“Savor the Season” with Something Special from Wisconsin
- Alice in Dairyland
- 1 hour ago
- 15 min read
Gift giving has long been a cherished part of holiday celebrations, and in Wisconsin, it carries a special layer of tradition and local pride. From handmade treasures and family recipes to artisan cheese, maple syrup, or handcrafted goods, Wisconsinites find meaningful ways to share the spirit of home.
Luckily, the Something Special from Wisconsin™ (SSfW) program makes it easy to find genuine Wisconsin products for all your gift giving needs this holiday season. A tradition itself, the SSfW program has been administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) since 1983. Members are local producers of all shapes and sizes, certifying that at least half of their product’s ingredients, production, or processing have come from within our state. With over 500 companies to choose from, SSfW offers something for everyone to enjoy.
The following companies are a testament to the artisan craftsmanship of SSfW and offer a variety of ways for you to “savor the season” during the holidays! Whether you’re looking for candles, popcorn, drinks, or anything in between, you can find wonderfully crafted Wisconsin products at somethingspecialwi.com.
Books | Beverages | Candles and Moisturizers | Cheeses | Desserts and Sweet Treats | Dog Treats | Gardening and Christmas Trees | Granola | Honey | Meals | Sauces and Seasonings | Snacks
Books
Wisconsin agricultural journalist Corey Geiger celebrates Wisconsin’s farming legacy through storytelling. His narrative nonfiction books, “On a Wisconsin Family Farm” and “The Wisconsin Family Farm They Built,” capture six generations of rural life and the making of America’s Dairyland. With warmth, wit, and a deep respect for his roots, Geiger flings open the barn doors to unforgettable characters and true Wisconsin history. His second book even includes a foreword by beloved Wisconsin author Jerry Apps.
www.coreygeiger.com | Facebook: Author Corey Geiger
Order online at www.coreygeiger.com to get a personalized, signed copy or purchase at your local bookstore.
Storytelling meets agriculture in Dairy Diaries, a charming children’s book series by farm wife and author Chase Pagel. Titles like “Big Farms, Little Farms” and “Good Night, Heifer” paint real farm life on the page, helping kids connect with agriculture through heartwarming tales inspired by Pagel’s own third-generation family farm. This is sure to bring a smile to readers of all ages, both young and old, with tales that captivate minds and celebrate the beauty of farm life.
www.dairy-diaries.com | Facebook: Dairy Diaries LLC
Order on Amazon.
Beverages
Rooted in tradition, Dairyland Ginseng continues Wisconsin’s proud ginseng legacy. This family-run business is promoting their American Ginseng Tea and Ginseng Capsules during the holiday campaign. These products are made from 100% pure Wisconsin-grown roots and are crafted in-house to preserve the natural quality and purity that make American ginseng a world-renowned health booster.
https://dairylandginseng.com | Facebook: @dairylandginseng | Instagram: dairyland_ginseng
Order online at https://dairylandginseng.com or on Amazon.
Duck Creek Winery and Denmark Distilling pair Wisconsin craftsmanship with community care. Their Salted Caramel Moonshine brings smooth, sweet warmth to cocktails, while the Veterans Vintage Pomegranate Wine gives back to local veterans with every bottle. Whether you enjoy it as part of a cocktail or straight to a glass, these products will surely add flavor to your savor.
www.duckcreekwine.com | Facebook and Instagram: Duck Creek Vineyard and Denmark Distilling
Find their Veterans Vintage Pomegranate Wine on Vinoshipper or at Duck Creek Winery. Their Salted Caramel Moonshine can be found at a few local stores in Denmark, WI and in the distillery.
For those seeking to savor Wisconsin tradition in a new way, Mock & Co. offers a spirit-free take on the state’s iconic cocktail. Their non-alcoholic Old Fashioned Sweet and non-alcoholic Old Fashioned Sour are crafted with real fruit juices, apple cider vinegar, and custom bitters, allowing you to “savor the spirit of Wisconsin without the spirits.”
www.mockandco.com | Facebook: @drinkmockandco
Order online at www.mockandco.com
Raise a glass to Wisconsin’s vineyards with Ziegler Winery, nestled in the unique growing region called the Wisconsin Ledge AVA. Their Wiscato White—a sweet, fruit-forward Moscato-style wine—and the Escarpment Red, a smooth, dry red blend, are both estate-grown and award-winning. Each bottle reflects the care, climate, and craftsmanship that make Wisconsin wines truly special and will surely add flavor to your savor.
www.zieglerwinery.com | Facebook: Ziegler Winery | Instagram and TikTok: ziegler.winery
Find them in-store at Ziegler Winery, Woodman’s Appleton, and Piggly Wiggly Stores with a list of participating stores at www.zieglerwinery.com.
