‘Top Chef: Wisconsin’ Inspires Wine Lover to Attempt Brat Pairings

finding Wisco vintages that match our much-loved sausages

I was thrilled when one of my favorite cooking competition shows, “Top Chef,” was filmed in Wisconsin this year! Finally, a chance to show the rest of the country how great our state is. One of the episodes featured the chefs competing at American Family Field in ...

Time for a Toast! The Valley’s Best Places for Wine in 2024

these are the spots to visit and shop, according to our Best Of voters

With its upscale decor and great view of River Prairie, Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Place, Altoona) offers a wide variety of wine — not to mention beer, cocktails, spirits, coffee, and ...

NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT TASTE: River Bend Winery’s New Labels a Community Effort

released in January, the winery worked in collaboration with After Ten Agency and UWEC

River Bend Winery & Distillery was founded in Chippewa Falls in 2009, creating a legacy of delicious wines and spirits while quickly becoming a facet of the community. In 2016, Antonson and Fleishauer families purchased the 6-acre vineyard ...

TURNING THE PAGE: Vino Cappuccino Owners Welcome Final Season

Vino Cappucino Artisan Bistro made its debut in Elk Mound in 2017. It quickly became an area favorite and has grown and expanded in those seven years, exceeding all dreams and expectations. Owners Dina and Galen Babb are excited to announce they are ready to pass the torch on to someone who shares that vision ...

2 ROOTS, HUNDREDS OF CHOICES: E.C. Establishment Has Enormous Wine List

2 Roots offers up 88 wines by the glass – plus whiskey, beer, food, art and music

Barely six months after opening, 2 Roots in downtown Eau Claire has become a popular spot for those eager to enjoy wine, spirits, food, art, and music – sometimes all at once. It’s also quietly come to offer one of the biggest by-the-glass wine selections in ...

RIVERSIDE GOURMET: Wisconsin Wines Pair With Fine Food, Chippewa River Scenery

‘Did you bring your wine?’ I asked. ‘Yes!’ they exclaimed

“Pull back just two more feet – OK, stop!” Now the motor home was parked in a perfect spot right on the Chippewa River. After putting the slides out and setting up the lawn chairs, it was time to relax. Sitting and watching the water rushing by reminded me ...

Want Wine? Our Readers Say These Are the Best Around

Best of the Chippewa Valley Poll winners for wines and winemakers

Back on the Best Wine Selection list this year – and in first place – is River Bend Winery & Distillery (10439 33rd Ave., Chippewa Falls). Its owners have longtime roots in the community and their love for the Valley is further felt in River Bend’s high-quality wine (and spirits!). Bemis Bluff ...

THE HELIX EXPERIENCE: Savvy New Café and Wine Bar Opens in Altoona

new hotspot offers light grub and craft drinks in style

A helix is not only the shape of a corkscrew, but it’s also the shape of our DNA, which is a part of us. The new owners of Helix Wine Bar want the space to be a part of the community as well. Kristin Waldow and her husband decided to open Helix with their long-time ...

Time for a Toast With the Best Local Wines

Want wine? These are the places to check out, Best of the Chippewa Valley voters say

Once again, Bemis Bluff Winery (E2960 Hageness Road, Eleva) demonstrates it has the area’s best wine selection. Enjoy the scenery while sipping fruit wines, or better yet, a wine slushy on a hot July ...

WINE TIME: The Right Day for Rosé

between red and white, rosé wines offer a range of flavors and pair well with food

With rosé season upon us and National Rosé Day right around the corner on June 11, I thought it would be a wonderful time to recommend a few favorites. But first, let’s learn a little about rosés ...