Raise a glass to the Northwoods of Wisconsin—Oneida County is home to producers of craft beer, spirits and wine. Here’s where you can find some of these locally produced refreshments.
Beer
Located at the intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 47 in Woodruff, Rocky Reef Brewing Company has been serving up cold beers since 2015. You’ll find staples like the Musky Bite IPA and the Smash Barn American Lager, as well as more unique varieties like the Breakfast in Bed Blueberry Maple Sour. Enjoy a drink at the bar or on the outdoor patio or grab a four-pack or growler to go.
Wisconsinites probably know about Rhinelander Brewing Company and its iconic “shorty” bottles, but did you know that the brewery has its own taproom and shop in the heart of downtown Rhinelander? Visitors will find 10 rotating beers on tap, as well as Rhinelander Brewing Company merchandise and to-go beer.
Wine
Catalyst Wine Bar is another downtown Rhinelander establishment where you can stop and get a drink or pick up something to take back to your cabin or vacation home. Catalyst offers a great selection of wines in addition to tasty menu items like build-your-own charcuterie plates, bruschetta, fondue, and bacon-wrapped dates.
Sideways Wine & Craft Beer in downtown Tomahawk pairs its delicious selection of wines with small plates like flatbreads, charcuterie boards, empanadas, and more. Visitors will also find a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails and Wisconsin beers, as well as regular events like live music, trivia nights, and more.
Three Lakes Winery has been producing unique fruit wines—including its iconic Cranberry Wine—since 1972 and is the second-oldest winery in Wisconsin. The winery’s tasting room is open year-round.
Cocktails & spirits
Northern Waters Distillery in Minocqua makes whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and moonshine. Sit down and enjoy a specialty cocktail in their taproom, take a tour (offered Friday and Saturday afternoons) or grab some handcrafted spirits to take home.
Tilted Loon Saloon in Tomahawk might not make its own spirits, but it certainly uses them in some tasty ways. This restaurant and bar on Lake Nokomis is popular among locals and visitors alike, offering everything from salads to wrap to char-grilled burgers to pizza. Their drink menu features specialty rum drinks like the Nokomis Nessie and classics like Bloody Marys and Old Fashioneds.
Oneida County’s supper clubs are also a great place to stop for specialty cocktails and ice cream drinks.
