State Profiles: North Dakota Wine Country

Located near the middle of the country on the east-west axis, and on the border with Canada, North Dakota is the youngest wine state, given that it was the last since Prohibition was repealed to license a commercial winery (Pointe of View, in 2002). Non-grape fruits are the raw material for some of the state’s wines, but in recent years the cold-hardy Minnesota varieties have proven popular and successful.

The small industry is supported by the North Dakota Grape and Wine Association for education, promotion and extension, and by North Dakota State University’s viticulture research program.

Great Grapes: LaCrescent

This Minnesota variety is cold hardy to -36F, ripens in late September, and can reach sugar levels of 22-27 brix and high acid. LaCrescent produces Germanic style wines like riesling or vignoles, with the sweeter versions in particular receiving favorable reviews.