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February 23, 2026
HORTONIA – After decades of growing Whistler’s Knoll from the ground up – literally – Tom and Holly Boettcher have officially handed over the keys.
First featured in The Business News’ July 26, 2023 issue, Holly and Tom “Whistler” – whose nickname inspired the name – first started the Hortonia winery-turned-event venue as a small, hobby winery as they approached retirement.
That retirement hobby, Holly said, quickly grew into a full-fledged business – organically establishing itself as both a winery and an event destination.
Now, a decade and dozens of bottles later, the Boettchers said it was time.
“When you enjoy what you do, you just want to keep doing it forever,” Holly said. “[But] we’re in the fourth quarter of our lives – we need to retire.”
The Boettchers said they have been planning their retirement from the winery for the past two years.
Though they explored interest from other potential buyers during that time, Holly said “we knew this was the right fit.”
And while it wasn’t an easy decision, she said it was time.
Changes on the horizon
Officially announcing it on Whistler’s Knoll’s Facebook page, the Boettchers shared that Nick and Charlotte Morse – owners of Rye Restaurant in downtown Appleton – are now the new owners of Whistler’s Knoll.
Describing the winery as their legacy – “we built Whistler’s Knoll from the ground up” – Holly said it was important for both of them to find the right owners to carry it forward.
“This couple is so perfect,” she said. “We knew in our hearts this was the right thing.”
With years of experience in the restaurant and service industry, Holly said Nick and Charlotte are well-equipped to continue the legacy of Whistler’s Knoll.
“Whistler and I couldn’t have handpicked a better duo to take the reins,” she said. “We are confident they will bring new energy and ideas to the future of Whistler’s Knoll.”
Holly said Whistler’s Knoll will continue operating as an event venue for weddings and private gatherings, with the new owners honoring all existing bookings for this year and next.
Though details remain limited, Holly said the new owners are planning an apple orchard, a chef’s garden and a lineup of “great community events.”
Per a post on Whistler’s Knoll’s Facebook page, the Morses are eager to carry forward the legacy established by Tom and Holly.
“We are honored to receive the keys from the founders, Holly and Tom, who built something truly special here,” the post states. “Their care, hard work and love for this place have shaped Whistler’s Knoll into what it is today. We are grateful for the foundation they’ve created.”
Holly said the business will be closed for several months as the transition takes place, with Facebook posts already showing the new owners learning the ropes, including tractor lessons from “Whistler.”
“They have very exciting plans,” she said.
During the transition, Holly said she and Tom are working closely with Nick and Charlotte, with Tom guiding them through all four seasons of proper grape care.
The Boettchers’ next chapter
With Whistler’s Knoll in new hands, Holly said she and Tom are most excited about having more time to spend with family and travel.
“I feel like we’ve missed out on a lot with our grandchildren,” she said. “We have weddings on weekends… It’s hard to make sure you have time for everything that’s most important to you.”
Holly said Tom is setting up a workshop to dive into his passions for woodworking, building and tinkering, while they’re also adding a four-season greenhouse for her.
Holly said Tom is building a workshop to focus on woodworking, building and repairs, and they’re installing a four-season greenhouse for her.
“I started a Facebook page called Gardening Through Life with Holly,” she said. “It will be a place to share tips, celebrate successes, learn from our mistakes and enjoy the beauty of gardening together.”
Though retirement is marking the end of one chapter, Holly said it has served as the start of another.
“I’m so excited to pour my energy into a lifelong passion and start a new adventure,” she said.
And next fall, the couple said they’ll be hosting a Fox World Travel trip to Italy.
“I may even write a book,” she said.
A life’s passion
Purchasing the Whistler’s Knoll property in 2011, hosting their first event in 2014 and harvesting their first crop in 2016, Holly said building the winery from the ground up has been a daily joy.
“Honestly, every day has been a joy,” she said. “We love what we do…, the customers, the wedding clients, the excitement, the fun, the joy.”
Holly said they take pride in what they’ve built over the past decade-plus.
“I want to thank [our customers] for all their support over the years,” she said. “We appreciate every single one of them and are so thankful to have been part of the community. We’re not moving away – this is home.”
The Business News plans to follow up with Whistler’s Knoll’s new owners once the venue reopens to see what’s next.
