Now Hiring! A Note from Larry

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Hi Folks,

We’re getting ready for our 2025 season and looking forward to welcoming you back to Vino in the Valley beginning May 10th (that’s Mother’s Day Weekend–get that date on your calendar!).

Part of our prep for a great season is recruiting an awesome team who will guarantee you the best time when you visit! People tell me that might be tough this year because of a tight labor market. I hear them but I also know that a job at Vino in the Valley isn’t like any other job out there. I wanted to share what makes working with us unique in case you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team this year.

We think of Vino in the Valley as a place where you can work and grow. We love to mentor young people in their first jobs, give college students time in the summer for work and for fun, offer moms and dads a change of pace and opportunity to earn extra family income, and give retired folks a way to get out and socialize and supplement their retirement.

The #1 qualification we look for in a candidate is a positive attitude. Next is work ethic. We can train on the rest, and to us, there’s nothing better than to see eager team members grow in their roles here. The more you learn and advance, the more you’ll earn, too.

Those working in the restaurant or foodservice industry, we value your experience. If you’re looking for an exciting new change, give us the opportunity to meet you and make an offer that could possibly match or beat your current job!

If you love being social, meeting new people, and hearing their stories, being a server, host, bartender, or table runner will be like a vacation for you! Our guests visit from all over the region (and sometimes from further away). They are the greatest and come to have fun. You’ll meet some interesting characters and make new friends!

If you’re more of a behind-the-scenes person, that’s perfect for our cook, kitchen, and pizza maker positions. You get to work with a great team, make delicious food, and learn how to work our pizza ovens!

With today’s schedules, flexibility is important. You pick your own hours every week and every month. We will work around your vacations, family functions, school, and even other jobs. Work as much as you would like or as little as a few days a month.

Did I mention our staff gets employee discounts on food, beverages, and in the gift shop? How’s that for a bonus?!

And all this in the most amazing work environment that includes fresh air, sunny days, and million-dollar views!

Of course, you’ll find all the details on our website, along with a short pre-application form if you’re interested in getting the application process rolling. And please forward this along to your friends, family, and neighbors so we can meet them, too!

Thank you for being such a supporter of Vino in the Valley. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Larry

The 7th Annual Rush River Folk Festival returns to Vino in the Valley

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The 7th Annual Rush River Folk Festival will take place at Vino in the Valley, Maiden Rock, WI, on Saturday, September 5. Three regional musical acts will provide two-hour outdoor concerts during the event, with tasty Italian food, wine, and other beverages available for enjoyment.

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Vino in the Valley hosts 10th Annual “Taste of Tuscany” Event

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Once again we’re thrilled to be hosting the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation’s annual fundraising event, “Taste of Tuscany”. The event, which will be held at Vino in the Valley on Friday, May 31, 2019, supports the Foundation in their mission to enhance educational opportunities within our community using private revenues. In a time of ever-tightening budgets, supporting this great cause has become more important than ever.

Social Hour begins at 4:30pm with the event officially kicking off at 5:00pm. Attendees will enjoy the music, an art exhibit, wine tasting, silent auction, and of course, great wine and a delicious dinner buffet. Tickets are $35 and available at Vino in the Valley, Ellsworth School District Office, Nilssen’s Foods, and from Foundation board members.

We not only wish to encourage you to purchase your tickets and attend this worthwhile event, but also want to be sure all our guests are aware that due to this event, general seating will not begin until 8:00pm on Friday, May 31. Our outdoor bar, Bella Sera, will be open beginning at 5:00 pm if guests would like to come down to enjoy some wine, music, wagon rides, and the grounds until seating begins; although you’re always welcome to purchase a ticket to the event on the spot and join us! Your help in spreading the word to your friends and neighbors is always appreciated. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.

The 6th Annual Rush River Folk Festival returns to Vino in the Valley

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On Saturday, May 25, 2019 music fans and others who love outdoor events in Wisconsin will assemble in Maiden Rock for the 6th annual Rush River Folk Festival. All who attend will enjoy exquisitely prepared food, drinks, and live outdoor music in a lush river valley setting, from 1pm until sunset. This annual event is hosted by Vino and the Valley, a perfect place for friends and family to get away from it all close to home and enjoy music from an outdoor stage, tasty food and beverages, and the beautiful spring feel of a day outdoors at a premium location. There is no cover charge for admission to this event.

Davey J

The headlining musical act for Rush River 6 is Davey J (David Jones), the founder of the Rush River Folk Festival. Davey J is known around the Chippewa Valley and beyond for his creative projects as a musician, songwriter, and music scholar. His radio show, Jazz, Blues, and Beyond, can be heard on Converge Radio in Eau Claire (99.9 FM).  Davey J’s newest creative venture is a soundstage and screening room for independent musicians and filmmakers, Davey J’s Garage, located in historic Banbury Place, a converted factory in downtown Eau Claire. As a musician, Davey J’s accomplished songwriting is documented in the six original music CDs he has released over a twenty year period: Chippewa Love (2015), Visions (2013), Hippie Child (2011), What is the Meaning of Parsley (2002), and Jones Tones Featuring Davey J (1998).  His versatility and smooth, passionate delivery across the genres of folk, blues, rock, and reggae is on display at every performance, driven by his signature rhythmic style of acoustic-electric guitar and a highly expressive vocal style.

