When exploring the gorgeous St. Croix River Valley, I stop at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia for a down-to-earth drink that pairs perfectly with cheese curds, flatbreads and sunsets. Find a seat on one of the three large patios, or bring a blanket or lawn chairs and have a picnic with friends on the grassy lawns. Dogs (on leashes) are welcome, too. The events at Rustic Roots give the place a brewery vibe, such as live music, stand-up comedy nights, and even a farmers and artisans market. The community feel is strong here.

Wine recommendation: Marquette Red – earthy red with hints of campfire and forest

It’s easy to rosé the day away at nearby St. Croix Vineyards. Located on Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater, it has a casual and often lively family atmosphere. The venue hosts Live Music Saturdays and Yoga in the Vines on Sundays. The winery’s Annual Grape Stomp is a fun event for families and happening on September 10-11 this fall. It’s a treat to see kids of all ages kick off their shoes and sandals and get mushy with the grapes the old-fashioned way.

Wine recommendation: Frontenac Rosé – rich red with berry aromas and flavors

The fact is, a winery isn’t just a winery anymore. Public events once thought of as exclusive to breweries and restaurants are as popular as ever, and new product concepts keep things interesting. How about a bubbly winery? Mousse Sparkling Wine Co. in Jordan specializes in bubbly and ciders. (They have still wines available as well.) The chic space and its playful mural beg for photo ops and provide a trendy space for occasional yoga and wine classes. The event calendar is also loaded with other happenings to clink your glass at, like Paint Your Pet and trivia nights. Make an impromptu stop here for a sparkling green mimosa on St. Patrick’s Day or enjoy a glittery purple mimosa on Prince’s birthday (June 7).

Wine recommendation: Sweet White Bubbly – aromas of strawberries and cotton candy

Another cool venue pushing the winery envelope is Urban Forage Winery and Cider House in South Minneapolis. Now here’s an inspiring menu with dandelion wine, carrot wine, herbed cider, honey toast cider and various kinds of mead. They use ultra-local produce for their products, meaning fruits and vegetables picked from nearby residential yards (with permission!). The winery’s coffee shop atmosphere lends itself to rousing themed trivia nights (think The Office, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, etc.) on Wednesdays in the summer and Thursdays in the fall. 

Wine recommendation: Cherry Melomel – a mead blended with tart cherry wine for a succulent flavor

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, the first combined winery-brewery in the state, is a hit with groups, especially for the non-wine drinkers in the mix. And just as breweries have yoga in the taproom, Schram has Yoga in the Vineyard on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, as well as live music from local artists on Friday nights.

Wine recommendation: Barn Quilt Red – made with Frontenac and Marquette grapes with black cherry aromas

Sovereign Estate Vineyard & Winery also has live music events throughout the year. Some performances cost a separate fee, but it’s worth it to ease into the evening while listening to a good band and sipping a chilled glass.

Wine recommendation: AVÉ Rosé – an all-new rose with strawberry aromas

Parley Lake Winery holds Concert in the Vines performances throughout the summer with popular names like Martin Zeller, Kat Perkins and GB Leighton. The concerts require a separate admission ticket. They are family-friendly and (leashed) dog-friendly events with a food truck on-site for each performance. As an art-lover, I appreciate that Parley Lake also embraces art and has local art pieces spread around the grounds and in a gallery beneath its tasting room. It’s relaxing to take a little self-guided art tour.

Wine recommendation: Frontenac Gris – barrel-aged white with hints of caramel and vanilla

For a supremely fancy night out, 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood delivers the goods. I feel like I’m getting the star treatment each time I visit. Rustic and refined, the venue boasts a picturesque setting on a property once owned by the James J. Hill family. Fridays and Saturdays are mostly booked for private events, but there is plenty going on the rest of the week; look out for live music on most Sunday afternoons and Wednesday nights. 

Wine recommendation: 2019 True North Blanc Blend – a white fusion of three Minnesota grapes, the La Crescent, Frontenac Blanc and Frontenac Gris

Winehaven Winery and Vineyard in Chisago City celebrates its annual Federweisser Festival — a chance to sample its youngest wines straight from the cask — the last weekend of October. Yoga sessions are also held every other Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon. Go for the yoga; stay for the wine slushie.

Stinger Mead (Honey Wine) – an award-winning wine with honey and floral scents

If I want to feel like I’m having a glass of wine in a friend’s beautiful backyard, Buffalo Rock Winery hits the right notes. The lush lawn and Adirondack chairs keep things casual, and a large buffalo statue adds whimsy. Buffalo Rock specializes in Frappe Vinos (aka wine slushies). The winery is part of the city’s Spring and Fall Ladies Day Out, when local businesses offer special promotions. The next one is Saturday, Oct. 22.

Wine recommendation: Oximoron – a sweet red that’s been described as the “gateway red” for white wine drinkers