The Ultimate Guide to the Green County Cheese Passport: Best Stops, Food, and Wisconsin Cheese Experiences

Samantha Buschman
Dec 30, 2025
4 min read

If you're looking for the best food adventure in southern Wisconsin this winter, the Green County Cheese Passport is the perfect place to start. Green County—often called Swiss-consin—is known for world-class cheese, historic creameries, charming small towns, and some of the most iconic cheese curds in Wisconsin.

The Cheese Passport is free, fully digital, and rewards visitors for exploring local cheese shops, wineries, breweries, distilleries, pubs, and restaurants across Monroe, New Glarus, Brodhead, and surrounding communities. You earn points every time you check in, which can be redeemed for cheese-themed prizes or saved for the grand prize drawing. The passport is valid December 21, 2025 until February 15, 2026.

If you’re planning a trip to Green County or searching for unique winter things to do in Wisconsin, this passport is a fun and delicious way to explore the region. Below is a detailed guide to the passport itself plus all the cheese-forward dishes I tried along the way.

What Is the Green County Cheese Passport?

The Green County Cheese Passport is a digital pass that highlights dozens of local businesses and cheese experiences. Visitors earn points by checking in at participating locations. Those points can be turned into rewards like cheese merch, fondue kits, cheese knives, or even actual cheese.

It’s also one of the best ways to support local businesses while discovering new places to eat and drink throughout Green County.

Green County Wisconsin: What I Ate With the Cheese Passport

Below are the exact stops I visited, organized in numerical order, with highlights from each experience. If you're building your own Green County food itinerary, this list is a great place to start.

1. Wood-Fired Flatbread— Bailey’s Run Vineyard (New Glarus, WI)

A must-stop for winery lovers, Bailey’s Run Vineyard serves wood-fired pizza with bubbling cheese, blistered crust, and the perfect Wisconsin-meets-wine-country atmosphere. Easily one of the top food experiences in New Glarus.

2. Deep-Fried Cheese Curds — Whiskey Run Distillery (New Glarus, WI)

Searching for some tasty cheese curds in Wisconsin? Whiskey Run Distillery serves golden, crunchy curds that are perfectly squeaky on the inside. Pair them with a craft cocktail for the full experience.

3. Grilled Cheese — Spilled Grapes Wine Bar (Monroe, WI)

Spilled Grapes Wine Bar offers a gourmet grilled cheese that melts perfectly into a glass of red or white. It’s a warm, relaxing stop for anyone exploring Monroe’s downtown square.

4. Deep-Fried Cheese Curds — Bennett’s Junction House (Monroe, WI)

At Bennett's Junction House, you will find a classic Wisconsin bar-style curd: crunchy, generous, and deeply satisfying. This is an essential Monroe curd stop for any cheese passport adventure.

5. Pizza — Petrosino’s (New Glarus, WI)

Petrosino’s is a local favorite for hearty, cheesy pizzas that hit the spot after a day of exploring New Glarus. Expect big slices, big flavor, and plenty of gooey melty goodness.

6. Grilled Cheese — Decatur Dairy (Brodhead, WI)

Decatur Dairy is a legendary Wisconsin dairy producing award-winning cheese. Their grilled cheese is simple, perfectly toasted, and packed with local flavor. A must-stop for cheese lovers and dairy enthusiasts.

7. Cheeseburger — Suisse Haus (Monroe, WI)

The Suisse Haus, a Monroe staple, serves one of the region’s best cheeseburgers — juicy, flavorful, and topped with fresh Wisconsin cheese. Great for families, groups, or anyone craving classic comfort food.

8. Fondue Supplies & Equipment — Alp and Dell Cheese Store (Monroe, WI)

Instead of eating fondue, this stop is all about stocking up on Swiss-style essentials. Alp and Dell is one of Green County’s most iconic cheese shops and the perfect place to buy fondue pots, tools, Raclette equipment, and specialty cheeses.

9. Fondue — Chalet Landhaus (New Glarus, WI)

For a traditional Swiss fondue experience, Chalet Landhaus is unmatched. Warm, melty cheese served in a cozy chalet setting makes this one of the best winter dining experiences in New Glarus.

10. Chili with Cheese — Baumgartner’s Cheese Store (Monroe, WI)

Baumgartner’s is a Green County icon, famous for its Limburger sandwiches — but their chili topped with local cheese is underrated and absolutely worth the stop. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect on a cold Wisconsin day.

Why You Should Try the Green County Cheese Passport

If you love discovering local restaurants, tasting new cheese, and exploring charming small towns, the Green County Cheese Passport is the perfect winter adventure. It’s family-friendly, road-trip-friendly, and gives you dozens of reasons to visit Monroe, New Glarus, Brodhead, and surrounding communities.

Top reasons to try the Cheese Passport:

It’s free and easy to use
You support locally owned Wisconsin businesses
You earn rewards for eating cheese - the grand prize is an overnight stay + fondue dinner for two and a custom cheese board with cheese!
It makes planning a weekend or day trip simple
The food is incredible everywhere you go

Whether you’re a foodie, a Wisconsin traveler, or just here for the cheese curds, this passport turns Green County into a must-visit winter destination.