Look, there are a lot of reasons to visit our beloved state, and you could live here for decades without seeing it all.
That’s what most of us locals have done.
From Minneapolis to Duluth and all the way up to Winnipeg and Ontario in Canada, unless you positively detest trees or flannel, you’ll probably feel enchanted by every corner you travel to.
And if there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re here, it’s the Minnesota wineries and wine culture.
Yes, we have that.
Like, a lot actually.
Most people wouldn’t guess it since we’re not in California, but we’d argue that we give the West Coast a run for its money.
We’re just more local and quiet about it.
So don’t tell anyone.
First Things First
Like we kind of suggested, there aren’t just a lot of people making wine here; there’s a whole culture and even a system of etiquette around it.
Don’t worry, it’s not like Buckingham Palace or some place like that, where you need to memorize a zillion different social rules to avoid shaming yourself and your house.
Minnesotans are not that uptight.
But to keep things fun, there are some basics you should be aware of.
We totally understand if the prospect of your first visit to a winery is intimidating.
Everyone was a first-timer once.
You can rest at ease, though.
As long as you’re polite and making an effort, nobody here is going to give you a hard time about not already knowing every single thing on your first day.
Understand the Different Types of Wineries
Most people think that all wineries are basically the same, and it’s hard to blame them.
It’s not like we learn about wine in school or anything.
But just like anywhere else, there are several different types of Minnesota wineries that you can visit and explore here.
And if you’ve got the time and fuel in your car, we recommend visiting more than one type to gain a more holistic experience of Minnesota’s wine culture.
After all, the North Star State is almost the size of Romania (which is a whole country).
So, it shouldn’t be shocking to anyone that the 10,000 lakes, though already impressive, are far from the only things we’ve got here.
Ask About What’s Included
Minnesota wineries come in all shapes and sizes, but you can ask certain questions to narrow down your list.
Technically, a vineyard is, as its name implies, a yard filled with vines.
It’s a farm or plantation that specializes in growing grapes.
Now, these grapes may or may not be primarily for wine production, but we’re not referring here to the grape farms that produce fruit to eat.
Aside from just growing grapes, though, a proper vineyard is so much more than that.
Unless it’s just not open to the public, there should be things like a guided tour, a wine tasting room, clear paths or trails for you to walk on, and even a restaurant on-site where you can taste different wine and food pairings.
Before scheduling a visit, these are the sorts of things you’ll want to ask about.
Get Some of the Story Behind the Wine
Some wineries are large, commercial ventures, while others are small, family-run boutique operations that often specialize in a particular niche.
Likewise, there are probably up to around a dozen different varieties of grapes being used to make wine here, which means that you’ll encounter varying tastes and properties among the wines you sample.
One winery may have a selection of grape varieties, whereas other Minnesota wineries may have their own distinct collections.
And of course, some viticulturists (people who grow grapes) have their own preferences for things like soil, fertilizers, storage techniques, etc. (all of which will affect the taste and characteristics of the wine).
Before you decide which places to schedule a tour at, it can be helpful to look into the story behind the winery itself, as well as whatever you can learn about their guiding principles and processes.
This sort of information will make you visit that much more interesting and enjoyable.
Always Be Asking Questions At The Winery
And as much as possible, try to keep those questions open-ended.
You’ll tend to get more info that way.
It’s not as if any of these folks are running some kind of secret government program involving crashed extraterrestrial spacecraft.
You’re allowed to ask questions, and you absolutely should.
Keep in mind that starting a winery is not the sort of thing someone does solely for the sake of money.
Anyone who runs such a place is most likely deeply passionate about what they do.
They want to discuss their wine, how they make it, the place where they make it, and why they decided to get into the business.
Enjoy the Experience!
Whether it’s your first time visiting a winery or you’re a seasoned viticulture veteran, you’re sure to have a great time exploring Minnesota’s wine sector.
We’ve got all the class and sophistication of other more famous wine regions, while being comparatively free of the crowds.
The icing on the cake is that you get to enjoy our state’s iconic Oz-like scenery, which is really a big part of touring a winery in the first place.
And if you need any more tips or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We’re here for you, and we always love helping newcomers get into the Minnesota wine scene. 🍷
