Cheese And Castles: Perfect Pairing Or Melty Mess?

If you're looking to protect your castle with a moat, you might want to consider a moat-zzarella. However, if you're looking to fill your castle with cheese, then you might want to visit the Mars Cheese Castle in Wisconsin. This cheese castle is a specialty food store, delicatessen, and taproom that sells a variety of consumable products. It is a popular destination for Wisconsin visitors and has been deemed a cheese landmark. The Mars Cheese Castle has over 700 cheeses and is climbing to 800. If you're looking for a cheese castle with a more medieval feel, you might want to visit the Wisconsin Cheese Castle, which was constructed by a Spanish immigrant in 1927. This castle has 160 varieties of cheese, including a blueberry cheese and a chocolate cheese.

The Mars Cheese Castle in Wisconsin

The Mars Cheese Castle is a specialty food store, delicatessen, and taproom located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It is a family-owned Wisconsin staple and a popular tourist attraction situated on I-94 between Milwaukee and Chicago. The store was founded in 1947 by Mario Ventura, Sr., and is named after the Roman god, Mars, and a castle in Italy owned by Ventura's mother.

The castle-shaped building features a watchtower for storing wine and an entrance that resembles a drawbridge. Inside, the shop offers a wide variety of products, including over 700 types of cheese, as well as sausages, wines, specialty condiments, soft drinks, and Wisconsin souvenirs such as cheesehead hats. The in-store deli serves burgers, bratwurst, and other sandwiches, while the taproom offers a range of draft and bottled beers, including imported European beers and Wisconsin microbrews. There is also an in-house bakery that bakes desserts, kringles, and breads daily, including their famous cheese and jalapeno cheese bread.

The Mars Cheese Castle has become a well-known landmark in Wisconsin and has attracted several celebrity visitors over the years, including members of the rock band Weezer, Al Hirt, Al McGuire, John F. Kennedy, Johnny Cash, and former U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden during his 2012 presidential campaign.

The castle also offers a unique experience with its famous talking cow, Isabel, and has been described as "an icon for generations of I-94 travelers," solidifying its place as a beloved and iconic destination in Wisconsin.

The history of the castle

The Wisconsin Cheese Castle, otherwise known as Mars Cheese Castle, is a specialty food store, delicatessen, and taproom located along Interstate 94 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The shop is popular among Wisconsin visitors and has been dubbed a "cheese landmark" and "an icon for generations of I-94 travellers." The Mars Cheese Castle was opened in 1947 by Mario Ventura Sr. and was named after its owner, as the name Mario comes from the Roman god Mars, and the "Castle" part of the name was inspired by a castle in Italy owned by Ventura's mother. The original store, which featured a large beer bottle on its roof, burned down in 1957 and was rebuilt nearby.

In 2011, a project widening Interstate 94 forced the store to relocate 50 yards away from the freeway. The new store, over twice as large as the previous building, was designed to resemble an actual castle, with a watchtower for storing wine and an entrance resembling a drawbridge. This new castle-like structure solidified the store's name and reputation as a "cheese castle."

The Mars Cheese Castle has become a well-known tourist attraction, with people coming from all over the United States and even internationally to visit. The castle is known for its impressive selection of cheese, with over 700 varieties and a focus on unique and local products. In addition to cheese, the castle also offers a full-blown deli, a bakery, and a tavern serving Wisconsin brews. The castle has also expanded to include a feast hall" for wine tastings and events, and a gift shop selling Wisconsin-themed souvenirs.

The castle's food and drink offerings

Cheesy Delights

The castle boasts an extensive selection of cheeses, with over 700 varieties and a goal of climbing to 800. From sharp cheddars to creamy bries and gouda, there's a cheese for every taste. The castle also offers aged cheeses, with some varieties aged up to 15 years. Visitors can find unique cheeses like blueberry and chocolate cheese, as well as the famous Wisconsin cheese curds—squeaky, fresh, and irresistibly gooey.

Deli Delicacies

The in-store deli is a meat lover's paradise, featuring a range of cured meats and sausages. Bratwursts, summer sausages, salamis, and burgers are just a few of the delights on offer. The deli counter is a sight to behold, resembling the United Nations of cured meats.

Bakery Treats

The castle's bakery fills the air with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread. Warm, crusty loaves are the perfect accompaniment to the castle's abundant cheese selection. Visitors can also indulge in other baked treats, creating the perfect pairing for their cheese boards.

Tavern Tipples

The castle's tavern offers a cosy retreat for those seeking to quench their thirst. Sample a variety of beers, including imported European brews, Wisconsin microbrews, and their own private label, Red Planet Ale. For those who prefer wine, the castle boasts a watchtower filled with wines from around the world, ensuring the perfect pairing for every cheese.

Whimsical Extras

The castle also offers a range of whimsical extras to enhance the overall experience. The gift shop features a treasure trove of Wisconsin-themed goodies, from cheesehead hats to cow-print memorabilia. The decor blends medieval castle vibes with Wisconsin kitsch, creating a fun and unique atmosphere.

Celebrity visitors to the castle

The Mars Cheese Castle in Wisconsin has attracted several notable visitors over the years. The castle, located along Interstate 94 in Kenosha, is a specialty food store, delicatessen, and taproom, offering an extensive selection of cheeses, sausages, wines, and other delights. Here are some of the celebrities who have graced its stone walls:

Rock band Weezer held a record signing event at the store in 2001, bringing their unique brand of rock to the cheese-filled halls.

Al Hirt, the renowned trumpeter, added a jazzy note to the castle's history with his visit.

Al McGuire, the famous basketball coach and broadcaster, likely enjoyed the castle's vast array of cheese and Wisconsin brews.

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, added a touch of political prestige to the castle's guest list.

Johnny Cash, the legendary musician known as "The Man in Black", probably felt right at home in a castle filled with country's finest dairy products.

Joe Biden, the former U.S. Vice President and current President, stopped by the castle during his 2012 presidential campaign, taking a break from the trail to sample some cheese.

The castle's educational offerings

The castle's staff are passionate about all things cheese and are eager to share their knowledge with visitors. They can provide in-depth explanations of the different types of cheese, such as the difference between cheddar and gouda, and offer suggestions for cheese and wine pairings. They also offer insights into the cheese-making process, with displays, videos, brochures, and even demonstrations by local cheesemakers.

The castle's decor and design also contribute to the educational experience. The walls are adorned with cheese-themed art and historical photos, providing a visual representation of Wisconsin's dairy history and dominance. The castle's architecture, including its stone walls, turrets, and drawbridge-like entrance, evoke the feeling of a medieval fortress, reflecting the long tradition of cheese-making in the region.

Throughout the year, the castle hosts various events and classes centred around cheese appreciation and Wisconsin's dairy industry. These educational offerings range from cheese and wine pairings to lectures on the history of cheesemaking in the region. The castle also offers samples of their cheeses, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and discover new varieties.

The castle's gift shop further enhances the educational experience by offering a variety of Wisconsin-themed products, including cheesehead hats and cow-print items. These products showcase the state's cheese culture and provide a tangible connection to Wisconsin's dairy heritage. The castle also has a bakery, a deli, and a tavern, allowing visitors to sample local specialities and experience the flavours of Wisconsin.

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