Wisconsin Cheese Festival

Schedule of Events

Second Annual Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival

November 5-7, 2010

Location: Monona Terrace, Madison, Wis.

Friday, Nov. 5, 2010

Day Tours
Tour Option A: Green County Cheesemaking Tour
Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Departure from Madison Hilton Hotel
Event Info: Take a behind-the-scenes morning cheesemaking tour of Chalet Cheese Cooperative, the only factory in America making Limburger. Enjoy lunch at the legendary Baumgartner's Cheese Store & Tavern in downtown Monroe. You'll even sample a Limburger & Onion Sandwich on Rye with the option of washing it down with a micro beer from Wisconsin. Then embark on an afternoon tour of the award-winning Emmi-Roth Kase cheese plant in Monroe and view its expanding affinage facility. End with an amazing Fondue Tasting in the culinary center at Roth Kase. Limited to 20 attendees.
Tickets: Cost: $75. Advance tickets required.

Tour Option B: Dairy Farm & Farmstead Milk Bottling Tour
Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Departure from Madison Hilton Hotel
Event Info: Visit Sassy Cow Creamery, a farmstead dairy plant near Columbus and enjoy a personal behind-the-scenes tour of this milk bottling and cheese plant. Taste cheese curds warm and squeaky, right out of the vat. Enjoy a farmhouse lunch and outdoor tour of the Baerwolf Dairy Farm, with an afternoon pasture walk and up close and personal visit with a herd of dairy cows christened with names like Marlie & Blossom. Limited to 15 attendees.
Tickets: Cost: $75. Advance tickets required.

Evening Event
Madison Dine Around
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Eight participating Madison Originals Restaurants
Event Info: Experience a one-of-a-kind meal at one of eight participating Madison Originals restaurants, where each chef will partner with a unique Wisconsin cheesemaker and host an amazing three-course dinner. You’ll join the featured Cheesemaker at a private table for 12.
Tickets: Cost: $75. Advance tickets required.

Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010

Morning Tour
Farmer's Market Tour & Artisan Cheese Tasting
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Departure from Madison Hilton Hotel
Event Info: Join a small group of 4-5 people for a personalized walking tour of the nation's largest producer-driven Farmer's Market with personal introductions to more than six cheesemakers. Lunch at Fromagination included.
Tickets: Cost: $35. Advance tickets required.

Afternoon events
Educational Seminars Choose from a variety of seminar topics, all focusing on celebrating Wisconsin artisan cheeses.
Time: 12 Noon - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Hall of Ideas, Monona Terrace, Madison, Wis.
Event Info: Choose from a stunning line-up of eight seminars, all focusing on celebrating Wisconsin artisan cheeses, including:

Wisconsin Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer Pairings
Next Generation Cheesemakers
Wisconsin Artisan Cheese & Wine Pairings
New Era of Wisconsin Blue Cheeses
Wisconsin Artisan Cheese, Dark Sipping Rums & Chocolate Pairings
Building the Perfect Cheese Board
Rise of the Woman Farmstead Cheesemaker

Tickets: Individual seminars are ticketed separately. Cost ranges from $25 - $40. Advance tickets required.

Evening Event
Meet the Cheesemaker Gala Reception
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Grand Terrace, Monona Terrace, Madison, Wis.
Event Info: Spend your Saturday evening in the exquisite Grand Terrace overlooking beautiful Lake Monona, meeting 35 Wisconsin cheesemakers and sampling more than 150 different Wisconsin original farmstead and artisan cheeses. Shake hands and talk shop with the current generation of rock star cheesemakers. Sample each cheesemaker's award-winning cheeses along with perfect pairings and elegant appetizers. Cash bar available. This event is limited to 300 advance tickets.
Tickets: Cost: $28. Advance tickets required.

Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010