By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Aug 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Forget pumpkins on porches. Cavelier Wine Bar is conjuring something bigger.

From October 1 through Halloween, the Port Washington wine bar at 407 E. Jackson St. will morph into The Witch House at Cavelier, a fully decked-out, gothic-inspired pop-up that pairs spooky vibes with fine wine and cocktails.

Guests can expect a full-on transformation inspired by Salem’s most infamous landmark, complete with cobwebs, candlelight and colonial-era vibes that feel straight out of a haunted history book. Think gothic elegance with a side of mystery, the perfect backdrop for sipping cocktails in the glow of flickering lanterns.

On the (spell) menu:

  • Themed Wine Flight – a curated tasting experience featuring reds, whites and blends as rich in story as they are in flavor.
  • Witchy Cocktails – house creations infused with herbs, spices and Halloween flair. Sip on the Witch’s Brew, spark some curiosity with The Lamplighter, or try their bewitching spin on a Cavelier classic: the Old Fashioned.
  • Immersive Décor – gothic furniture, arcane details and subtle nods to Salem’s witch lore.

“We wanted to create something that transports you the second you walk through the door,” says owner Kelly Brown. “The Witch House at Cavelier isn’t just a Halloween pop-up—it’s history, mystery and mixology rolled into one.”

Beginning Oct. 1, hours for The Witch House at Cavelier will be Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m., Friday from 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Follow @CavelierWineBar on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks, themed nights and menu drops all month long.

Dare to enter? The Witch House at Cavelier awaits.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.