit the table

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Glory taste like? Old Glory is a semi-sweet fruit wine combining the smooth sweetness of blueberries with the tart crispness of cranberries, finishing clean and balanced without artificial fruit flavors.

How does Old Glory compare to other fruit wines? Unlike many commercial fruit wines that blend grape wine with fruit juice or flavorings, Old Glory is made entirely from whole-berry-fermented cranberries and blueberries with no grape wine or additives. This whole-fruit approach generally produces a more authentic berry character and fuller body.

Is Old Glory good for beginners? Yes — at 11% ABV with a semi-sweet, fruit-driven profile and no harsh tannins, Old Glory is approachable for those who find traditional grape wines intimidating or overly dry.

Where is Old Glory made? Old Glory is produced by Three Lakes Winery in the town of Three Lakes in northern Wisconsin, a region known for its cranberry bogs and wild blueberry harvests. The winery has been operating at this location since 1972.

What foods pair well with Old Glory? Roasted turkey or chicken benefits from the cranberry tartness cutting through rich poultry fat. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda contrasts the wine's sweetness. Fresh fruit tarts mirror the berry notes. Grilled pork chops pair naturally with the cranberry-blueberry profile. Dark chocolate amplifies the blueberry component.

What sizes does Old Glory come in? Old Glory is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Old Glory worth the price? Old Glory positions as an accessible, everyday-priced fruit wine that punches above its tier thanks to whole berry fermentation and the absence of artificial additives — details typically found in more premium craft fruit wines.

Why Old Glory?

What separates Old Glory from the broad fruit wine category is its production integrity: whole berry fermentation with zero added flavorings, juices, or grape wine filler. Three Lakes Winery pioneered cranberry winemaking in Wisconsin over five decades ago, and that experience shows in a blend that balances two distinct berries without letting either overwhelm the other. The gold medal recognition validates what the glass confirms — this is genuine fruit wine, not a sweetened grape-wine hybrid. For drinkers seeking an honest, Wisconsin-rooted berry wine at a comfortable 11% ABV, Old Glory delivers substance behind its name.