Kohler Wisconsin Food and Wine Experience

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to The Kohler Company for their generous sponsorship and for hosting me at The American Club Resort during the memorable 2016 Kohler Food and Wine Experience. All opinions and photography featured herein (unless otherwise specified) are, as always, entirely my own.

Having traversed countless destinations across the globe, it’s genuinely astonishing to admit that until recently, I remained blissfully unaware of Wisconsin’s hidden gem: a magnificent 5-Star, 5-Diamond resort nestled just a short journey across Lake Michigan from my childhood home. The sheer delight of being invited to the illustrious 2016 Kohler Food and Wine Experience in Kohler, Wisconsin, last October was an opportunity I seized with immense enthusiasm, and I can unequivocally say, it was one of the best “yeses” I’ve ever uttered.

The village of Kohler itself is a testament to visionary planning and unwavering dedication, proving to be impressive in a million different ways. Its origins trace back to a “company town” meticulously crafted by the Kohler Company. Yes, indeed, that Kohler company—the world-renowned innovator behind an array of exquisite faucets, sinks, fixtures, toilets, and even powerful engines. The very foundation of my luxurious accommodations, the 5-Star, 5-Diamond rated The American Club Resort Hotel, began its life as a dormitory. This isn’t just any dormitory, mind you, but a thoughtfully designed residence for the skilled immigrant workers whom Kohler brought in to cultivate its ceramics into world-class products.

As I discovered during an enlightening tour of the Kohler Company Museum, this wasn’t merely a place to sleep. It was a community hub providing an in-house barbershop, dedicated English tutors, and citizenship classes. The Kohler Company actively sponsored these men and their families in their pursuit of American citizenship, demonstrating a profound commitment to their well-being and integration. This rich history, coupled with the palpable enthusiasm radiating from every single employee—whether from Kohler Company, The American Club, The Kohler Waters Spa, or any of the delightful restaurants throughout the town—left me more than a little inclined to fall deeply in love with both Kohler-the-company and Kohler-the-charming-town.

My initial immersion into the spirit of Kohler arrived in the form of an exquisite chocolate and brandy tasting event, where the world was formally introduced to the latest passion project from Mr. Herb Kohler himself: Kohler Dark Chocolate Brandy. My dear readers, if you consider yourself a connoisseur of fine chocolate, you absolutely owe it to your palate to experience this masterpiece. Far from the overly sweet, often cloying chocolate liqueurs and cordials that saturate the market, this brandy offers a sophisticated, nuanced flavor profile. I envision it becoming an indispensable ingredient for festive holiday mixers and cocktails, adding a touch of unparalleled elegance. A heartwarming display of the profound affection residents hold for the Kohler Company was evident when Mr. Kohler graciously sat at Woodlake Market, the local grocery store, to sign bottles of his new Dark Chocolate Brandy. One particularly enthusiastic woman purchased a dozen bottles, having each one personally signed by Mr. Kohler for thoughtful gifts. The line of eager patrons, stretching out of the building, truly underscored the community’s deep connection and admiration.

Photo of Amanda Freitag and Rebecca Lindamood by Becky Hardin

There is an abundance of reasons to adore the Kohler Food and Wine Experience, my friends, largely due to its pervasive atmosphere of pure, sophisticated enjoyment. Naturally, your potential for delight multiplies exponentially if you possess a passion for world-class wines and gourmet cuisine, and are keen to rub shoulders with celebrity chefs such as the dynamic Aaron Sanchez (whose dance moves, I must confess, are seriously impressive!) and the wonderfully engaging Amanda Freitag.

I can tell you without hesitation that one of the absolute pinnacles of my entire trip was the opportunity to meet Amanda Freitag in person and even exchange books with her. She embodies every bit of the charm, quirky wit, endearing personality, and genuine graciousness that she projects on television. Her warmth and authenticity made our brief encounter truly special and unforgettable. I am profoundly grateful for the chance to have met such an inspiring culinary figure!

The sensory spectacle at the “Taste of the Vine” event was nothing short of incredible. Spanning two magnificent floors, the venue buzzed with an exquisite energy. World-class chefs from Destination Kohler presented an array of tantalizing small plates, each a miniature masterpiece. These culinary delights were artfully interspersed among tasting stations featuring some of the most exceptional wines I have ever encountered at any wine event, anywhere. The curation of both food and wine was truly exemplary, elevating the experience beyond mere sampling to a grand culinary exploration.

What made “Taste of the Vine” even more unique and captivating was its setting. The tasting tables were ingeniously tucked amidst the permanent design displays within the breathtaking Kohler Design Center. Imagine, if you will, the sheer luxury: I found myself comfortably seated in a beautifully appointed “show bathroom,” complete with a luxurious whirlpool tub. In this unexpected haven, I savored a freshly grilled bulgogi skewer served atop vibrant kimchi, all while sipping a magnificent Pinot Noir. The ambiance was so utterly serene and comfortable that I was genuinely tempted to draw myself a bath right there and then. The experience left such a lasting impression that two days after the event concluded, I returned to the Design Center. I spent hours simply wandering, allowing myself to more carefully absorb and admire the countless beautiful layouts, innovative fixtures, and meticulously crafted rooms. The opportunity to personally try out various combinations of shower heads and faucets was particularly enlightening. My time within these inspiring halls has already sparked an idea for a minor DIY kitchen project that I believe will yield a major impact on my kitchen’s efficiency and aesthetic appeal, all thanks to the innovative designs I encountered at the Kohler Design Center.

