Madison, WI (July 2, 2020)— With hundreds of breweries and thousands of unique beers, Wisconsin is arguably America’s beerland. In an effort to shine a virtual spotlight on one of Wisconsin’s favorite industries, Travel Wisconsin recently launched the Wisconsin Brewdown, asking Wisconsinites to share their all-time favorite breweries. With a reach of nearly 124,000 and more than 2,500 likes, comments and shares through social media, Travel Wisconsin revealed the top 20 finalists in the Wisconsin Brewdown.

The top 20 nominees can be found on TravelWisconsin.com/Wisconsin-Brewdown

and beer aficionados and novices alike are encouraged to vote for their favorite brewery as often as once per day through Friday, July 24th to help name the Wisconsin’s favorite brewery, “Top in Hops”.

“With so many great breweries throughout the state, The Wisconsin Brewdown is a fun way to support your local favorites and learn about new must-try breweries to visit in the future,” said Tourism Secretary-designee Sara Meaney. “I encourage all to participate by visiting TravelWisconsin.com, vote for your favorite brewery, and plan your trip to discover what’s on tap in Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin Brewdown Top 20 Nominees By Region  

Northeast, WI

Central Waters Brewing Company, Amherst

Pigeon River Brewing Company, Marion

Stubborn Brothers Brewing Company, Shawano

Sawmill Brewing Company, Merrill

Tribute Brewing Company, Eagle River

Southeast, WI

Bare Bones Brewery, Oshkosh

Barrel 41 Brewing Company, Neenah

Fifth Ward Brewing Company, Oshkosh

Fox River Brewing Company, Appleton

Racine Brewing Company, Racine

Northwest, WI

Adventure Club Brewing, Bayfield

Amery Ale Works, Amery

Earth Rider Brewery, Superior

Sand Creek Brewing Company, Black River Falls

The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire

Southwest, WI

608 Brewing Company, La Crosse

Cercis Brewing Company, Columbus

Driftless Brewing Company, Soldiers Grove

Pearl Street Brewery, La Crosse

Potosi Brewing Company, Potosi

With a mix of mega-breweries that made Wisconsin famous for beer and innovative craft breweries, Wisconsin remains at the center of the beer universe. By mixing traditional European brewing techniques with local ingredients and a deft artist’s touch, these entrepreneurs have created some of the most highly regarded beers in the world – as well as vibrant tourist attractions.

Dozens of Wisconsin’s breweries and brew pubs offer tours or tastings and visitors looking for a unique culinary and cultural experience can visit a number of them within a short distance in every region of the state.

Breweries are an important sector of the tourism industry. The Wisconsin Brewdown promotion is one of a series of efforts the department is undertaking to spotlight and support the tourism industry’s recovery.