Wisconsins Ultimate Cheese Sampling Tour Free Tastings At The States Best Creameries

Wisconsin, known as "America's Dairyland," offers cheese enthusiasts unparalleled opportunities to sample some of the finest cheeses produced in the United States. From historic cheese shops to active creameries with viewing windows, the state provides numerous locations where visitors can enjoy complimentary cheese samples. This guide explores the premier destinations across Wisconsin where cheese lovers can indulge in free tastings, learn about cheesemaking processes, and experience the rich dairy heritage that has made Wisconsin famous worldwide.

Historic Cheese Shops with Sampling Traditions

Wisconsin's cheese sampling culture is deeply rooted in its historic establishments, many of which have been offering free samples for decades. These venues combine tradition with quality, providing visitors with authentic Wisconsin cheese experiences.

Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern

Located in Monroe, dubbed the "Swiss Cheese Capital" of the United States, Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern stands as Wisconsin's oldest cheese store, having opened its doors in 1931 during the Great Depression. This historic institution has maintained its commitment to quality while becoming a beloved destination for cheese sampling.

Visitors to Baumgartner can enjoy free samples of the store's extensive selection of cheeses, which includes both Wisconsin-made varieties and imported options. The store's loyal following often recommends sampling their famous Limburger cheese, traditionally served as a sandwich on rye bread with stoneground horseradish mustard and red onions. A unique local custom includes serving a mint on the side with this pungent cheese, a tradition that helps cleanse the palate between tastings.

The establishment's longevity and dedication to cheesemaking tradition make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience Wisconsin's cheese heritage firsthand. Its central location in Monroe, the heart of Wisconsin's Swiss cheese production region, further enhances its appeal as a sampling destination.

Wisconsin Cheese Company

Nestled in Oregon, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Cheese Company retail store offers visitors a true cheese lover's paradise. The establishment provides an extensive selection of Wisconsin cheeses, handcrafted gift boxes, savory sausages, gourmet spreads, and crunchy snacks. The standout feature of this destination is its commitment to offering free samples daily.

Patrons can "snack their way through Wisconsin's best" by sampling the store's favorite cheeses and sausages. This hands-on approach allows visitors to taste before purchasing, ensuring they take home varieties they truly enjoy. The sampling experience extends beyond cheese to include other local specialties, creating a comprehensive taste of Wisconsin's culinary offerings.

The Wisconsin Cheese Company enhances the sampling experience with an outdoor patio where visitors can savor their chosen cheeses with fresh air and sunshine. This unique feature makes it an ideal stop for road trippers looking to stretch their legs while enjoying local flavors. The patio also serves as a gathering place for sharing snack boards and local beverages, transforming the sampling experience into a social event.

Active Creameries and Factory Tours

For those interested in seeing how cheese is made, Wisconsin offers numerous creameries that provide both educational tours and sampling opportunities. These working facilities give visitors insight into the cheesemaking process while allowing them to taste products fresh from the source.

Carr Valley Cheese Company

Carr Valley Cheese represents one of Wisconsin's most distinguished cheesemaking operations, with a century of experience in producing award-winning cheeses. Owned and operated by the Cook Family, this company follows a handmade, old-fashioned approach that has earned national recognition. Sid Cook, the resident master cheesemaker, is not only Wisconsin's top fromager but also considered the nation's best.

The company operates four factories and eight retail locations throughout Wisconsin, with many of these locations doubling as production facilities. Visitors to Carr Valley factories can watch the cheesemaking process firsthand, gaining insight into the craftsmanship that goes into each variety. The retail spaces offer an extensive selection of over 75 varieties of artisanal cheese made from cow, goat, and sheep milk.

Sampling opportunities abound at Carr Valley locations, where visitors can taste everything from extra squeaky curds to more exotic varieties like Ba Ba Blue goat cheese, Bacon Bread Cheese, and Cocoa Cardona. The company's commitment to quality and variety makes it a premier destination for cheese enthusiasts looking to explore different flavor profiles and textures.

Union Star Cheese Factory

Union Star Cheese Factory, established in 1911 by Henry Metzig, represents four generations of cheesemaking excellence. Today, the company is run by David and Jan Metzig, great-grandnephews of the founder, who continue the tradition of making authentic American cheese from locally sourced milk. David Metzig holds the distinguished title of Wisconsin master cheesemaker, a designation held by fewer than 100 individuals statewide.

Union Star operates two factories that welcome curious cheese-lovers for free tours: the original 1906 location in Fremont and the 2002 facility in Berlin along Highway 21. The Fremont location maintains its historic charm, with visitors noting that it looks much the same as it did sixty years ago. At both locations, cheese is made before visitors' eyes, providing an authentic glimpse into traditional cheesemaking techniques.

