An Interview with Lynita M Docken – Elmaro Vineyard
About Lynita
Lynita May Docken, by far the most active and creative woman you will ever meet, wanted a retirement project. Originally one of three women master plumbers (yes, you read that right: PLUMBERS) statewide, Lynita was finishing up her career as the plumbing program manager for Wisconsin. A lover of outdoors and the environment, she was debating a specialty crop. 
When she discovered the University of Minnesota grape hybrids she was hooked. She planted Marquette…to make a long story short she fell in love with grapes, wine and brought everyone along with her. In 2010, she completed her enology (study of winemaking) certificate from the University of California – Davis. She has created phenomenal award winning wines ranging from dry oaked reds like Marquette to full sweet black currant wines. Each wine is a work of art and Lynita a master artist.
What is your best childhood memory? Preferably here in the Driftless.
Climbing Decorah Peak near Galesville and looking out over the Black River Bottoms.
What are you most proud of?
My Master Plumber’s License and my kids finishing college.
What is your favorite music, or What is your all time favorite song, or What ‘one’ song do you think a person should listen to at least once?
All music. Give Me Wings by Michael Johnson. The Secret of Life by James Taylor
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Africa. It’s one of the continents I haven’t visited and they make good wine blends.
If you could only keep three possessions, what would they be?
A warm home. A bed. Plumbing in the home.
What teacher in school made the most impact on you and why?
Mrs Sullivan. She was beautiful and liked me.
What was one of your most defining moments in life? Starting my apprenticeship with my father.
How do you spend your free-time?
Walking. Photography.
What are you favorite reads, (books, magazines, online stuff, cereal box) and why?
Technical papers. They make a difference.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Being told the ice would not be painted except for circles. In front of the entire club.
If you could witness any event of the past, present, or future, what would it be?
The inauguration of the first woman president.
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why?
Champagne production improvement.
What does a perfect day look like to you?
Walk with my daughter. Have coffee. Work. Be successful.
If you were to tell a friend to come and visit the Driftless Area, and they ask “Why” … what would you tell them?
It’s the largest island of unglaciated material in the world! You’ve got to see it!
From Elmaro Vinyard
The Elmaro Story
Our interest in growing grapes started with our love of wine, agriculture and family.
Our Pine Tree
The white pine that’s featured on our label has been on the property about twice as long as our family. The vineyard site was homesteaded in the 1850’s, and the Elmaro tree is estimated at being 300 years old. The lone white pine towers over the surroundings as a symbol of stability and determination. It’s also a representation of our family. We are a family that is fortunate enough to work together and produce something great. Come visit our vineyard and be our guest as you enjoy great wines with friends or family.
We are proud to be a family owned and run start up operation. Planting our first vines in the spring of 2006, we set out to not only grow the best quality grapes and produce award winning wines, but also to share our experience and love of grapes with all that visit. Wine makers and wine lovers alike can come and enjoy our picturesque vineyard and winery.
Elmaro Vineyard
N14756 Delaney Rd,
Trempealeau, WI 54661
(608) 534-6456
2021-03-19