Destination Driftless: Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival 2012

Over 40 breweries and 200 different kinds of brews were brought out for the Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The weather was 45 degrees and overcast so standard fare for Spring in Wisconsin. We threw on our boots and coats and headed to the Oktoberfest grounds where a few thousand people were already busy getting their drink on. Though there was a lot of consumption, the cool thing about this event is the opportunity to sample so many different kinds of craft beers made in this area. I had no idea this event was so large. My neighbor told me this fest initially was held at City Brewery, formerly G. Heileman Brewing Company which had been operating since 1858. Heileman built what is known as the World's Largest Six-Pack(http://www.worldslargestthings.com/wisconsin/sixpack.htm), a set of metal tanks that can hold over 22,000 gallons of beer. We like our beer here in La Crosse. Apparently about 200 people would show up in the early years of this festival. It has changed just a bit.

My husband and I had a great time. We had a lot of different quality, tasty beer samples and we hung out with good friends. But it was like a huge block party and wall to wall people.

Didn't bother my husband. Look how happy he looks.

Our friends Spike and Lisa were pouring for Noelke Distributors. They had some tasty ale there.

Our friend Ken scored the beer necklace.

Smart idea. I should have taken more advantage of this station.

"Some folks make bombs in the backwoods. We're sticking to beer." Lake Louie Beer.

and how could you not want to order a beer from this man?!

Mike and Mike

Fayme and myself. Notice my winter wear.

Smokin' Bandits played for much of the afternoon. Good times.

This is a craft-brewed light beer that has just 97 calories and is the only American beer created just for women. I didn't try it but there were a lot of women in line. Some bold men too.