Candles and Moisturizers
In central Wisconsin, Ambrosia Flame Candles is creating cozy holiday moments with their hand-poured soy candles. As a feature in Alice in Dairyland’s holiday promotion, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned Candle captures the scent of cinnamon and citrus, while the Cashmere Pumpkin Candle offers a sophisticated twist on fall’s favorite aroma. Female-owned and small-batch crafted, each candle is made with natural, non-toxic ingredients and designed to fill your home with warmth and luxury.
www.AmbrosiaFlameCandles.com | Facebook & Instagram: ambrosiaflamecandles | TikTok: @Ambrosia.Flame
Order online at www.AmbrosiaFlameCandles.com or find them in store at Chapter & Charm in Waterloo, WI.
At Black Earth Creek Candle Company, winter coziness comes naturally. Their featured Winter Woods Candle evokes a stroll through a pine forest on a crisp day, while their Cocoa Cashmere Body Butter combines shea butter, sweet almond oil, and apricot kernel oil for silky, nourished skin. Every candle and body product is handmade, clean, and safe; tested for a perfect, even burn and crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
www.blackearthcreekcandleco.com | Socials: blackearthcreekcc
Order online at www.blackearthcreekcandleco.com, find them at local events through their socials, or at retailers like Noble Knight Games, Jada's Garden, Carr Valley Cheese in Mazomanie and Sauk City, and additional locations.
Discount Code: AliceinDairyland15
Important Dates: Christkindl Market in Paoli, WI December 12-14
For natural wellness seekers, Oak Creek Hemp Company brings care and quality straight from the field. This small family farm in southeastern Wisconsin grows all its hemp locally, producing CBD gummies, moisturizing cream, and other wellness products with third-party testing to ensure purity and effectiveness. From candles to balms, Oak Creek Hemp focuses on transparency and trust—helping customers feel confident about what they’re putting on or in their bodies.
www.oakcreekhempcollc.com | Socials: @oakcreekhempco
Order online at www.oakcreekhemcollc.com.
Cheeses
In the Driftless Region, Carr Valley Cheese Company continues its century-long cheesemaking tradition. The fourth-generation family business is known for crafting cheese in small, open vats the old-fashioned way. For the holidays, Carr Valley’s Holiday Bread Cheese adds a seasonal twist with festive herbs and spices, while Blue Spruce Blue delivers a delicately smoked, woodsy flavor. With two Master Cheesemakers and a global reputation for excellence, Carr Valley continues to lead the way in artisan cheese innovation.
www.carrvalleycheese.com | Socials: @carrvalley
Order online at www.carrvalleycheese.com or head to one of their seven retail stores in southwestern Wisconsin.
Important Dates: Holiday Bread Cheese will be available until December 31.
Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese proves sustainability and flavor can go hand in hand. Powered by renewable energy from their own methane digesters, the Crave family produces decadent Mascarpone and Chocolate Mascarpone, perfect for sweet or savory dishes. Their chocolate mascarpone has even won the Wisconsin State Fair Grand Master Cheesemaker award two years in a row. This is an achievement that’s as impressive as their commitment to clean energy and quality.
www.cravecheese.com | Facebook: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese | Instagram cravecheesellc
Order online at www.cravecheese.com or find them in-store at Woodman’s, Metcalfe Market, and Whole Foods.
