Minnesota has played a major role in the expansion of the American wine industry by creating new grape varieties that can withstand very cold temperatures, thereby expanding the earth’s ability to host viable vineyards. Horticulturist Elmer Swenson and the University of Minnesota created many cold-hardy varieties, and several years ago a USDA-funded Northern Grapes Project led by Tim Martinson of Cornell University focused on enhancing the growing, vinifying, and marketing of cold climate grapes and wines.
The first vineyard was planted in 1973 by David Bailly, who also opened the first winery (Alexis Bailly Vineyard) in 1977, and released the first 100% Minnesota wine a year later. Minnesota lies within the massive Upper Mississippi Valley AVA and has another, smaller one called Alexandria Lakes.
Alexis Bailly Vineyard, Minnesota’s first winery, now includes two generations carrying on the family business. Located about 30 minutes southeast of the Twin Cities, the winery features Jazz in the Vineyard, bike trails, and yurts for rent from October through April so consumers can enjoy the wines in a cozy outdoor setting during the state’s legendary winters.
St. Croix Vineyard in Stillwater is a joint venture of Paul Quast, Peter Hemsted, and Chris Armodt. The tasting room is in a restored century-old barn, the fall grape stomp is a popular attraction, and among the hundreds of awards from major competitions was the top prize in the International Cool Climate Wine Competition for their LaCrescent.
Winehaven Winery & Vineyard is the pride of the Peterson family and four generations of stewardship of the land. Their 50 acres of vineyards in the Chisago Lakes area are located between three lakes: Lake Ellen, Green Lake, and Lake Martha. In addition to winning many awards for their wines, they have created and patented several unique grape varieties on their property: Chisago, Nokomis, Nicollet, and Francois.
Great Grapes: Marquette
Hard-frost resistant to minus 36 F, Marquette typifies the many “Minnesota varieties” that have been developed over the years and expanded the number of states that are now making high-quality wines. It produces a complex ruby-red wine with fruit and spice on the nose and palate. Marquette wines from various states often fare well in competitions, to the surprise of judges not previously familiar with them. It’s fun to see their faces.