For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – Sideways Wine and Craft Beer was recently welcomed to the community by the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.
The Chamber said Sideways owner Donna Ahlgrim lived in Tomahawk for many years in the late ‘70s to early ‘90s, working as a bartender at just about every bar in town.
“She moved to Chicago for her career as a Program Manager, but she was determined to return to the quiet Northwoods life and realize her dream of owning her own place,” the Chamber stated.
Donna, and her husband Steve, returned to Tomahawk in 2019, and in 2021, they purchased the Tomahawk Surplus Store from Jim and Pam Wise, who were retiring.
“Donna saw the potential in this classic building as the perfect place for a wine bar,” the Chamber said.
After an 18-month rehab project, Sideways opened its doors on Feb. 2.
The Chamber said Sideways offers wines from around the world, as well as craft beers from right here in Wisconsin.
Donna has expanded the menu to include handcrafted signature cocktails, regionally-inspired flatbreads, empanadas and charcuterie boards from France, Italy, Spain and California, as well as jumbo pretzels and desserts.
“Sideways has a private ‘Mr. Botti’s’ wine tasting room, where Donna offers customized tastings, food pairings and classes,” the Chamber stated. “With the warm weather, the back patio is now open, where patrons and their pooches can relax outside, or as Steve says, ‘Dogs, and their well-behaved owners, are welcome on the patio!’”
In the upstairs loft is The Fifth Element Art Gallery, owned by Donna and Steve’s daughter, Shayna, which highlights local artists’ work for sale.
The Chamber noted that Shayna also offers yoga and “Paint and Sip” classes, where she guides groups through the process of completing their own masterpieces while enjoying wine offered by Sideways.
“The Tomahawk Ambassadors were excited to officially welcome Steve, Donna, and their new business, Sideways Wine and Craft Beer, and Shayna and The Fifth Element Art Gallery, to downtown,” the Chamber stated.