Cheese lovers can spread the joy with Pine River Pre-Pack, whose award-winning Cranberry Cheddar and Spicy Pimento Cold Pack Cheese Spreads are on full display during the holiday promotion and crafted with Grade A Wisconsin cheddar and butter. Since 1963, Pine River has perfected the art of cheese spreads, earning more awards than any other brand while using local ingredients and skilled cheesemakers. Try them on your crackers for a holiday cheese board or in a cheesy recipe for the main dish during a family dinner.
www.pineriver.com | Facebook: @PineRiverPrePack | Instagram: pinerivercheesespread
Order online at https://www.wisconsincheesemart.com/pages/pine-river or https://pineriverdairy.com/cheese-spreads, and find them in local grocery stores.
From cheese to heritage, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars continues nearly a century of excellence in artisan cheesemaking. Founded in 1922, this fourth-generation family creamery produces Wisconsin originals like Brick Cheese and Matterhorn, a cheddar-alpine blend. With countless awards and a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places, Widmer’s represents true Wisconsin tradition.
www.widerscheese.com | Socials: @widmerscheese
Order online at www.widmerscheese.com.
Important Dates: Place any gift box order before December 1 and receive 10% off your gift box order.
At Two Guernsey Girls Creamery, new family traditions and quality milk come together in every product. This small northeast Wisconsin creamery produces A2 White Cheddar Cheese using milk from their registered Guernsey cows. From their award-winning chocolate milk to rich hard-scoop ice cream, everything is crafted right on the farm or in their storefront for freshness you can taste.
Visit their farm store location at N3006 County Road E, Freedom, WI 54130.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Charlie’s Caramels, a family-run candy company born at a kitchen table in Winneconne. Their feature Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caramels and Decadent Butter Toffee are handmade in small batches, each piece lovingly wrapped by hand. After founder Charlie’s passing, his wife Mary and daughters have proudly continued his legacy, sharing his irresistible recipes with candy lovers across the state.
https://charliescaramels.com | Facebook: Charlies Caramels
Order online at www.charliescaramels.com or email caramelsbycharlie@gmail.com.
Important Dates: Last date to order to guarantee delivery by Christmas is December 1, 2025.
A nostalgic favorite, CTL Foods, Inc. brings back memories of the classic soda fountain with its Soda Fountain Malt Powder. Blended in Wisconsin for nearly 50 years, this all-natural malt delivers rich, old-fashioned flavor—ideal for milkshakes, desserts, and family recipes that never go out of style.
Order online at www.CTLFOODS.com or Amazon; and find them in-store at Metcalfe’s; The Pearl in La Crosse, WI; The Sweet Shop in La Crosse, WI; and select Hy-Vee and Woodman’s locations.
Sweeten the holidays with Fazio’s Chocolate, where hand-crafted, award-winning creations make every day a little more magical. Their Festive Advent Calendar features 25 doors filled with beautifully hand-decorated chocolates, from candy canes to “Cheers from Wisconsin” truffles. It’s a perfect family tradition or a thoughtful, artistic gift for anyone with a sweet tooth.
www.fazioschocolate.com | Socials: @fazioschocolate
Visit their storefront location or call to place your order with previews available online at www.fazioschocolate.com.
Important Dates: It’s best to order before December 5.
From dessert lovers to nostalgic diners, Kelly’s Pot Pies & More serves up family tradition with Kelly’s Cheesecake and Patio Club Lemon Torte. Both date back to the 1960s and the famed Milwaukee Patio Club restaurant that offered creamy, homemade flavor. Once you see these works of art, you will know that they are perfect additions for holiday tables.
www.KellysPotPies.com | Socials: @KellysPotPies
Preorder online at www.KellysPotPies.com or find them at their store locations in East Troy or Greenfield, WI, at local farmers markets and events shared on their socials, and specialty stores listed on their website.
For those with a sweet tooth, Prairie Junction Co. crafts Brandy Old Fashioned Toffee using Wisconsin butter, Drink Wisconsinbly Brandy, and Rustic Oak mixers. Made in small batches on their family farm, this gluten-free treat proves “It’s Always Toffee Season.” Owner Sarah Coulman and team have previously partnered with local Wisconsin companies, making sure to support other small businesses across the state with their own business.
www.prairiejunctionco.com | Facebook: prairiejunctionco | Instagram: prairiejunction
Order online at www.prairiejunctionco.com.
