Nestled into the rolling hills of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Wollersheim Winery, Distillery & Bistro reflects a rich heritage and timeless sense of place.
The historic limestone buildings, the heritage vines, the distinctly European atmosphere — it all speaks to legacy. But, beneath that timeless setting is a vibrant, evolving business guided by purpose, passion, and a commitment to the people who make it thrive.
Julie Coquard, daughter of Bob and JoAnn Wollersheim — the couple who brought the historic vineyard back to life in the 1970s — co-owns the business with her husband, Philippe, who comes from 13 generations of winemakers in France. They run it with two of their children and a team of full-time and seasonal employees.
“We’ve always been a family business. And that extends beyond our own family — it includes the people who work here every day,” Julie says. “Many have been with us for years, even decades. They take such pride in what we do.”
That spirit of loyalty and care is what prompted the family to enhance employee benefits at the winery, which also operates a distillery and bistro. A major part of that effort is a 401(k)-plan designed and managed in partnership with Trust Point.
A Plan Built for the People
Wollersheim is a uniquely seasonal business. From grape harvest to bottling to bustling summer tourism, the pace and personnel needs can shift quickly. With around 85 employees at peak season and a core team of 33 year-round staff, finding a retirement plan that fit the business’s structure wasn’t simple.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” says Allyson Krause, Managing Director of Retirement Plan Services at Trust Point and the main contact for the Wollersheim plan. “They needed something flexible and accessible that could grow with them.”
Trust Point worked closely with Julie and Philippe to develop a plan that balances affordability, ease of use, and long-term value. From onboarding to ongoing training, we have helped ensure employees understand the benefit — and feel empowered to use it.
“When we first introduced the 401(k), there was definitely some hesitation,” Julie says. “A lot of our team didn’t grow up talking about retirement or investing. But the Trust Point team made it approachable.”
That accessibility has made a real difference. Employees are now actively participating, asking questions, and planning for the future in ways that weren’t happening before. “They feel taken care of,” Julie says. “And that matters.”
Empowering Through Education
For Trust Point and Emerj360, education is never an afterthought — it’s a pillar of our service. Allyson and her team are available to visit the winery upon request to meet with employees, answer questions, and break down the plan features and benefits. It’s part of what makes the relationship work so well.
“We’re not just managing investments,” Allyson says. “We’re helping people make informed decisions about their lives and their futures. That starts with trust — and trust starts with showing up.”
Julie sees the difference this level of care makes. “It’s not just a vendor relationship,” she says. “Allyson is like part of our team. She knows our people by name.”
It’s a level of attention that aligns perfectly with the winery’s values. “Our employees are the heart of everything,” Julie says. “Trust Point gets that.”
A Shared Commitment to Stewardship
Both Wollersheim and Trust Point are rooted in stewardship — of land, of people, of legacy. Julie sees the partnership as an extension of that shared mission.
“This place has been here since the 1800s,” she says, referencing the original vines first planted by Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy. “We’re just the current caretakers. And we want to pass it on stronger than we found it.”
That long view is something Trust Point understands deeply. As a fiduciary with more than a century of experience, our approach is built on enduring relationships and tailored guidance.
“We see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams,” Allyson says. “When they succeed, we succeed.”
For Wollersheim, success means more than just awards, though they’ve won plenty, including Winery of the Year in the San Diego International Wine Competition. It’s about creating something meaningful — something that lasts. “It’s a privilege to do what we do,” Julie says. “But it’s also a responsibility. And that includes making sure our employees can build their own futures.”
Looking Ahead, Together
The relationship between Wollersheim and Trust Point continues to grow. Whether it’s updating plan features, providing financial wellness resources, or simply checking in, the connection runs deeper than dollars.
“We’ve been with Trust Point for many years now,” Julie says. “And it’s not just because they’re good at what they do — which they are. It’s because they care.”
That care is mutual. “Wollersheim is special,” Allyson says. “They treat their people like family, and they make worldclass wine while doing it. We’re proud to support them.”
As the vines grow and the seasons shift once again in Prairie du Sac, the team at Wollersheim knows they have a partner in Trust Point — one that understands their past, supports their present, and believes in their future.
