In its second year of organizing the Food & Wine Festival, the Isthmus has done a much better job. More wine, more food and more demonstrations have made the ticket price worthwhile. Here are some of my favorite items that are worth trying (and buying) if you see them in stores:

• Lander Jenkins Chardonnay and Silver Buckle Chardonnay, both distributed in Madison by Rutherford Wine Company. I’m not a chardonnay guy at all, but the staff pushed them onto me, and they were both surprisingly not dry, almost Riesling-like.
• Organic sunflower oil from Century Sun Oil in Pulaski. It’s a good replacement for olive oil and has several health benefits. Supposedly, it’s perfect for making popcorn.
• The Morel & Leek Jack Cheese and the Natural 2 Year Sharp White Cheddar Cheese from Renard’s Cheese in Door County. I told the owners that the 2 year is as a good as any five-year cheddar I’ve had. The morel works perfectly with the Jack.
• Chocolates from Roots Chocolates in Wisconsin Dells. I can’t believe I had never heard of them. I enjoyed several different kinds, including the espresso and the Kalli MahTah (salty and briny).
• Wisconsin Amber Cheddar spread from Sugar Brook Farms in Verona. As the name implies, this creamy delight is made with Wisconsin Amber beer from Capital Brewery.
• The French Gimlet at Johnny Delmonico’s. This version uses vodka, St. Germain and fresh-squeezed lime juice.

Whether you’re in search of some good food or need ideas for the holiday shopping season, here’s a list of items I purchased or will purchase from the Isthmus Food & Wine Festival held last weekend:

• Mrs. Chippy’s Caramel Corn from Chippy’s Kettle Corn. I also enjoyed the Yumchata Oatmeal Cookie flavor and the Buffalo Wine & Bleu Cheese Dressing flavor.
• Old Fashioned Malted Milk Powder Malt from CTL Foods. If you like Whoppers, you’ll love this. Try adding it to coffee.
• Strawbanero jam from Blue Collar Cafe & Jams. Excellent combination of sweet and spicy. Loved the Bluebanero, too.
• The garlic beefsticks and Teriyaki beefsticks from Otter Creek Organic Farm. These make a great snack!
• The goat salami and Tuscan salami from Underground Meats. Makes me regret not signing up for its meat-CSA last year.
• Plain 9-12 Gouda from Holland Family Farms. I had always ignored Gouda … until now.
• Brick spread from Widmer Cheese Cellar. Why waste a cracker? I could eat this straight from the container.
• Rob Abuelo 12-Year Rum. I doubt I’ve had a better rum. “Smooth” would be underselling it.
• Dark Amber Organic Maple Syrup from Kickapoo Gold. You’ll never use Aunt Jemima again.