DUBUQUE STAR BREWERY / STONE CLIFF WINERY

DUBUQUE STAR BREWERY / STONE CLIFF WINERY. DUBUQUE STAR BREWING COMPANY began business in 1898. PROHIBITION forced the business to close. Although the building opened again in 1933, it was often flooded by the MISSISSIPPI RIVER until the construction of the FLOODWALL. During the 20th century, the brewery changed owners several times before the city purchased it in the early 2000. In 2007 Bob and Nan Smith, the owners of STONE CLIFF WINERY, moved into the building.

Stone Cliff sold wine it produced and offered a tap room and seating for small gatherings. In 2022 the Smiths introduced several beers into the taproom. When the Smiths announced their retirement in 2025, Dave Fritz and Chad Walsh, the owners of the building, purchased the wine shop in the building and began revitalizing the brewery. By October, 2025 Dubuque Star Beer was available on draft and six-can packs at bars and pubs in Dubuque as well as at many local grocery stores. The Dubuque Star Brewery / Stone Cliff Winery offered a tasting room with two patios, administrative offices, event room, and warehouse space where the wine was produced.

In 2025 the building did not have the necessary equipment to brew beer. This was purchased through a partnership with the Potosi Brewing Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Potosi Foundation which added a museum, gift shop and taproom to its brewery in Wisconsin. In 2025 Fritz served as the president of the foundation's board of directors.

The Dubuque operation planned to introduce new beers and cider to its selection and increase its contribution to the TOURISM industry.

---

Source:

Snelling, Reade, "Local Beer Stars Again in Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, October 31, 2025, p. 1A