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The Phoenix Taproom Has Served Over 2.1 Million Ounces of Beer

and that’s not even the total number of ounces across all its beverage options

Of the many things that make our slice of the region special, beer lovers in particular have a lot to love. Alongside a rich brewery background, Wisconsin – specifically, Eau Claire – made a new entry in beer history when it became home to the Midwest’s largest self-pour taproom in 2024: The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen. We asked owner Brad Hansen just how much people have enjoyed The Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen’s self-serve options since opening up shop – by the ounce ...

Inspired By Former 'Taste of the Valley,' United Way Plans Foodie-Benefit Event

list of participating food, beverage and arts vendors grows for inaugural 'Bites & Brews' event

Inspired by the former Taste of the Valley event, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV) is planning its inaugural “Bites & Brews: A Taste of the Valley," slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Eau Claire Event District (5775 20th Ave., Eau Claire) ...

Q&A: Happy Sweet 16 To Lazy Monk Brewing!

now in its teenage years, the Eau Claire brewery owners share words of wisdom and funny anecdotes from its longtime patrons

Sept. 12 gave Eau Claire locals plenty of reasons to celebrate. What felt like thousands of visitors gathered for the Fall Festival, just a few minutes away an area park saw its own frisbee gold fundraiser. Others spent the afternoon at Lazy Monk Brewing’s “Sweet 16” anniversary party, cooling down with a taste of its newly released premium lager. Looking back 16 years to the business’ beginnings, owners Theresa and Leos Frank were just...

If Wisconsin Were A Country, It Would Be The Fourth Largest Cheese Producer

we gathered some good ol’ dairy data to exemplify another reason why Wisconsin rules

A report released at the tail-end of 2024 by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics put statistical proof behind a fact we already knew: The dairy industry is a powerhouse (and its products oh-so yummy). According to the report – which works with the most recent comprehensive data, from 2022 – dairy generates almost half of the state’s annual industrial agricultural revenue, making the dairy industry the single largest contributor ...

Yes, Even Cheese Pays Attention to Trends

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin’s 2025 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report notes increased demand for artisanal and diverse cheeses, interest in spicy cheeses

The 2025 Wisconsin Cheese Trends Report offers a taste of what cheese lovers are likely into this year. The report highlights five trends or topics, informed by data from Innova Market Insights, plucked out by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW). Those include an increase in retail sales for international and artisanal cheese, including paneer, burrata, and queso quesadilla ...

Statistically, Wisconsinites Love Miller Beer

Wisconsin is home to more than 260 craft breweries, produces millions of beer barrels each year, and loves Miller Brewing Co.

It’s no secret: Wisconsinites love beer. (Arguably, some of us love it too much, but that’s a different conversation.) That love has even been statistically proven, down to the most-bought brands of beer, brew styles, and how much beer is brewed by craft breweries ...

An Ode to Some Cheese

a diabetic’s forbidden love for local cheesy goodness

As a diabetic in Wisconsin with an indifference to cholesterol levels and regularity, cheese and its consumption have become essential to my existence. It is my go-to snack, secret ingredient, garnish, meal replacement/shake replacement, and emotional support animal ...

'TIS THE SEASON: 5 Events to Celebrate Oktoberfest

get yer Oktoberfest on at these area happenings!

The Oktoberfest Kickoff at Leinenkugel's, Oktoberfest Chippewa Falls, Mondovi Oktoberfest, and more ...

Take the ‘Beer, Brats & Cheese’ Road Trip

forthcoming book created by native Wisconsinite after 2,600-mile trip highlights some of the state’s best brews and eats

The Chippewa Valley gets several nods in the forthcoming book, "Beer, Brats, and Cheese: A Wisconsin Road Trip," and if you weren’t already chewing your way through some of the best drinking and dining spots in the state, you will after reading it ...

[VIDEO] GETTING BEER SCHOOLED: Taste Testing with 3rd & Vine

in celebration of this year's Beer & Cheese section, our associate editors learn about and indulge in mouthwatering beer and cheese pairings!

GET SCHOOLED! You're not living in Wisconsin if you're not indulging in cheese or trying a new brew, and in this video, two of our editors are doing both. Associate Editors Sawyer Hoff and McKenna Scherer get schooled by 3rd & Vine...