Did you know that Wisconsin Cheese is an official partner of the 151st Kentucky Derby? Indeed. And they are bringing a unique Dairy State take to the festivities.
Part cheese board and part couture, their fantastical “fromaginators” are a first-of-its-kind headwear line that reimagines the cheese board as wearable art.
The bold and beautiful Rinds & Roses Collection is a whimsical collaboration created with premier Derby milliner, Christine A. Moore that pays homage to Wisconsin’s world-renowned cheesemakers, showcasing six exceptional cheeses including:
- Hoard’s Dairyman St. Saviour
- Marieke® Gouda Foenegreek
- Roth Canela
- Roelli Cheese Haus Red Rock
- Sartori® Merlot BellaVitano®
- Landmark Creamery Herbes de Provence Fontina
Sure to turn heads, the hats merge Wisconsin artisan craftsmanship with high fashion in the most delightfully unexpected way, with each limited edition fromaginator featuring Moore’s signature hand-rolled silk roses.
“Creating a collection of Wisconsin Cheese “Fromaginators” for the Kentucky Derby sent my imagination soaring—it’s a true fusion of fashion and flavor,” said Christine A. Moore.
“What an honor to spotlight Wisconsin’s incredible farmers and cheesemakers. I was especially inspired by the beautiful and unique rinds. They’re works of art, and taste as amazing as they look.”
Get yours!
The limited-edition collection, which is showcased in three colorways, is for sale online beginning today, Friday, April 11.
Retailing for between $1,500 and $3,000, each fromaginator is a collector's item. Even more, 100% of proceeds from sales benefit the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky. One “fromaginator” will be auctioned off at the star-studded Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby-Eve Gala.
Get a taste of Wisconsin
Churchill Downs will also get a taste of the Dairy State as Wisconsin Cheese presents a unique onsite experience. The Wisconsin Cheese Rinds & Roses Clubhouse invites guests to savor the flavors of our state with a curated bite featuring Wisconsin Cheese—a delicious nod to the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown from the historic Brown Hotel.
Can’t make it to the Kentucky Derby? Guests can enjoy a taste of Wisconsin Cheese at Louisville’s Brown Hotel throughout the month of May.
Wisconsin Cheese has also put together a list of delectable Kentucky Derby-worthy recipes that you can use to host your own Derby Party. Check them out here.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
