THE SUPPORT DURING THE PURCHASING PROCESS
The River Bend Winery & Distillery opened in Chippewa Falls in 2009. Thirteen years later, Mike and Sara Antonson partnered with Sara’s parents, Jake and Andrea Fleishauer, to purchase the business.
“The process of purchasing was an adventure!” Sara said. “It was a huge and scary endeavor, but we learned to trust our education, our research, and available entrepreneurial resources.” The owners had lots of support from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the team at the UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Regional Business Fund.
Alia Carroll, a financial consultant at the SBDC, said, “Working with Andrea, Jake, and their family on their winery venture has been an absolute pleasure. From day one, their passion for and dedication to creating a unique and welcoming winery experience was evident. It’s inspiring to see a family come together to turn a shared vision into a successful business. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail are second to none, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support them in achieving their dream.”
Sara said, “It makes such a difference to have seamless coordination from these small business resources. Everyone, including federal, state, and private resources, was on the same page. The staff at the Security Financial Bank was so supportive.”
THE CHANGES IN THE BUSINESS
One big change the new owners have made is expanding the role of the distillery. Their six-acre vineyard produces three varieties of grapes. River Bend is a traditional grape-based winery, setting them apart from most Wisconsin wineries that use apples or cherries or other fruits. “We use our own home-grown and other local ingredients for all our spirits. One of the customer favorites is our Sap Happy Maple Vodka which was named a Gold Winner in a national competition,” Sara said.
The winery and distillery hosts food trucks for the live music events they offer each Saturday and Sunday. “We also offer Vendors in the Vines on the third Saturday of the month from May until November. These events feature local artists and makers. We even added classes taught by local artisans like painting and cookie decorating,” Sara said.
Accomplishments with UW-Eau Claire SBDC
- Business strategy
- Financial strategy
THE DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY
“Our family-owned and -operated winery and distillery truly values family, community, and quality,” Sara said. Their dedication to community is evident in the marketplace featured at the business. Goods from local goat milk producers, like soap and candles, are available for sale, as well as locally made dips, cheeses, beef sticks, and candy. “Some of our valuable partnerships include those with Beez Neez Cheesecakes and Sweets, Chippewa Candy Shop, Yellowstone Cheese, and Jacobson’s Market.”
Sara said what she enjoys most about running the business is the people. “It is rewarding to be able to offer this resource in our community. I love meeting and getting to know the people in the area in this completely different role. We are already outgrowing our space and are thinking carefully about a thoughtful expansion in the community in the future.”