Chocolate lovers can’t go wrong with Ultimate Confection Chocolates, Wauwatosa’s beloved destination for handcrafted treats since 1990. Their Ultimate Chocolate Snack Tin, Assorted Chocolate Gift Box, and SSfW Chocolate Bars make perfect gifts, with everything from creamy meltaways to chewy caramels. Each piece is hand-dipped the old-fashioned way and is a sweet testament to local tradition and community support.
www.ultimateconfection.com | Facebook: ultimateconfection | Instagram and Pinterest: ultimateconfections | TikTok: @ultimateconfectionsmke | X: @uconfections
Order online at www.ultimateconfection.com; head to their shop at 800 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213; or find them throughout Milwaukee County and beyond, at local events (including the Wisconsin State Fair), craft fairs, and festivals with event listings on their Facebook page.
Important Dates: December 15 is the last day to order to ensure timely arrival before December 25.
Dog Treats
Even four-legged friends get a taste of Wisconsin goodness with Mrs. Beaster’s Biskits, where small-batch, grain-free dog treats like Elk Sweet Pumpkin and CBD Peanut Berry Blasters are made with local ingredients — and with help from workers with cognitive and mental health disabilities.
www.mrsbeastersbiskits.com | Socials: mrsbeastersbiskits
Order online at Etsy, email mrsbeastersbiskits@yahoo.com, or find them in pet stores and natural food stores.
Gardening and Christmas Trees
Sustainability takes center stage with Ewe and Me Wool Company, whose Woolly Belly Pellets are made from 100% renewable Wisconsin wool. These natural fertilizer pellets hold three times their weight in water, releasing moisture and nutrients slowly into your soil — a planet-friendly boost for gardeners. Use these for potted plants during the colder months, and in your garden once summertime sun shows!
www.woollybellypellets.net | Facebook: Ewe and Me Wool Co | Socials: @eweandmewoolco | #wollybellypellets
Order online at www.woollybellypellets.net.
Discount Code: MADEINWIS for free shipping
Surely no Wisconsin holiday is complete without a real Christmas tree. The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association reminds us that a real Christmas wreath or tree isn’t just festive — it’s sustainable, renewable, and supports local farmers. Real trees are grown on farms across Wisconsin and the U.S., just like pumpkins or corn. For every tree harvested, one to three seedlings are planted in its place. Along with this, choosing a real Christmas tree or wreath supports a farming family, enhances rural communities, and upholds jobs during not just the holiday season, but all year long. The fresh scent and feel of real pine bring warmth and nostalgia to every home and reminds us of all the special memories that have been made already, as well as those that are yet to come.
www.christmastrees-wi.org | Facebook: Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association | Instagram: @wichristmastreeproducers | YouTube: @wichristmastreeproducers
You can purchase real Wisconsin-grown Christmas trees and wreaths directly from local family farms across the state. To find the farm nearest you, visit their website at www.christmastrees-wi.org and use the interactive “Find a Real Tree” locator tool.
Important Dates: November 17, 2025 – Alice in Dairyland will cut the ceremonial “First Christmas Tree” of the season at Newby’s Evergreen Farms, symbolizing the start of Wisconsin’s Christmas tree harvest and holiday traditions. Most Wisconsin choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms open the weekend before or after Thanksgiving and remain open through mid-December, or until inventory sells out.
Granola
Healthy snacking takes center stage with Cracknola, a handmade gourmet granola that brings “healthy joy” to every bite. Made with organic oats, pumpkin seeds, avocado oil, local honey, and maple syrup, this wholesome mix has just the right touch of cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Cracknola is available in both pecan and nut-free versions and is perfect for sprinkling on yogurt, ice cream, or enjoying straight from the bag. It’s a versatile snack that can easily be taken on the go during a busy holiday season!
www.getcracknola.com | Facebook: Cracknola
Order online via Facebook messenger or find them at Oshkosh, Berlin, Omro, or similar farm markets.
Fuel up for adventure with Olympia Granola with their numerous granola bar flavors, including the holiday feature Cherry Pepita Trail Bar. Packed with 8 grams of protein and bound with pure U.S. honey, these gluten-free bars are made for wherever the day takes you — from the hiking trail to the office desk.
www.olympiagranola.com | Socials: @olympiagranolabars
Order online at www.olympiagranola.com or find them in local grocery stores and special events across the state.
