The Blind Horse Restaurant & Brewery
Rustic Charm & Rich History: The Blind Horse Restaurant & Brewery
Two week ago, we made our way to the charming village of Kohler, Wisconsin, for my sister’s wedding. Guests were welcomed with luxurious accommodations at The American Club and the Inn on Woodlake, while the ceremony itself was set against the breathtaking backdrop of Whistling Straits. But before the big day, we kicked off the celebration with a lively, artful rehearsal dinner and welcome party at The Blind Horse Restaurant & Brewery.
Nestled on seven beautifully landscaped acres in Kohler, WI, The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery offers a perfect blend of rustic elegance and Napa‑Valley flair. Housed in an 1881 brick farmhouse originally part of a farmstead purchased in 1862 by Anton and Josephine Dreps, the property has preserved its historical charm throughout multiple renovations. Named in homage to Birdy, a blind Percheron draft horse once used by the Dreps family, the restaurant displays a stunning metal sculpture of her near the entrance—an artistic tribute to the farm’s legacy.
Craft Brews, Award‑Winning Wines & Innovative Cuisine
Though widely praised for its winery, The Blind Horse incorporates a full brewery and bar program, offering a diverse array of beers, handcrafted cocktails, and extensive wine lists featuring local and regional varietals. With vintner‑crafted blends like their double‑gold-winning Vintner’s Blend and popular “Birdy” wines, the venue deeply embraces both quality and experimentation.
Complementing its beverages is an inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes. Executive Chef Brent Davis combines Napa‑style techniques with a farm‑to‑table ethos. Diners can expect creative small plates—crispy pork buns, burrata and bruschetta boards—and standouts like pan-seared scallops, wagyu-style filet mignon, lobster ravioli, Canadian walleye, and duck dishes. Vegan and vegetarian risottos round out the menu, along with a cozy bourbon bar known as The Granary, serving flatbreads, sandwiches, and barrel-aged cocktails in a rustic barn setting .
Setting the Stage: A Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party
This beautiful venue provided the perfect setting for a rehearsal dinner and welcome party celebrating brides before their Whistling Straights wedding. The evening began with an intimate rehearsal dinner from 5:00–7:00 pm, attended by the wedding party. Under the warm glow of the farmhouse’s ambient lighting and framed by history-filled beams, guests first enjoyed a refined multi-course dinner.
First course: A choice of rich Filet Mignon, Pan-Seared Duck, or Salmon each artfully paired with seasonal sides.
Vegetarian option: A sumptuous risotto, perfect for plant-based guests.
Dessert: Traditional New York‑style Cheesecake offered a creamy, nostalgic finish.
By 7:00 p.m., the evening transitioned into a lively welcome party. Additional guests arrived to find an open bar, a light buffet, and a colorful spread of desserts and custom M&Ms. The seamless shift—from a structured dinner to a relaxed celebration—showcased the venue’s versatility in hosting both elegant dining and laid-back fun, all in one unforgettable night.
@firstthymemom If you’re looking for ideas for rehearsal dinner locations in Kohler WI, check out The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery - my sister and her wife held a beautiful rehearsal and welcome party here in June! #blindhorse #kohler #weddings #weddingplanning #wisconsinwedding #whistlingstraits #lgtbq🏳️🌈 #fyp #pride ♬ In the Mood - Glenn Miller
Experiences Across Two Distinct Venues
The evening tapped into every facet of The Blind Horse experience:
Farmhouse Dining Room – Historic beams, cozy fireplaces, and upscale tables set an intimate atmosphere.
The Patio & Brewery – The outdoor area offered a relaxed setting for mingling, sipping craft beer, and enjoying an open bar under string lights and summer skies.
The Granary Bourbon Bar – Although not the main stage for this rehearsal, it provided an immersive environment perfect for those seeking a smoky cocktail or bourbon tasting later in the evening.
Why This Venue Shines for Special Events
Versatility: The ability to transform from formal dinner space to casual reception venue caters to varied wedding event needs.
Historical Appeal: Original log beams and farmhouse charm make for stunning photographs and nostalgic ambiance.
Culinary Excellence: The menu’s blend of gourmet entrees and comforting vegetarian fare ensures every guest is delighted.
Drink Variety: Honored for award-winning wines and a full bar program, it satisfies both wine aficionados and cocktail lovers.
Memorable Moments: Iconic storytelling—from the sculpture of Birdy to barrel tours—imbues events with character and warmth.
From Rehearsal Dinner to the Big Day
As the rehearsal dinner and welcome party wrapped, anticipation buzzed for the next day’s ceremony at Whistling Straights. The intimate memories made at The Blind Horse—sipped wine, laughter under oak beams, family toasts—set a tone of connection and celebration. These moments, pulled from both venue and people, echo well beyond the evening.
Final Toast
Choosing The Blind Horse Restaurant & Brewery for your rehearsal dinner means embracing charm, history, and sensory delight. From skyline moments on the patio to plated perfection in the dining room, every detail speaks to thoughtful hospitality. Whether you’re sampling a savory filet, discovering a signature wine blend, or toasting with bourbon, the venue lays a foundation of warmth and celebration—one that only enhances the magic of a wedding weekend at Whistling Straights.
Here’s to many more brides and grooms finding their story, their venue, and their beginning at the Blind Horse—where charm meets craft, and history meets hospitality.
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