Wisconsin

Known as America’s Dairyland, this state is north-central but considered part of the Midwest, bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the south west, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the north east and Lake Superior to the north. The land is rich if somewhat rocky, and the weather patterns suit dairy farming with an emphasis on cheese. Blessed with a good river system right through the state and Lakes Michigan, Superior and Winnebago, all the elements for good dairy farming are present and there is a justifiable pride in the way this is supported by the various associations offering information, tours and festivals all to do with cheese. The many different styles of cheesemaking take into account the settlers from all over Europe who have made Wisconsin their home, and it is hard not to fill a whole book just with cheese from Wisconsin, but here is a good selection.