April 25, 2016 at 4:06 p.m.
Beer and wine lovers find their new favorite drink at annual Hodag Hops and Vines event
Beer and wine lovers find their new favorite drink at annual Hodag Hops and Vines event
This year's event, the seventh annual, drew a large crowd to the Quality Inn in Rhinelander, according to Bill Clow, executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We're really pleased with the turnout," Clow said. "The most important thing I hear is a lot of laughter, a lot of excited voices."
Clow said a number of great breweries and wineries - many of which were from Wisconsin or a surrounding state - had tables of the event.
There were 32 vendors, many of whom served cheese, sausage and other light foods that pair well with wine and beer. Area restaurants also supplied food.
New this year there was a People's Choice award for the best food dish and a Top Chef award for the top food vendor. Those trying for the title included the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub, Holiday Acres and others.
"We like to do these types of events because it's one of the things that kind of adds to the excitement of being in Rhinelander and it's something that I know a lot of people look forward to," Clow said.
Joseph Hirvela of Bull Falls Brewery out of Wausau brough his Five Star Ale, Nut Brown Ale, Hefewiezen and Bock Lager.
Bock Lager is a darker beer and Five Star - the flagship beer - is an American beer. Both were popular with guests.
"I think it's a pretty good deal for the vendors to be able to get their name out and get their product in other people's hands that maybe haven't had it so far," he said. "We're having a good time at the Hodag Hops and Vines and we hope to be back."
Mike Donovan of Three Lakes Winery is grateful an event like Hodag Hops and Vines is available to area vintners and brewers.
"It's huge, it's great, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and it's great to see so many vendors under one roof," he said.
He brought the winery's Northwoods Blend, which is a cranberry moscato; Wisconsin Cranberry Blackberry Cabernet, elderberry wine and Cabin Blend, which is a cranberry blackberry wine.
The cranberry moscato and blackberry Cabernet have been the most popular selections this year, he said.
Many guests, like Suzanne Sandmann, were thrilled to have an opportunity to find their next favorite wine or beer.
"It's fun," she said, adding that she especially liked Three Lakes Winery's cranberry moscato and Trig's Bell Amore. "It's a lot of fun getting to try a lot of different vendors and wines and beers that I wouldn't normally choose."
Dawn Knudsen, another first-time attendee, had nothing but praise for the event.
"Oh I love it, great friends, great food, great drinks," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@ rivernewsonline.com.
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