Honey
Local beekeeper Stephanie Slater, owner of Jam Session Honey and Preserves, captures the sweetness of the season with Wisconsin Wildflower Honey, harvested from the state’s prairies and orchards. With its smooth, delicate flavor and natural purity, this award-winning honey is as versatile as it is delicious. Try in tea, recipes, or straight from the spoon to treat yourself or wow guests at holiday gatherings.
https://www.awardwinninghoney.com | Facebook: jamsessionhoney
Order online at: https://www.queenbeeartisanmarket.com/jam-session-honey or in-store at Queen Bee Artisan Market in Lake Geneva, WI; Pine Acres General Store in Union Grove, WI; or at Gateway Technical College Holiday Gifting & Art Fair in Kenosha, WI on December 13.
Important Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025 for Gateway Technical College's annual Holiday Gifting & Art Fair in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Meals
And for those craving comfort food, Sheboygan Pasty Company, known for reviving the traditional Upper Peninsula pasty, now offers Casa Ranieri Calzones. Flavors like Italian Stallion and Rustic Sausage & Spinach are handmade with fresh, local ingredients—born from the Ranieri brothers’ passion for hearty, homemade fare.
www.casaranieri.com | Socials: Casa Ranieri Calzones
Find them in many local grocery stores using the complete list on their website.
Sauces and Seasonings
For grill masters, Burn Pit BBQ delivers big flavor with a purpose. This veteran-owned company crafts small-batch seasonings like All Purpose Garlic and Memphis Style BBQ Rub, made with clean ingredients and bold Wisconsin pride. A portion of proceeds supports veteran organizations, making every meal a way to give back.
https://burnpitbbq.com | Facebook: Burn Pit BBQ | Instagram: @burnpitbbqguys
Order online at https://burnpitbbq.com and Amazon, or find them at select local retailers.
Important Dates: Last day for shipping before Christmas is December 15.
In Bailey’s Harbor, Mister Burns is heating things up with bold, flavor-driven sauces. Their Tundra Heat BBQ Sauce delivers the perfect sweet-and-spicy balance with local honey, smoked onion, and peppers, while a new collaboration with Two Guernsey Girls Creamery brings Hot Mustard A2 Cheese to life. From seed to jar, Mister Burns continues a long-standing family tradition of Wisconsin flavor.
Order online at https://mister-burns.square.site or find them at local markets and in specialty stores.
Important Dates: Door County Christkindlmarkt – November 28-30, December 5-7, December 12-14
No Wisconsin table is complete without a touch of tang, and Moose Lake Mustard delivers just that. Based on a cherished family recipe, their Original and Spicy varieties are both sweet and sassy. This mustard is decadent and is perfect as a dip, condiment, or marinade. Beloved by fans of all ages, it’s a pantry staple that brings flavor to everything.
www.mooselakemustard.com | Socials: Moose Lake Mustard
Visit www.mooselakemustard.com for a full list of in-person locations.
Important Dates: Dixon Autumn Harvest Shows on November 8 and December 13, and Down to Earth Farmer's Markets with updates on Facebook.
Backyard cooks will love Signature Spice Fusions, a small business focused on hand-blended, small-batch spice rubs. Their Memphis Dry Rub channels the smoky spirit of Beale Street’s barbecue roots, while the Backyard Pitmaster Rub offers a versatile blend perfect for any grill or smoker. Each recipe is developed by hand, crafted to elevate home cooking into a flavor-packed experience worthy of a championship cookout.
www.signaturespicefusions.com | Facebook: Signature Spice Fusions |Instagram: signature_spice_fusions
Order online at www.signaturespicefusions.com and in-person at local farmers markets.
In Eau Claire, Silver Spring Foods has been adding zest to tables for nearly a century. Family-owned for four generations, the Huntsinger family continues to produce America’s #1 retail horseradish from 5,000 acres of locally grown roots. This year’s featured products include the bold Prepared Horseradish; festive Cranberry Horseradish; and gourmet aiolis like Garlic Parmesan, Horseradish Bistro, and Honey Chipotle. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or marinating, Silver Spring adds a flavorful kick that honors Wisconsin tradition while embracing innovation.
www.silverspringfoods.com | Facebook: @SilverSpringFoodsInc | Instagram and TikTok: @silver_spring_foods | Pinterest: @silversprfoods | LinkedIn: @Silver Spring Foods, Inc.