Lonesome Dan Kase

Lonesome Dan Kase makes a first-time appearance on the stage at the Rush River Folk Festival. As a teenager growing up in rural southern Michigan, Lonesome Dan Kase happened upon a radio show called the “Blues Cruise,” broadcast out on Ann Arbor. Although he had picked up the guitar a year or so before, when he began hearing artists like Reverend Gary Davis and Robert Johnson, he quickly became hooked on the country blues. Like many of the blues musicians from the early 1900’s that are his biggest influences, Lonesome Dan developed his musical art traveling around the country busking on street corners. After spending time in California and New Mexico, Lonesome Dan ended up in Denver, Colorado, In 2001, Lonesome Dan moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and immediately began playing shows as a solo act. Within a year, he formed a band called the Crush Collision Trio, and since then, Lonesome Dan has become a fixture in the thriving Twin Cities blues scene, with guitar technique that is influenced by boogie-woogie and blues piano, classic folk and ragtime piano, and blues guitarists from the Mississippi to Chicago.

Matt Yetter

Matt Yetter is also a first-time performer at the festival. His rootsy style of guitar, voice, and harmonica is the real deal; he is an old-school, slide guitar playing, harmonica-tooting country blues artist who characterizes music as “a way of making a connection to everybody all at once.” An established Minnesota musician for more than 30 years, Matt discovered he could sing in 2010 after years of playing electric lead guitar and mandolin in bands. His stage show is steeped in passion and virtuosity with his resophonic slide guitar, harmonica, and newfound vocal skills. Regularly playing old-time blues from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s all around Minneapolis, Matt has created his own niche – a vibe that’s hard to come across anywhere else. Like many other jazz and blues musicians, Matt’s ideology is to “carry on the tradition of the music, do your own versions of some of the classic songs and make them your own, as well as contribute to the tradition.” That’s what he’s doing, from the jangle and slide of his guitar and the croon of his harmonica to his rich, compelling vocals.

Little Wing

The festival opens with regional favorites Little Wing, led by Faith Ulwelling, who is well-known around the Chippewa Valley, Durand, and Maidenrock as the powerful lead singer for Left Wing Bourbon.  Her vocal skills have a deep range of influences, from Aretha Franklin and Etta James to Janis Joplin and Chaka Khan. She will perform in a duo format as Little Wing, joined by guitarist Tim Caswell. Performing acoustically, Little Wing is a confluence of regional musical streams, with elements of jazz, soul, blues, and funk combining for a supreme folk music experience.

The 6th annual Rush River Folk Festival will provide an awesome day of music, food, and friends. Join us!

Red, White, and Blues at Vino in the Valley

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Great wine, delicious food, and fireworks… Commemorate the Independence Day holiday by joining us for Red, White and Blues on Saturday, June 30.

Grab family and friends for a fun afternoon and evening in the valley. Take a tractor tour around the vineyard, enjoy a glass of wine or a beer on the patio, listen to music over a pasta dinner… Then grab your lawn chairs or blanket and settle in for the fireworks show after dusk! It’s a patriotic evening in the valley you won’t want to miss!

Instead of our full menu, we will be serving up our famous pasta buffet and brick oven specialties. The last seating of the night will be at 9pm (our staff wants to take in the fireworks, too!).

There’s no admission charge. Sorry, no carry-on allowed on the grounds.

Celebrate Dad at Vino In the Valley

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What better way to celebrate Dad on Father’s Day than an afternoon at Vino in the Valley? Great food, great drink, and a great time!

Enjoy our Steak Special! Sirloin, Hanger or Flat Iron for $18.99…comes with a side salad, zucchini au gratin, and baby red potatoes. Plus, free dessert for dad!

Music entertainment by The Riddle Brothers!

Annual Rush River Folk Festival Returns to Vino in the Valley

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On Saturday, May 26, music fans and others who love outdoor events in Wisconsin will assemble in Maiden Rock for the 5th annual Rush River Folk Festival. All who attend will enjoy exquisitely prepared food, drinks, and live outdoor music in a lush river valley setting, from noon until sunset. This annual event is hosted by Vino and the Valley, a perfect place for friends and family to get away from it all close to home and enjoy music from an outdoor stage, tasty food and beverages, and the beautiful spring feel of a day outdoors at a premium location. There is no cover charge for admission to this event, which can be very helpful for families, couples, and groups of people who would like to explore the area for the first time.

The headlining musical act for Rush River 5 is Quinn Elizabeth, featuring the sister duo of Jerrika Mighelle and Elizabeth Stearns. A musical group with deep roots in the Eau Claire music scene, the beauty of their harmonies together is a perfect complement for their original and classic acoustic folk sound. Of the sisters, Jerrika remains the most active in the regional scene, touring to support her most recent CD release Like the Sea. Collectively, the musical sisters can be counted on to offer emotionally resonant and melodically beautiful music to their audience, with the quality of the vocals, lyrics, and acoustic guitar calling up the best in American folk traditions.

