How to Build a Trip Around Minnesota's Best Wineries
How to Build a Trip Around Minnesota's Best Wineries
By Leslee Miller
While shimmering water and majestic scenery are major draws throughout Minnesota, one sorely overlooked aspect of the state’s agriculture is also worth a look when you plan a trip: its thriving wine industry.
Credit: Rustic Roots Winery
Many of Minnesota’s 80-plus wine producers work with cold-hardy grapes the University of Minnesota began developing in the 1960s and ‘70s. Its grape breeding program has led to innovative varieties like Frontenac, Marquette, La Crescent and Itasca — fruit that can withstand frigid temperatures as low as -35° F. Its researchers are also nationally recognized for their strides toward sustainability and other progressive vineyard practices.
During my decades as a certified sommelier, I’ve traveled to numerous wine-growing regions throughout the world. Minnesota remains one of my favorites due to its refreshing mindset, dynamic wine, and well-defined hospitality programs that bring visitors back for various outdoor adventures and activities — everything from yard games and yoga sessions to sauna and glamping experiences.
Here is how you can make the most of it.
UP NORTH
Live music at North Shore Winery in Lutsen / Credit: Buffalo Media Group
Set a weekend aside to enjoy a scenic drive along the state's outer edges and visit wineries that offer very different experiences.
Forestedge produces 24 wines from fruit grown in Laporte and North Country neighbors like Bemidji, Walker and Park Rapids. Favorites from the fields include an exceptional rhubarb wine made from fruit grown on-site and chokecherry, blueberry and black currant wines based around berries from local growers in the area.
North Shore Winery is an excuse to embrace Lake Superior and visit the quaint community of Lutsen. Its wide variety of wines is rounded out by well-rounded programming like sauna experiences in the vineyard, romantic date nights in the barrel room, and après ski events that feature numerous musical groups from the area.
WAY OUT WEST
Carlos Creek Winery / Credit: Amy Winter
As you make your way back along the western part of the state, Millner Heritage provides a fun and festive environment in Kimbal, along with more than a dozen delicious wines and handcrafted ciders. Rolling Forks Vineyards in Glenwood offers breathtaking views of Lake Minnewaska and oodles of tasty still and sparkling wine. Love to shop? This winery is well known for its large retail space. From T-shirts to trinkets, the market is a wine lovers’ paradise of cleverly logoed gifts.
Carlos Creek in Alexandria not only offers numerous house-made wines onsite, a Viking-themed brewery, and a cleverly crafted cocktail program. Lastly, Crow River Winery in Hutchinson is a local favorite featuring several wines made from Minnesota's cold-hardy grapes and a plethora of hard ciders produced from the property’s own orchard.
DAY TRIP DETOURS
The signature outdoor sculpture at Parley Lake Winery / Credit: Andrew Parks
Continue driving south to experience a wealth of wineries known for picturesque properties and busy event calendars, all within a day's drive of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Mankato. Schram Vineyards offers stunning views of Lake Waconia, along with offerings from its own in-house brewery. From live music to bocce ball courts, it’s a great place to spend a weekend afternoon.
A bartender at Parley Lake Winery once said they can spot west coast wine snobs from a mile away. Often dragged out to this picturesque area by more open-minded family members, they’ll walk in expecting to write off Minnesota’s entire wine scene and leave with a smile on their face and a case in their car. Maybe even a painting from co-owner Deb Zeller, who displays her work in a gallery downstairs alongside several other statewide artists. (A slew of sculptures can also be spotted outside.)
Mousse Sparkling Wine Co.
Another Minnesota winery with a gorgeous wine portfolio is Mousse. It's especially unique since it specializes in sparkling wines and hard ciders. The winery’s owner/winemaker is well-known amongst the statewide wine scene and has received several awards for its delicious, small-batch wines.
On the southern edge of the state — near the Iowa border, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Bluff Country — Four Daughters Winery is best known for its modern facility, spacious wine bar, cidery, nicely built wine portfolio, and restaurant.
A TRAIL WORTH TACKLING
Credit: 7 Vines Vineyard
The eastern corner of Minnesota is one of the most concentrated wine trails in the state, full of its first winemaking facilities, lush valley scenery, and several many award winners. Alexis Bailley Winery was founded in 1973, making it Minnesota’s oldest winery. It continues to create memorable experiences for its visitors, offering wine flights and seasonal music amongst its vineyard space.
If you are looking for other unique settings, Winehaven Winery in Chisago City and 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood are a must. Winehaven backs up its bold wine program with one of the country’s best meads, made from honey produced by the property’s on-site bee colony. 7 Vines has one of Minnesota’s best wine programs and a stunning, state-of-the-art wine facility. From their outdoor firepits to their educational tour experiences, get swept away by outstanding hospitality.
Credit: Saint Croix Vineyards
Rustic Roots Winery is another breathtaking property providing an immaculate landscape nestled atop a tree-lined hill overlooking the St Croix River Valley. From snowshoeing in the winter to hiking in the summer, the winery is not only picturesque but delicious and creative. Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to visit Saint Croix Vineyards right on the edge of the state, sitting pretty amongst the scenery of Stillwater. The winery features award-winning, cold-hardy wines and ciders in a rustic tasting room built from a restored century-old barn.
No matter which direction you head, you’ll find the Minnesota wine scene to be one of the best in a Midwest booming with delicious wine, picturesque landscapes and activity calendars that will keep their visitors busy all year round. Remember to ask questions when visiting and sipping through the portfolio of wines that each of these wine-growing families has created. The more you learn about the wines we grow in our own backyard, the more confident you’ll be when ordering your next glass of gorgeous Minnesota wine.
Plan the perfect day around lakeside wineries. There will be llamas.
Leslee Miller is a dually certified sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is the sole owner of Amusée, a Minneapolis-based wine consulting firm that was founded in 2004. Leslee is also the founder/owner of the national wine club and brick and mortar wine shop, Sip Better. It supports family-owned, small and international wine growers who are committed to sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices. Armed with knowledge, an extremely approachable nature, and contagious enthusiasm, Leslee gives each new setting that spark, that levity, that eye-opening moment that makes wherever — and whatever — you're drinking fun.