Madison, Wisconsin, is home to a grab bag of idiosyncratic drinking traditions, whether it’s the brandy Old-Fashioned (served sour, sweet or press), the practice of downing bracing shots of Angostura or one of the many ice cream cocktails that have become supper club standards. But there’s more to the college town than its well-established drinking culture. A new crop of bars, distilleries and wineries are taking inspiration from Madison’s long- standing traditions to showcase creativity and comfort in equal measure. And leading the way are new-school Wisconsin taverns that are taking the approachable vibe of corner bars and updating them with inventive drinks that would stand up to those in any major city. — Amy Cavanaugh
When Erin Rasmussen moved back to her native Madison from California, where she had worked at E. & J. Gallo Winery, she decided to see if she could apply her winemaking skills to the grapes of the region. She could, and with impressive results. American Wine Project, which released its first low-intervention wines in 2019 and produces 1,500 to 2,000 cases a year, sources grape varieties like Brianna, Marquette and Frontenac, all from within a three-hour radius. Wines like Ancestral Pét-Nat 2021, made with tropical-flavored Brianna grapes, are available on menus around Madison and at the tasting room, located about an hour west of the city.
Midwestern traditions reimagined
American Wine Project
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802 Ridge Street, Mineral Point
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1054 Capitol Ave, Madison, WI 53701
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1054 Capitol Ave, Madison, WI 53701
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