Reporting by Anastasia Poull, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
Something Special from Wisconsin members certify that at least 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. Since 1983, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has administered this program to showcase Wisconsin companies.
Over 500 companies offer a wide selection of handcrafted signature pieces, agricultural goods and products, agritourism destinations, and so much more. From the Northwoods to the coast of Lake Michigan, the sandy central region, and everywhere in between, there is something special for everyone. You can enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season as I feature 35 SSfW companies on social media and media outlets around the state! A small sampling of these wonderfully Wisconsin companies includes:
Dairy Diaries LLC, founded by Chase Pagel, is a collection of agriculture-based books that capture the essence of family life on the farm. Chase is an author and devoted parent residing on her husband’s third-generation farm with their four children. Drawing inspiration from heartwarming moments and adventures that unfold on the farm, she weaves tales that captivate young minds and celebrate the beauty of farm life. These colorful children’s books are available in English and Spanish and can be ordered online through Amazon or dairy-diaries.com.
Schleif Sugar Bush Farm is a second-generation syrup producer. It all began in 1984 when Darrin’s parents, Dennis and Joan Schleif, began cooking maple syrup in their backyard. In 2014, Darrin and Chelsey took over the business, created an LLC, and have been expanding ever since. They are located in Pine River, Wisconsin, and have approximately 3,500 trees tapped using a pipeline system and reverse osmosis. Their maple syrup and maple syrup root beer can be found in many locations across the state.
Prairie Junction Farms is a family-run, small business from East Troy, Wisconsin. They stir their toffee by hand using quality, local ingredients. Plus, all their products are gluten-free. Their toffee has won international awards, and as they like to say, Prairie Junction Company has the best toffee in the United States. Products can be purchased online at prairiejunctionco.com or search their website for a store near you.
Duck Creek Winery is a true hidden gem—Northeast Wisconsin’s first winery, distillery, and brewery all under one roof, with all their products proudly crafted on-site. Their tasting room and taproom offer a casual and fun atmosphere to enjoy a wine, spirit, moonshine, or beer flight of four pours, or relax with a glass of wine, craft cocktail, or craft beer. You can enjoy award-winning spirits at their winery and distillery, then take some favorites home to enjoy, order online, or find them at select retailers.
Here in Wisconsin, some of the best memories are made around food, family, friends, and farms! That’s why Mes Amis Spices is such a fun Wisconsin gift. Mes Amis means “my friends” in French, and their flavorful spice blends are made for sharing good food with family, friends, and the people you love. Created by a woman-owned Wisconsin small business, Mes Amis Spices’ products make it easy to add big flavor to burgers, veggies, holiday favorites, and everyday meals. Find them online at mesamisspices.com, Amazon, and walmart.com.
Harmony Cheese, located in Athens, Wisconsin, celebrates Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage while creating distinctive cheeses that make gathering around the table a little more delicious. This season, enjoy two of their favorites: the beautiful Merlot Cheddar, made with white cheddar curds infused with Merlot wine, and the Double Gloucester, a rich, traditional British-style cheese with a firm texture and wonderfully complex flavor. Harmony Cheese products can be purchased at their retail store in Athens, online at harmonycheese.com, and through select retailers in Wisconsin.
Purple Thumb Lavender is a family-owned lavender farm in East Central Wisconsin, founded by sisters Kristy and Mindy. Since 2017, they have been growing lavender and creating products that showcase lavender’s versatility in bath and body products, home goods, and gourmet foods. Their Rosemary & Lavender Roasted Pecans combine savory herbs and a sweet sugar coating, while the Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookie Mix blends bright citrus with delicate floral notes for a delicious homemade treat. Purple Thumb Lavender products can be purchased at purplethumblavender.com or in stores across Wisconsin.
1913 Kickapoo Orchards and Cider House is thrilled to introduce two new offerings inspired by the orchard. The Limited Reserve 1913 Apple Cider Dazzle and Apple Maple Drizzle Syrup Collection are hand-crafted to capture the essence of apples in every drop. To celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, they proudly partnered with the artisans at A&M Sugarworks in Dallas, Wisconsin, to craft this limited-edition heritage specialty. Originally used hundreds of years ago as a pioneer staple for sweetening and preserving, Dazzle and Drizzle has been reimagined for the modern kitchen. Find all their products at 1913 Orchards in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, and on their website, 1913kickapoo.com.
Chippy’s Popcorn Creations began as a family idea with Scott and Linda Chipman. The Chipmans traveled to festivals, farmer’s markets, and corporate events to delight eventgoers with the smells of freshly popped kettle corn. Today, Chippy’s is owned by Jen and Brandon Davie and serves the community through special events, company picnics, and festivals, along with their shop and corporate kitchen located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Find Chippy’s online at chippyspopcorn.com and in their shop in Beaver Dam.
Visit somethingspecialwi.com to explore hundreds of Wisconsin businesses of all types and sizes! Enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin.
Anastasia Poull is Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Shop for Something Special this holiday season for Wisconsin-sourced gifts
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