Wisconsin Cheese Tour: Savoring the Finest Dairy Delights

Wisconsin has earned its title as America’s Dairyland. For cheese enthusiasts, it’s more than just a nickname—Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage, craftsmanship, and sheer variety make it a dream destination. Here, cheesemaking isn’t just about the product; it’s a craft, a source of pride, and a community centerpiece. This six-day Wisconsin cheese tour invites you to taste, learn, and explore this rich tradition across the state, from bustling markets and charming inns to family-owned farms and world-class wineries.

So grab a cooler, bring your curiosity, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Wisconsin’s cheese trail!

Day 1: Madison – The Heart of Cheese Culture

Kick off your cheese tour in Madison, a lively city where the food scene is as rich as the local cheeses.

Stop 1: Fromagination Cheese Shop

Begin at Fromagination, a top-notch cheese shop known for highlighting Wisconsin’s artisan cheeses and pairing them with regional specialties. The shop offers tastings, cheese-focused cooking classes, and even seasonal fondue events, making it the perfect first stop for a cheese lover’s tour.

Stop 2: The Old Fashioned Restaurant

Next, head over to The Old Fashioned for lunch. This cozy spot celebrates Wisconsin’s culinary roots with a menu featuring everything from artisan cheeses to Door County cherries and locally brewed beers. It’s a great place to dive into some regional classics, including cheese curds, bratwurst, and their famous cheese plate.

Stop 3: Dane County Farmers Market

As you wander through the Dane County Farmers Market on Capitol Square, you’ll see why it’s the largest producers-only farmers’ market in the country. With over 250 vendors, it’s a showcase of fresh, local products and, of course, plenty of cheese! Pick up a bag of fresh cheese curds that squeak with every bite, or sample handmade varieties from small farms.

Stop 4: L’Étoile Restaurant

For a memorable dinner, make a reservation at L’Étoile, a French-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant. The seasonal menu is crafted around local ingredients, with cheeses often making appearances in creative, flavorful dishes.

Lodging: The Speckled Hen Inn

Unwind for the evening at The Speckled Hen Inn, an eco-friendly bed and breakfast just outside Madison. Set on 50 scenic acres with wetlands, orchards, and walking trails, it’s a relaxing escape after your first day on the cheese trail.

Day 2: Green County

Green County is a cheese lover’s paradise, known for its strong Swiss roots and authentic cheesemaking traditions.

Stop 1: Emmi Roth Cheese Factory, Monroe

Start your morning with a visit to Emmi Roth Cheese Factory. Here, you can watch cheesemakers in action through viewing windows, crafting Swiss-style cheeses like Emmentaler and Gruyère. Emmi Roth has a heritage that goes back more than a century, and seeing the process up close is a rare treat.

Stop 2: Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern

For lunch, try the oldest cheese shop in Wisconsin, Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern. Known for their Limburger on rye bread with mustard, this quirky eatery serves a taste of old Wisconsin. And yes, they even serve it with a mint on the side!

Stop 3: New Glarus Brewing Co.

Next, drive to New Glarus Brewing Co. in a town that looks like a Swiss village. The brewery offers self-guided tours where you can see the process behind Wisconsin’s beloved Spotted Cow beer and other local favorites. Wrap up your visit with a tasting in the gift shop for a true taste of Green County.

Lodging & Dining: Chalet Landhaus Inn & Restaurant

End the day at Chalet Landhaus Inn, a Swiss-inspired inn and restaurant offering a blend of Swiss and American cuisine. It’s a comfortable, unique spot to unwind and enjoy a meal with a bit of Old World charm.

Day 3: Prairie du Sac, Sauk City, Plain, and Spring Green

On day three, you’ll journey through the Driftless Region, visiting picturesque towns that offer top-notch cheese, wine, and eco-friendly charm.

Stop 1: Carr Valley Cheese, Sauk City

Start at Carr Valley Cheese in Sauk City, where you’ll find some of Wisconsin’s most acclaimed cheeses, like Ba Ba Blue and Cocoa Cardona. Carr Valley has been a cheesemaking staple for over a century, and sampling their creations is a must on any cheese tour.