Musical virtuoso and regional favorite Michael Rambo leads off 2018 festival, bringing his talents to Vino in the Valley for the first time. Michael is well known regionally for his musical leadership and passionate performances for the CollECtive choir, a vocal and instrumental group that brings together elements of jazz, gospel, and soul music. Michael’s musical versatility is also on full display in his performances with the Shillelagh Lads, an Irish group that combines traditional acoustic instruments with energetic hand drums and a crowd-pleasing song selection. Michael is looking forward to presenting his music at Rush River in a solo context, providing an opportunity to feature original and familiar songs in a folk style.

Michael Rambo

The audience at Rush River will also enjoy a musical set by Davey J and Jen Hazen, a duo with an expansive playlist and a distinctive approach to acoustic folk performance. Davey J (David Jones) has performed for more than two decades in the Upper Midwest with musical combos that included Davey J and the Jones Tones, Davey J and Friends, Kingston Blue, and back in his Minneapolis years, the Parsley Brothers. He is also the founder and producer of the Rush River Folk Festival and greatly enjoys the opportunity to join other outstanding regional musicians to celebrate the wonderful musical scene of the Chippewa Valley. His duo partner, Jen Hazen, has a well-established reputation of her own from her performances in Weapons of Brass Destruction, Jenny and the Jets, and Davey J and Friends. Both Davey J and Jen are avid recording artists as well, with Jen’s 2018 release The Music Heals Project bringing together many Chippewa Valley musicians to contribute their talents to original music for a charitable cause. Davey J’s most recent CD release, Chippewa Love, demonstrates his skills across the genres of folk, blues, rock, and reggae, with his signature guitar and vocal style on display at every performance.

The lineup also features Larry Past and Al Julson, a well-established veteran folk duo that can be seen on stages across the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Their vast musical repertoire may include familiar folk and rock tunes as well as original compositions. Strong vocal harmonies and layered acoustic guitar are the hallmarks of their style on stage. The duo has a wonderful feel for the tone and mood of the audience, allowing them to create a distinctive musical experience that crosses genres and generations each time they perform.

With this lineup, Rush River 5 will provide an awesome day of entertainment for all who are interested. Please join us on Saturday, May 26, from noon to 9 pm, for an outstanding festival experience.

Celebrate Mom with Vino in the Valley

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Moms…we love them, and heck, we wouldn’t be here without them. And, as we like to joke, we’re all the reason that they drink. So bring your mom down to Vino in the Valley to celebrate her day in a special way!

Join us Sunday, May 13, from 11 – 5pm (get your reservations in now for group of 10 or more… they’re going fast!). For Mom we’ve got free flowers, free chair massage, and free dessert!  Plus, we will have entertainment by local favorites, Colleen Raye and family, for all to enjoy!  Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer any horse drawn wagon rides this year.  Avalon, the horse who helps us with the wagon rides is getting ready to become a mother herself!  She is due any day with her own baby!

Sounds like the makings of a great afternoon! Come on down, sip on a glass of wine, and enjoy some great fun and entertainment with Mom. She’ll love you for it!

Vino in the Valley hosts 9th Annual “Taste of Tuscany” Event

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Once again we’re thrilled to be hosting the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation’s annual fundraising event, “Taste of Tuscany”. The event, which will be held at Vino in the Valley on Friday, June 1, 2018, supports the Foundation in their mission to enhance educational opportunities within our community using private revenues. In a time of ever-tightening budgets, supporting this great cause has become more important than ever.

Social Hour begins at 4:30pm with the event officially kicking off at 5:00pm. Attendees will enjoy the music of Don & Doreen, a wine tasting, silent auction, and of course, great wine and a delicious dinner buffet. Tickets are $35 and available at Vino in the Valley, Ellsworth School District Office, Nilssen’s Foods, and from Foundation board members.

We have some amazing items on the silent auction again this year!

  • Chanhassen Dinner Theatre Dinner and Show for 2
  • Klaas-Jonas Pool Party for 30
  • 2 Club Level Tickets Brewer’s Game, Pennant, Thames Bobble Head, Hat & Drink Wraps
  • 2 Tickets to Chicago
  • 2 Guthrie Theater Tickets
  • Fishing set, Double Hammock, Water Filter System, Insulated Bottle, Fish & Game Processing Kit, Scope

We not only wish to encourage you to purchase your tickets and attend this worthwhile event, but also want to be sure all our guests are aware that due to this event, general seating will not begin until 7:30pm on Friday, June 1. Our outdoor bar, Bella Sera, will be open beginning at 5:00 pm if guests would like to come down to enjoy some wine, music, wagon rides, and the grounds until seating begins; although you’re always welcome to purchase a ticket to the event on the spot and join us! Your help in spreading the word to your friends and neighbors is always appreciated. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.