The subsequent two days were a whirlwind of discovery and delight as my wonderful travel companions—Sommer from A Spicy Perspective, Becky from The Cookie Rookie, and Katerina from Diethood—and I embarked on an ambitious quest to explore every possible facet of Kohler. Our itinerary was packed with thrilling activities and indulgent experiences.

Photo of Rebecca Lindamood shooting by Sommer Collier

From the exhilarating challenge of trap shooting—a sport I unexpectedly adore, and they seemed to intuit this perfectly—to exploring the stunning, windswept Straits Course at the renowned Whistling Straits golf course, our days were full. We meticulously dined at as many exceptional restaurants as we could possibly squeeze into our schedule within the charming village of Kohler, savoring every culinary creation. A truly sublime highlight was experiencing the wondrous, restorative treatments at The Kohler Waters Spa, a sanctuary of relaxation and pampering. Beyond the structured activities, we simply reveled in soaking in the breathtaking autumnal splendor that envelops Wisconsin in October. Our weekend was, without exaggeration, jam-packed with unforgettable indulgence, exhilarating adventure, and countless moments of pure joy, cementing Kohler’s place as a truly captivating destination.

Allow me to elaborate a little further on the magnificent Whistling Straits Golf Course, a true marvel for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. We had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful meal at the clubhouse, timed perfectly to coincide with the breathtaking spectacle of the sun setting over the landscape. There are truly few sights more profoundly stunning than a wind-swept, European links-style golf course, particularly one as masterfully designed as Whistling Straits. Lake Michigan, in its vastness and grandeur, is awe-inspiring even on the calmest of days, but when the wind whips across its surface, it possesses a special, raw beauty that perfectly juxtaposes against the meticulously sculpted, Irish-inspired course. The rugged dunes, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers create a golfing experience that is as challenging as it is visually spectacular.

One could easily imagine themselves standing on a remote Irish hillside, gazing out over the expansive ocean, so convincing is the illusion created by the vast expanse of water and lush green fairways. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, golf aficionados will undoubtedly be equally impressed by the Straits Course’s prestigious history. It has already hosted three PGA Championships, a testament to its world-class design and demanding layout, and is further slated to host the Ryder Cup in 2020, cementing its status as a premier global golfing destination. This course is not just a place to play golf; it’s an experience, a journey through a landscape where natural beauty meets championship-level design.

Following a deeply indulgent and utterly revitalizing session at The Kohler Waters Spa, where the cares of the world seemed to melt away, I managed to pour myself back into my clothes, feeling utterly renewed. I then gracefully floated up the stairs to the serene lounge area, where I enjoyed a light, fresh spa meal with my wonderful friends. I can truthfully say that never in my entire life have I felt so profoundly relaxed and exquisitely pampered. The Kohler Waters Spa is a true sanctuary, an oasis of tranquility that utterly transcends the ordinary. If it weren’t for the compelling array of other attractions scattered throughout and around Kohler, I could have very happily, and without a single regret, spent an entire weekend enveloped in the blissful embrace of The Kohler Waters Spa. Ah, just thinking about it now elicits a sigh of longing. Please, take me back to that serene haven!

Among the many culinary revelations of the trip, I experienced truly life-changing fried cheese curds at The Horse & Plow, a local establishment that perfectly captures the essence of Wisconsin’s comfort food tradition. These weren’t just any fried cheese curds; they were golden, crispy on the outside, and gloriously molten on the inside, delivering a burst of savory, cheesy goodness with every bite. They were so exceptional that I am already planning to share the recipe with you VERY soon, so you too can savor this quintessential Wisconsin delicacy in your own home. And perhaps, given the irresistible nature of fried cheese curds, I should also consider sharing a link to the most comfortable stretchy leggings known to humankind, because, well, fried cheese curds demand attire that prioritizes comfort!

Start Planning Your Unforgettable Destination Kohler Experience Today!

It almost goes without saying, but I am already deeply immersed in planning my return for the next Kohler Food and Wine Experience in October of 2017. If this account has piqued your interest, I wholeheartedly encourage you to save the date for this unparalleled event! But here’s even more fantastic news: you don’t have to wait an entire year to immerse yourself in the magic that is Destination Kohler. The resort hosts a myriad of other spectacular food and wine events throughout the entire year, ensuring that exceptional culinary experiences are always on the menu. For a diverse multitude of culinary events, including an intimate Chef’s Table Dinner Series, engaging Demonstration Kitchen Series, and even fun Kids’ Cooking Classes, you can plan a visit to Kohler at any time. Mark your calendars for these upcoming major food-centric events scheduled for 2017 in Kohler:

Discover More: Read My Travel Buddies’ Accounts of Our Incredible Trip!

For even more perspectives and delightful stories from our shared adventure in Kohler, I highly recommend checking out the wonderful accounts penned by my fellow travel bloggers:

Katrina of Diethood

Once again, I extend a HUGE thank you to The Kohler Company for their incredibly generous sponsorship and for hosting me at The American Club Resort and the truly unforgettable 2016 Kohler Food and Wine Experience. All opinions and photography featured in this article (unless otherwise explicitly noted) are—as always—entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience!