10 Best Wine Makers in Minnesota
There are over 50 wineries located in Minnesota, but only a few of them have created wines that have won them the title of the best. Minnesota wineries don’t just create an alcoholic beverage, they create art that is both flavorful and aromatic, and they create an entire experience for your palate.
We’ve created a list of the best Minnesota wine makers, all of which create award winning wines. There are many names here that you’ll recognize and some you’ve never heard before, but these wine makers are known in the industry for creating magical works of art labelled as wine. Use this list to help you extend or start your wine collection or as a guide on which wines you should try from this state. Once you get a taste of these wines your taste buds will thank you.
Best Minnesota Wine Makers
Winehaven Winery and Vineyard in Chisago City, MN
Best known for their Slippery Slope Ice Wine which is made from frozen grapes. The grapes are left on the vines during winter until they are frozen, then in December they are picked and made into wine. Winehaven Winery and Vineyard’s Slippery Slope Ice Wine has won awards at the Cold Climate International Wine Competition in 2009 and 2010. But that’s not all, they’ve also won over 200 other awards in just the past 10 years.
9757 292nd street
Chisago City, MN 55013
Telephone – (651)257-1017
Northern Vineyards in Stillwater, MN
This winery is best known for their St. Croix Reserve which is a flavorful red made entirely from press run juice, which has more of a rich and earthy flavor than free-run juice. Northern Vineyards has won over 100 awards from both international and national competition, including an award for their St. Croix Reserve from the Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition.
223 Main Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Telephone – (651)430-1032
Alexis Bailly Vineyard in Hastings, MN
This wine maker is most widely known for their full-bodied, dry red wine names Voyageur. When this wine was first released it received an award for the Best Wine made in America at the Atlanta Int. Wine Competition. This wine is flavorful and has a hint of rich fruit flavors and a delicious smoky vanilla aroma from being aged in an oak barrel.
18200 Kirby Ave So.
Hastings, MN 55033
Telephone – (651)437-1413
Crofut Family Winery & Vineyard in Jordan, MN
Crofut Family Winery is best known for their off-dry white wine, LaCrescent, which won an award at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition as well as at the International Eastern Wine Competition. LaCrescent is full-bodied and have a delightful hint of peaches and white apricots.
21646 Langford Ave
Jordan, MN 55352
Telephone – (952)492-3227
Millner Heritage Vineyard in Kimball, MN
Millner Heritage Vineyard is known for its Little Iza wine which is made from Lacrosse and St. Pepin with hints of honey and a lightly sweet finish and won an award from the International Cold Climate Wine Competition.
32025 State Hwy. 15
Kimball, MN 55353
Telephone: (320) 398-2081
Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, MN
Cannon River Winery is best known for its 4 award winning wines, Bootlegger’s Red Port Wine, Mancini’s Levee Red, Sparkle Edelweiss Minnesota, and Honey. Their red port wine won awards from 2008 International Eastern and the 2009 Lodi International Wine awards. The other 3 wines won awards from 2014 Indy International Wine Competition. Cannon River Winery’s red port wine is a full-bodied red with delicious hints of berries, nuts, vanilla, chocolate, and licorice.
421 Mill Street West
Cannon Falls, MN 55009
Telephone – (507)263-7400
Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN
Carlos Creek Winery is best known for their Vintner’s Blend which is a blend of Frontenac and Marquette and has a wonderful berry and spice scent with an earthy and silky finish. Their Vintner’s Blend won 2 awards in 2014 from the Riverside International Wine Competition.
6693 County Road 34 NW
Alexandria MN 56308
Telephone – (320)846-5443
http://www.carloscreekwinery.com/
Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing, MN
Falcon Vineyards is known for their Frontenac Port which is an immensely flavorful port style deep red dessert wine made from the Frontenac grape, which recently won the Governor’s Cup in Minnesota.
3572 Old Tyler Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
Telephone – (651)388-8849
http://www.falconervineyards.com/
Woodland Hill Winery in Delano, MN
Known for having some of the most exquisite wine in the US. In fact, in 2010 they won 8 medals in the International Cold Climate Wine Competition for multiple wines. Their winning wines include Vinny’s Red, Days End, Northwoods Red, Up North Red, Autum Sky, Crimson Delight, and Volonte.
731 Co Rd 30 SE
Delano, MN 55328
Telephone – (763) 972-4000
http://www.woodlandhillwinery.com/
St. Croix Vineyards in Stillwater, MN
St. Croix Vineyards is most known for having over 43 awards, both national and international, for various wines that they have created including the 2013 La Crescent, which earned two awards in 2015, including Winter Wine Festival and the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
6428 Manning Avenue
Stillwater, MN 55082
Telephone – (651)430-3310
http://www.scvwines.com/scv/Home.html
These Minnesota wine makers some of the best wine in the US and their awards prove that they are truly artists. If you’re looking to grow or start your wine collection, are a wine connoisseur, or simply would love to taste some really delicious wine, these wine makers are definitely the best choice when you begin your search. Their wines are perfectly paired with various foods and appetizers and would make a perfect gift for any wine lover.