Find them in-store in the condiment aisle or dairy department and in Walmart, or shop on Instacart. Call (800) 826-7322 for more information.
Snacks
What started as a mother’s homemade snack for her son’s friends has become one of Wisconsin’s most addictive treats. Emmanuel’s Mix, created by Jacqulyn Tucker in 2008, blends corn and rice cereal, pretzels, and pecans with a signature sweet glaze. Her featured Original Mix and Blue Ribbon Spicy Mix are customer favorites; while the Door County Cherry Mix, which features cherries from Hyline Orchard, recently earned top honors at the Wisconsin State Fair. Emmanuel’s Mix also empowers young people through “The Curious Mind,” a youth entrepreneur program that teaches food innovation and leadership skills.
www.emmanuelsmix.com | Socials: Emmanuels Mix
Order online at www.emmanuelsmix.com, or find them in store: Outpost Natural Foods stores in greater Milwaukee area, Potowatomi Bingo and Casino Provisions stores, Bizstarts Community Market, Mutual Market in downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Museum Marketplace, Milwaukee Makers Marketplace, Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative, and Pop's Pantry in Muskego.
Reusable Discount Code: Thanks10 for 10% off at www.emmanuelsmix.com
Important Dates: They are a vendor at all Milwaukee Makers Markets during the holiday season. Check the Milwaukee Makers Markets website for specific times and location.
Popcorn fans, meet your new favorite snack from It’s Poppin. A farming family turned popcorn pros, they’ve created over 75 flavors, including Reindeer Fuel Popcorn — a white chocolate delight with sprinkles and candies; and Crazy Corn Popcorn, a mix of caramel and cheese perfection. Owners Ali Bucholz and Danielle Colling enjoyed popcorn every night after coming in from harvest or chores. This could be you too, even if you don’t have a farm to tend to!
www.itspoppinshop.com | Facebook: @itspoppinshop | Instagram: Itspoppin_Westfield
Order online at www.itspoppinshop.com or visit their store location at 223 N Pioneer Park Road C, Westfield, WI 53964.
Discount Code: SSFW10 to save 10% off your online order
Important Dates: Last Day to order for Wisconsin shipment is December 22.
For a tart taste of heritage, Honestly Cranberry offers unsweetened dried cranberries with no added sugar, juice, or oil. As fourth-generation cranberry growers, the family celebrates the fruit’s natural flavor and nutritional benefits. Perfect for baking, salads, or snacking, it’s pure cranberry goodness and nothing else. Cranberries see a jump in consumption during the holiday season, so what better way to get in on the goodness.
https://honestlycranberry.com | Facebook: Honestly Cranberry LLC | Instagram: honestlycranberry
Order online at https://honestlycranberry.com, Amazon, or Vitacost and find them in-store at: 45 Mercantile, Bountiful Beloit, Downtown Grocery, Family Natural Foods, Family Nutrition Center, Healthy Way Market, Iola Mills, Lake Nokomis Cranberry Gift Shop, Mission Coffee House, Outpost Natural Foods, Red Clover Market, Stone Bank Farm Market, The Grainery, Vitruvian Farms, and all Willy Street Coop locations.
Palo Popcorn keeps things popping with over 60 years of small-batch gourmet popcorn excellence. Their Premium Cheddar Popcorn is coated in real Wisconsin cheese, while Movie Theater Butter offers that rich, nostalgic flavor that all moviegoers and entertainment seekers love. Still family-owned, Palo Popcorn has grown from serving local taverns to reaching snack lovers nationwide, all while keeping its Wisconsin-made quality intact.
www.palopopcorn.com | Facebook: palopopcorn | Instagram: palo_popcorn
Find them in all grocery stores across the state, and at many cheese shops, meat markets, breweries, wineries, and specialty stores.
To discover local flavors and Wisconsin-made treasures, visit www.somethingspecialfromwi.com. This year, “savor the season” with Something Special from Wisconsin™.
