April 27, 2014 at 11:57 a.m.
Hodag Hops and Vines showcases area breweries, wineries and restaurants
Hodag Hops and Vines showcases area breweries, wineries and restaurants
The Hodag Hops and Vines event, held Saturday at the Quality Inn in Rhinelander, showcased the delectable cuisine and libations produced by local breweries, wineries and restaurants.
Hosted by the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce, the event serves as an introduction to the many dining opportunities available in the Northwoods.
"This is an event the chamber throws to help bring community members in to see some of our sponsors, and some of our chamber members, and try food from our area restaurants as well as sample a variety of beers and wines from our local distributors," said chamber executive director Dana DeMet.
The proceeds from the event go to support the chamber, but DeMet said the main goal is not to raise money but to increase awareness of the products and services offered by local businesses.
"The proceeds go toward chamber operations later in the year. Really, it's an opportunity to get a lot of our food and beverage members a little bit of exposure to the public," DeMet said.
With only a couple months under his belt, this is DeMet's second major chamber event after taking over for former executive director Lara Reed earlier this year. He said both events have been successful.
"It's a little bit nerve-wracking right at the start, obviously, but we've got a great event space this year so I'm sure that will lend itself very well, so people are able to relax and have a good time and sample a lot of different beers, wines and food, and enjoy some music and have a good evening," DeMet said.
The crowd seemed to enjoy the food, drinks and musical entertainment.
"This is the one event I make sure I get to each and every year. There are so many great things to do in the Northwoods that it's hard to pick and choose what to do sometimes, but this, this I always make sure I get to," Dale Showenwich enthused. "There's such a great variety here. The wife goes and tries all the different wines. I get to try beers from all over the Northwoods - beers I might not usually get to try, sometimes they're beers I've never even heard of - it's just great. Add in the food, which is always astounding, and you've got yourself a great night."
Many couples were in attendance, proving that Hops and Vines is a perfect date night destination.
"It's a perfect date night. You don't have to plan at all, you just have to get your tickets and show up. It's wonderful," Stacey Kingman said. "There's no arguing about where to eat or where to go for drinks beforehand, you just head on in and it's got everything you need. There's music, a huge variety of food, any kind of beer or wine you could want. It's perfect. Easily our best date night of the year."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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