The saying "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," is famously attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Although Franklin died before Wisconsin achieved statehood, it seems clear he would have approved. Breweries popped up in nearly every community in the state in the early 1830s as German immigrants applied their know-how. By mid-century, Milwaukee was giving St. Louis a run for its money as the beer-producing capital of the young country.
There remains a strong tradition of quality microbreweries in the state, and brewpubs offer groups a chance to sample local culture and history as well as handcrafted drafts. The casual atmosphere encourages bonhomie and makes mingling natural. Most pubs also produce a signature soft drink for nondrinkers to enjoy during visits.
Titletown Brewing Company (920.437.2337; www.titletownbrewing.com) opened in 1996 in an 1899 railway station along the Fox River in Green Bay. The popular brewpub welcomes banquets and receptions for as many as 70 guests in a variety of spaces. Brews to sample include ale, honey ale, pilsner and kolsch as well as old-fashioned Sno-Cap root beer. The menu features hearty American and pub fare, including elk and bison burgers.
Stone Cellar Brewpub (920.731.3322; www.stonecellarbrewpub.com) is housed in a 150-year-old building in Appleton, near the Fox River just north of Lake Winnebago. Currently the oldest continually running brewery in the state, Stone Cellar offers the private English Room for parties of 60 or more, as well as a beer garden. Beverages produced on-site include India pale ale, honey wheat beer, unusual choices such as vanilla stout and a range of gourmet sodas. The facility can also print customized labels for groups.
Hinterland Brewery (920.438.8050; www.hinterlandbeer.com) in Green Bay offers fine-dining fare such as fresh fish and wild game, a variety of classic and creative brews, including a World Champion medal-winning maple ale, and banquet space for 150 people. Brewery tours are available.
Wisconsin is also a wine-producing state, home to 36 wineries in five distinct regions. Door County is one of its most beautiful, boasting four award-winning wineries accessible via scenic tours on the Door County Trolley (920.868.1100; www.doorcountytrolley.com). Groups as large as 25 can enjoy five-hour tours of four wineries, plus a gourmet lunch.
