Autumn leaves hug the hillsides and patches of frost cover golden pumpkins. It’s the perfect formula for a fall excursion and fun weekend. To jump-start that trip, seven estate wineries and seven dairy and cheese producers recently formed a collective group to create the Sip and Savor Driftless Wisconsin Wine and Cheese Trail.

“This venture marks an exciting collaboration between the state’s renowned dairy industry and expanding wine enterprises,” says Therese Bergholz, trail director and owner of Branches Winery near Westby, Wis. “Our goal is to attract consumers from major metropolitan areas to visit these 14 local food growers and producers in the scenic Driftless Region between Madison and La Crosse.”

The trail will be promoted as a yearlong opportunity for people to experience and shop at these businesses with three special event weekends, starting Oct. 13-15. The economic impact will also benefit those folks associated with lodging, shops and restaurants.  

“We are very excited to connect with this new agritourism trail,” notes Pete Kondrup, general manager of Westby Cooperative Creamery. “It will be a total win-win situation, both tasty as well as educational.”

“This project is an excellent opportunity to meet the cheese- and winemakers and sample their creations,” Bergholz adds. “Each business can showcase various products and facilities in their own unique way. Better yet, no tickets are needed, as admission is free.”

To learn more about all the participants and weekend excursions, go to driftlesswinecheesetrail.com or check on Facebook: Driftless Wine and Cheese Trail.

Persinger lives in Milwaukee, Wis.