Stop 2: Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, Prairie du Sac

A short drive away, Wollersheim Winery & Distillery offers a scenic vineyard tour and complimentary wine tastings. With a winemaking history dating back to the 1840s, Wollersheim has plenty to share, and their knowledgeable guides will walk you through the tasting process.

Stop 3: Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain

Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate Cedar Grove Cheese, where they practice sustainable cheesemaking. Cedar Grove’s “Living Machine,” a greenhouse that filters wastewater using natural processes, is just one of the innovative ways they protect the environment. Call ahead to book a tour and taste their organic cheeses.

Lodging: Aldebaran Farm, Spring Green

After a day of tasting and exploring, relax at Aldebaran Farm, a charming farmhouse with deep local history. Once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright’s uncle, it’s close to the American Players Theater and Taliesin, adding a cultural touch to your stay.

Day 4: Madison to Door County

Day four takes you eastward, from Madison through picturesque Door County, for more cheese, farm visits, and scenic drives.

Stop 1: Madison’s Farmers Market

If you didn’t get your fill on Day 1, take another stroll through Madison’s farmers market to see what’s in season and pick up more cheeses to savor on your journey.

Stop 2: Holland’s Family Cheese, Thorp

In Thorp, Holland’s Family Cheese offers a taste of the Netherlands with traditional Dutch Gouda. A tour here lets you see the cheesemaking process firsthand and meet the farm animals that help make it all possible.

Stop 3: Door County Creamery

Next, head to Door County Creamery, where you can visit a goat farm and enjoy a tasting of fresh cheeses and homemade gelato. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal stop for a leisurely afternoon.

Final Stop: Carr Valley Cheese Company, Wisconsin Dells

End the day at Carr Valley Cheese Company in Wisconsin Dells. Their baked bread cheese, with a crusty golden top, is a local favorite and a unique treat to try.

Day 5: Milwaukee’s Culinary Scene

Milwaukee offers a wonderful mix of gourmet food, craft beer, and, of course, cheese.

Stop 1: Milwaukee Public Market

At the Milwaukee Public Market, explore stalls filled with artisan foods, including specialty cheeses, smoked meats, and baked goods. It’s a food lover’s paradise, and cooking classes and tastings are often available.

Stop 2: Usinger’s Sausage Shop

Just a short walk away, Usinger’s Sausage Shop showcases Milwaukee’s German roots with a selection of authentic sausages. Pair them with cheeses from the Wisconsin Cheese Mart for a taste of Wisconsin’s German-American heritage.

Stop 3: Sprecher Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewery

For a taste of Milwaukee’s beer culture, visit Sprecher Brewing Company or Lakefront Brewery. Both offer fun, informative tours and tastings that showcase Wisconsin’s brewing heritage. Lakefront’s tour is especially popular for its laid-back, humorous style.

Lodging & Dining: Sanford Restaurant and The Pfister Hotel

Wind down with dinner at Sanford Restaurant, a Milwaukee favorite known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu. Afterward, the luxurious Pfister Hotel offers a comfortable stay with historic charm.

Day 6: Cedarburg and Theresa

Your final day takes you through the historic towns of Cedarburg and Theresa, where cheese, wine, and cozy lodgings wrap up your journey.

Stop 1: Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Theresa

At Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, watch the unique process of making brick cheese, a Wisconsin specialty. Viewing windows let you see cheesemakers using traditional bricks to press the cheese, a method Widmer’s has been using for generations.

Stop 2: Cedar Creek Winery, Cedarburg

Nestled in a historic woolen mill, Cedar Creek Winery offers a guided tour that includes tastings of their award-winning wines. The historic setting and quality wines make this a relaxing and delicious stop.

Lodging: Washington House Inn

Wrap up your Wisconsin cheese adventure with a night at the Washington House Inn in downtown Cedarburg. With charming rooms and luxury touches, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect on a week of savory discoveries.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s cheese trail is a journey filled with flavor, tradition, and discovery. From artisan shops and family farms to scenic inns and bustling breweries, each stop offers a unique slice of life in America’s Dairyland. By the end of this journey, you’ll have a cooler full of Wisconsin’s best cheeses and memories of a trip steeped in delicious, authentic experiences.