A downtown Stevens Point winery has closed after more than 11 years in business. The November 1 shutdown follows another recent Wisconsin beverage-business closure, though the owners of Sunset Point Winery said their decision was about moving into the next chapter of their lives.
Sunset Point Winery closed for retail business at the end of the day on Sunday, November 1. Its official website now displays a closure notice and says the winery building at 1201 Water Street has been listed for sale.
More than a decade in downtown Stevens Point
Owners Kelly and Don Guay opened Sunset Point Winery on July 3, 2015. The downtown business made wine on site and served it by the bottle, glass and tasting flight. Visitors could also find craft beer, nonalcoholic drinks, cheese, snacks and gift items in its tasting room.
The name combined two places important to the couple: Sunset Lake in Amherst, where they married in 2013, and Stevens Point, where both attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The sun in the business logo also represented their blended family of five children, with seven rays for the seven family members.
Sunset Point made a range of traditional grape wines and fruit-infused blends. Rock Ridge Vineyard supplied many of the Wisconsin-grown grapes used in production, while other growers, vendors and local partners also supported the business.
Over the years, Sunset Point became more than a place to sample wine. The business hosted live music, classes, tours and community gatherings. It won Best of Portage County Community Choice awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024, along with recognition in the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition and the Wisconsin State Fair Wine Competition.
Owners said it was time for a new chapter
The Guays first announced the planned closing on August 31. They said the primary reason was their desire to focus on what comes next, describing the decision as bittersweet and thanking customers, growers, vendors, musicians and local organizations for their support.
The couple kept the winery open through the fall and held a farewell party on October 30. The final weekend included retail sales of remaining wine, giftware and supplies before the doors closed on November 1.
Sunset Point’s closure ends a run of more than 11 years in downtown Stevens Point. The building’s listing leaves open the possibility that the property could take on a new use, but the winery’s retail chapter has officially ended.
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