Wisconsin Cheese celebrates its Top Chef connection at Cheese Fair off the Square

While a Wisconsin chef did not earn the Top Chef Season 21 title, the celebrated Bravo food competition was a vibrant love letter to the Midwestern state. As one of its key collaborators, Wisconsin Cheese is continuing the exposure that the food television show offered. During this year’s Cheese Fair off the Square, everyone will want to venture to Madison to get their own taste of these culinary greats.

In 2023, Wisconsin Cheese hosted the Art of Cheese Festival. The weekend celebration brought together cheese experts, culinary greats, and food lovers. From bourbon and cheese pairings to an epic gala with over 250 cheeses, the week captured what makes the organization great, pairing exceptional artisan cheese, Midwestern hospitality, delicious food and great company.

Although the large-scale festival will not return until 2025, the Cheese Fair off the Square brings together some amazing cheesemakers during the Dane County Farmers’ Market on September 25, 2024. 16 cheese brands will be on hand for the event.

For Top Chef fans, a special brunch will be held on Saturday, September 25. The event will feature Top Chef Season 21 finalist Dan Jacobs and Top Chef Top 8 cheftestant Michelle Wallace, and Top Chef guest judge Tory Miller. In addition to a fabulous brunch, guests can talk to the chefs and the artisan cheesemakers featured in the meal.

As Top Chef fans will remember, Wisconsin Cheese and its cheesemakers were featured in a special episode. Both Dan and Michelle did well in that challenge. Although they may not be recreating those dishes, it will be an opportunity for food television fans to get a taste of the chefs’ food that they saw on screen.

While the food will be scrumptious, it is more than just another meal by celebrated chefs and perfectly paired Wisconsin Cheese. It is an example how the Top Chef effect does not end when the winner is crowned. Fans are drawn to the food they see on the show, the chefs that they connected with, and the locale that was featured.

Cheese lovers have long appreciated the craft and flavor of Wisconsin Cheese. By having a larger avenue for their award winning artisan cheese makers, the brand can help steer a bigger conversation. It is more than just another cheese plate or quick snack. From the master cheese maker who spends years earning that scholarly designation to the person who wants to learn more about the state’s cheese history, all of those elements add to the flavor and the enjoyment. When that signature label is on the package, people know that the food they eat will be at its best.

And, for anyone who cannot make this year’s event, mark your calendars for the Art of Cheese 2025. It will definitely be a “gouda grate” time.