Sampling is a highlight of any Union Star visit, with fresh samples readily available. The company produces 41 various types of cheeses, ranging from classics like Monterey Jack and provolone to unique compound varieties such as port wine-infused cheddar and shiitake mushroom Muenster. Visitors particularly rave about the squeaky-fresh cheese curds, which showcase the quality and freshness that have become Union Star's signature.

Renard's Artisan Cheese

Situated in the picturesque peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Renard's Artisan Cheese represents a family tradition that began in 1961. Master cheesemaker Chris Renard continues this legacy with a sustainable approach to cheesemaking, reusing cream for butter and processing whey into protein snacks and drinks, even recycling water back into nutrient-rich soil.

Renard's offers an impressive selection of handcrafted cheeses, including cheddars, Colby, Muenster, brick, marble, Monterey jack, mozzarella, and smoked string cheese, along with 50 specialty compound varieties. The retail store in Sturgeon Bay features a year-round sample table where visitors can taste various cheeses alongside wine selections, enhancing the sampling experience with thoughtful pairings.

The adjacent Melt Bistro provides additional opportunities to sample Renard's masterfully-made cheeses through fresh-made dishes that showcase the versatility of Wisconsin cheese. This combination of retail sampling and culinary experiences makes Renard's a comprehensive destination for cheese enthusiasts exploring Door County.

Ellsworth Cheese Company

Ellsworth, Wisconsin proudly claims the title of "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin," thanks in large part to the Ellsworth Cheese Company. This establishment has gained recognition for its top-quality curd flavors, including garlic, Cajun, ranch, hot buffalo, taco, and natural varieties that keep cheese lovers returning for more.

The company operates two retail locations: one in Menomonie and another in New London. At the Menomonie location, customers can observe the mastery that goes into Ellsworth's cheese craft, while both stores offer complementary goods like cured meats, crackers, cheese gift boxes, and pasteurized processed pizza cheese. The sampling experience at Ellsworth focuses particularly on fresh cheese curds, allowing visitors to experience the characteristic squeak and flavor that has made these products famous.

Regional Cheese Sampling Destinations

Wisconsin's diverse geography has fostered distinct cheesemaking traditions across different regions. Each area offers unique sampling opportunities that reflect local tastes and production methods.

Weyauwega Star Dairy

While specific details about sampling opportunities at Weyauwega Star Dairy are limited in the source material, this establishment represents the regional diversity of Wisconsin's cheesemaking landscape. Located in central Wisconsin, Weyauwega Star Dairy contributes to the state's reputation for dairy excellence through its specialized cheese products.

Wollersheim Winery & Distillery

Though primarily known for its wines and spirits, Wollersheim Winery & Distillery in Prairie du Sac represents an interesting complement to Wisconsin's cheese sampling culture. As part of a suggested cheese tour itinerary, this venue offers beer samples for a nominal fee, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience how local beverages pair with Wisconsin cheeses.

The winery's inclusion in cheese tour routes highlights the growing appreciation for beverage and cheese pairings, which enhance the overall tasting experience. While not offering cheese samples directly, Wollersheim represents the broader culinary culture that surrounds Wisconsin's cheese industry.

Planning Your Wisconsin Cheese Sampling Tour

For those looking to maximize their cheese sampling experience across Wisconsin, several strategies can enhance the journey:

Timing Your Visits

Many cheese sampling locations have specific hours that visitors should note to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience. For example, the Wisconsin Cheese Company in Oregon is closed on Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours throughout the week. Planning visits around these schedules ensures that sampling opportunities are not missed.

Combining Experiences

Wisconsin's cheese destinations often offer more than just samples. Many locations feature full-service restaurants, gift shops, and educational opportunities that can enrich the overall experience. For instance, Renard's combines its cheese sampling with an on-site bistro, while Union Star Cheese Factory offers free tours of its production facilities.

Pairing with Local Beverages

Several cheese sampling locations emphasize the importance of beverage pairings. The Wisconsin Cheese Company features a craft beer and wine selection with Wisconsin-made beverages, while Renard's offers wine samples alongside its cheese tastings. These pairings can enhance the appreciation of both the cheese and accompanying beverages.

Conclusion

Wisconsin offers an unparalleled cheese sampling experience that combines tradition, quality, and accessibility. From historic shops like Baumgartner Cheese Store that have been serving samples for decades to active creameries like Carr Valley and Union Star where visitors can watch cheese being made, the state provides numerous opportunities to taste its world-renowned dairy products. The diversity of sampling locations—from the award-winning curds of Ellsworth to the sustainable practices of Renard's—reflects the rich variety that has made Wisconsin a global leader in cheesemaking. For cheese enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, these sampling destinations offer a delicious way to experience the dairy heritage that defines America's Dairyland.

Sources

1. Wisconsin Cheese Company Retail Store
2. Tasting Table: Cheese Shops in Wisconsin
3. Travel Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Cheese Tour