You know the saying ‘like a moth to a flame’? They should really look at changing it to ‘like a Wisconsinite to cheese & beer”. Doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as nicely, but the meaning is pretty much the same.
We’re irresistibly drawn to all things gouda and hoppy bliss, and who can blame us? Especially when there are festivals like Sip & Savor Wisconsin that cater to all of our favorite Midwest vices.
We talked with Becca Petrillo to get the inside scoop on how a festival dedicated to our unique regional culture came about and what attendees can expect to find at this year’s Sip & Savor Wisconsin.
How did Sip & Savor Festival get its start?
Founded in 2016 as the Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival presented by the Wisconsin Brewers Guild, the festival was created to showcase breweries from across the state of Wisconsin. Prior to the pandemic, the event welcomed more than 2,000 attendees each year who gathered to enjoy exclusive pours and celebrate Wisconsin craft beer culture.
Now reimagined as the Wisconsin Sip & Savor Festival, the event has expanded beyond beer to celebrate the full spectrum of Wisconsin’s incredible food and beverage scene. In addition to Wisconsin breweries, the festival now features wineries, cider companies, distilleries, non-alcoholic beverage brands, and food partners from across the state — all brought together in one unforgettable experience.
Wisconsin Sip & Savor Festival is truly a celebration of Wisconsin’s rich culinary and beverage culture, highlighting the local makers, flavors, and communities that make the state so special.
How long has it been happening? Have you faced any major challenges with growing the event or any triumph stories?
Like many events, COVID presented a major challenge for the festival and resulted in a two-year hiatus that impacted much of the momentum we had built over the years. However, through those challenges, the festival evolved and adapted in exciting new ways.
What began as a brewery-focused event has expanded to spotlight a wider range of outstanding Wisconsin brands, including wineries, cider companies, distilleries, non-alcoholic beverage makers, and food partners from across the state. This evolution has allowed the festival to better celebrate Wisconsin’s diverse and growing food and beverage culture.
We also made the move from BAYSHORE to The Bavarian Bierhaus Festival Grounds, which has been an incredible new home for the event. The venue’s unique festival grounds and indoor/outdoor setup allow the festival to continue rain or shine, creating a more reliable and enjoyable experience for both vendors and attendees.
PSA
We’re interrupting this Q&A for a moment to share that Milwaukee Uncut members can use Promo Code BavarianBierhaus10 for $10 off their tickets! http://sipandsavorwisconsin.com/
What is Sip & Savor Festival, and why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
Wisconsin Sip & Savor Festival is a celebration of Wisconsin’s incredible food, beverage, culture, and community. The festival brings together local restaurants, makers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and artisans to create an experience that highlights everything people love about Wisconsin in one place.
Milwaukee felt like the perfect fit because this city has such a strong sense of community and an amazing food and beverage scene. People here genuinely support local businesses, love gathering for events, and appreciate authentic experiences. Milwaukee also has such a rich festival culture, so creating something that celebrates Wisconsin flavors and local talent felt very natural here. We wanted to create an event that both locals and visitors could enjoy while also shining a spotlight on the incredible businesses and creators across the state.
What’s the mission behind Sip & Savor Festival?
The mission behind Sip & Savor Festival is to connect people through food, drinks, and experiences while supporting local businesses and showcasing Wisconsin’s unique culture. We want attendees to discover new favorites, meet the people behind the brands, and feel inspired by the creativity and passion within our local communities.
At its core, the festival is about creating a fun, welcoming environment where people can come together, celebrate local talent, and make lasting memories.
This festival is actually a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Brewers Guild. The Wisconsin Brewers Guild is dedicated to building upon Wisconsin’s rich brewing heritage through the production, marketing, and sale of top-quality craft beers while maintaining the integrity of individual brewers and their breweries.
The Guild’s mission is to promote and maintain standards of excellence in Wisconsin’s brewing industry.
What makes Milwaukee a great spot for the Wisconsin Sip & Savor Festival?
Milwaukee is the ideal location because it already has such a vibrant culinary and festival scene. The city is full of amazing restaurants, breweries, event spaces, and creative entrepreneurs, and there’s a real appreciation for local experiences here.
It’s also centrally located, making it easy for people from all over Wisconsin and neighboring states to attend. Milwaukee’s energy, and strong support for community events make it the perfect backdrop for a festival like this.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing with the fest?
One of my favorite parts is seeing people connect and discover something new. Whether it’s someone finding a new favorite local business, trying a product for the first time, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, it’s rewarding to create an experience that brings people together.
I also love being able to support and spotlight small businesses and vendors. Seeing their excitement and watching the community rally around them is incredibly fulfilling.
What can people expect when going to Sip & Savor Festival?
People can expect a high-energy, fun, and flavorful experience filled with food tastings, drinks, shopping, entertainment, and interactive experiences. There will be opportunities to sample products from local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, discover new businesses, and truly experience the best of Wisconsin all in one place.
Whether you’re a foodie, someone who loves supporting local businesses, or just looking for a fun day out with friends, there will truly be something for everyone.
Anything else we should know about Sip & Savor or anything you’d like to mention? Any favorite stories?
One thing that makes Sip & Savor special is the sense of community behind it. So many local businesses, vendors, and supporters have come together to help bring this vision to life, and that collaboration is really what the festival is all about.
One of the most rewarding moments has been hearing how excited vendors are to be part of something that celebrates Wisconsin businesses in such a meaningful way. Seeing people come together, support each other, and create connections is what makes all the hard work worth it. We’re excited to continue growing the festival and making it an experience people look forward to every year.
Tickets are on sale now at http://sipandsavorwisconsin.com/
Tickets range from $25 -$90 per person, depending on what you are looking for!
Tickets include:
- Unlimited samples from Wisconsin brewers, distillers, wineries, and makers
- Artisan cheese, sausage, and specialty foods
- Local vendors showcasing Wisconsin–made products
- Live entertainment and an energetic festival atmosphere
- A true celebration of Wisconsin pride