Bay View’s Nonfiction Natural Wines, which relocated to its new address at 2563 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. earlier this year, has earned the prestigious distinction of being named one of Wine Enthusiast’s top wine shops in the United States for 2023.
In a testament to the flourishing wine scene in Wisconsin, Nonfiction is one of just two wine shops in the state to secure a spot on this esteemed list. The other, Caravan Wine Shop, is situated in Stevens Point.
Wine Enthusiast’s rigorous selection process involved interviews with over 80 experts in the wine industry. Criteria encompassed factors such as community engagement, highlighting local wine, dedication to charitable causes, and the quality of their wine selections.
Allie Kruse, co-owner of Nonfiction, expressed her delight, saying, “We feel a lot of pride for ourselves and for Milwaukee. It’s very cool to be recognized alongside some of our favorite shops around the country, and it feels really good to be able to bring something so special to Bay View.”
The journey for Allie and Brad Kruse, co-owners of Nonfiction Natural Wines, began in 2020 when they first opened the original location. In May of this year, they took the exciting step of relocating to their current Kinnickinnic Ave. address.
Nonfiction has garnered praise not only for its inviting patio, which was recognized as one of the standout new patios of 2023, but also for the meticulous curation of its wine selection and the culinary offerings they provide.
Kruse underscored their commitment to their vision, stating, “I think Nonfiction stands out because we have never compromised on our vision. While it would be easy to just stock our shelves with safe, familiar, easy-to-sell wines, we have always held to our original standards on how we choose what we serve.”
In addition to offering a diverse range of natural wines by the bottle, Nonfiction maintains an in-house wine bar with approximately eight bottles open for guests to enjoy by the glass. Furthermore, Kruse personally oversees the preparation of all the delectable dishes featured on their rotating snack menu, which includes items like focaccia bread, freshly shucked oysters, seasonal salads, cheese plates, and more.
Kruse emphasizes the warm and welcoming ambiance they strive to create, noting, “We tell our staff, ‘Pretend you’re hosting friends at home, not serving at a bar,’ and I really think that that comfortable energy comes through.”
Justin Spaller of Chromatic Wine Company, an independent wine distribution firm headquartered in Milwaukee, offered high praise for Nonfiction, highlighting the establishment’s unique charm: “What a gem Allison and Bradley Kruse have created! Everything at Nonfiction is artfully done — the lights, the bar, the tables, the thoughtful and delicious dishes. The wine is exactly what you want. It’s playful and provocative, but totally unpretentious. Every time I stop in for a quick glass and a bite, a couple of hours pass, and I’m still there, cheery and well-fed, not wanting to leave.”
Nonfiction Natural Wines extends a warm invitation to patrons, welcoming them from noon to 10 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
