Cheese, Wine & Beer Gala | South By Southeast Brewing

The Cheese, Wine & Beer Gala returns Saturday, June 6, at South x Southeast Brewery in Pine Island. The fundraiser runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and invites guests to spend the afternoon sampling Minnesota-made cheeses, regional wines, ciders and craft beer.

Craft cheese vendors will offer samples made right here in Minnesota. Little Red Dairy, near Thielman, features cheeses crafted from its own herd of Jersey and Guernsey cows. Caves of Faribault is known for blue cheese varieties aged in the sandstone caves of Faribault under ideal temperature and humidity conditions. CannonBelles, based in Cannon Falls, produces artisanal cheeses including Queso Fresco, Gouda and Painted Desert.

Wineries featured at this year’s event will pour samples highlighting Minnesota-grown berries and other fruit. Four Daughters Vineyards & Winery—the state’s largest winery—is known for its Loon Juice offerings. Three Oak Vineyard, from Albert Lea, offers red, white, rosé and Sweet Mary wines. Salem Glen Winery is a boutique producer specializing in small-batch wine and cider made from regionally grown grapes and other fruit.

Craft brewers will include Pine Island’s own South x Southeast Brewery, which focuses on traditional styles and quality beers for southeast Minnesota. Kinney Creek Brewery, Rochester’s first microbrewery, crafts a range of beers and hard seltzers (with more than 30 brewed). Bluff Brothers, from Spring Valley, takes pride in crafting quality beer and providing a welcoming place for friends, families and neighbors to gather.

General admission includes a commemorative glass and wristband for guests 21 and older to sample wines, ciders and beers; gluten-free options will be available. Cheese sampling (no alcohol) will be offered at half price. The Image Committee thanks Trailhead Grill & Lanes and South x Southeast Brewery for their help coordinating the event.

The gala is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, rain or shine. Proceeds will support Pine Island community projects. Tickets will be sold the day of the event at the venue. Live music and covered tables will be available for guests to relax and visit while enjoying cheese, wine, ciders and beer. Event updates will be posted on the Image Committee Facebook page.