17 Best Minnesota Wineries For a Fun Night Out + Map! (2023)
If you’re looking for a fun night out with some delicious wine, you’ll want to check out one of the many Minnesota wineries.
Each one has its own unique atmosphere and offers something different for visitors, from wandering through the vineyard to relaxing in the tasting room.
I’ve wandered all around Minnesota (I live here!) and have found some of the best places to go when you’re looking for a relaxing evening.
Whether you’re a wine expert or just starting to explore the world of vino, there’s a vineyard in Minnesota that’s perfect for you. Cheers!
Minnesota Wineries Map
Best Minnesota Wineries to Check Out
Below you’ll find some of the best wineries throughout the state of Minnesota to check out.
These aren’t in any particular order and are spread out around the state, so there’s sure to be one within a few hours from you.
1. North Shore Winery
Address: 202 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN
Website
I’m starting off this list of best vineyards in Minnesota with the North Shore Winery because it’s located in one of the most beautiful places in the state.
Found in Lutsen, just minutes from Lake Superior’s shoreline, this is the best place to sip a glass of wine at an off-the-beaten-path location.
The winery is owned and operated by two couples who love the North Shore and wine. A perfect combo.
It opened in 2016 and has since received an award for the best wine from Northern Wilds magazine.
The wine is made with grapes from Minnesota and California. Ciders made from Minnesota-grown apples are also available.
A variety of tastings are available to book, including a wine and truffle tasting (yum!), or a tasting filled with plenty of information about the wine-making process.
Spend a romantic evening at the winery every Thursday night for a date night with live music.
Every Sunday during the summer, you can enjoy live music outdoors from local musicians on a natural amphitheater.
What more could you ask for? North Shore Winery is a favorite of mine, thanks to the stunning views of Lake Superior and the delicious wine.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 Lutsen Resort makes for the perfect place to stay, just one mile down the road and within the perfect distance to explore the North Shore!
2. Saint Croix Vineyards
Address: 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN
Website
This vineyard was started in 1992 and has since grown to be one of the most beloved in the state, just a short distance from Taylors Falls.
They have a tasting room that is open daily without reservations, featuring some of their best award-winning wines.
Over the years, they’ve won more than 100 awards in national and international championships, proving just how great their wine truly is.
You can tour the vineyard on Saturdays with an employee guiding you, allowing you to see how they grow everything that turns into their delicious wine.
During the summer, visit the vineyard for free live music on Saturday afternoons.
Other fun events such as a 5k, an Oktoberfest celebration, and a grape stomp also take place throughout the year.
St. Croix Vineyards is one of my personal favorites because I love being able to look out over the St. Croix River Valley. It’s so stunning!
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 The Water Street Inn is located right in Stillwater and boasts fantastic views of the St. Croix River and St. Croix Wine Trail, along with an on-site restaurant.
3. Cannon River Winery
Address: 421 Mill Street W, Cannon Falls, MN
Website
Cannon River Winery aims to produce wines that are just as good and high quality as those in the top wine-producing cities in the world.
And with their hand-picked grapes being turned into wine by their experienced winemakers, they certainly do so.
The 20-acre Minnesota vineyard is home to over 9,000 vines with multiple varieties of grapes that are able to survive in Minnesota’s cold weather.
They also have a 150-year-old timber frame barn that they’re proud of that just adds to the feel of the place.
A newly opened kitchen is also available to enjoy some snacky foods while you tour the vineyard.
During some weekends of the year, live bands play at the Cannon River Winery, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a nice night out.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 For a nice, basic hotel experience after your vineyard tours, head to the GrandStay Hotel and Suites, right in Cannon River.
4. Wild Mountain Winery
Address: 16906 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls, MN
Website
Taylors Falls is a popular location for summer and winter recreation, making it the perfect place for a winery.
In 2010, Wild Mountain Winery opened up on one of the highest points in Chisago County, boasting beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
The Olson family has won an award for being ‘Farm Family of the Year,‘ as well as many Minnesota State Fair ribbons for their grapes.
In the summer, enjoy a wine tasting on their patio and enjoy the warm breeze.
In the winter, take it inside one of their tasting rooms to get out of the cold.
Enjoy one of their delicious wood-fired pizzas, bread loaves, or cheese and cracker platters while you sip on your wine.
Everyone loves a vinery with food!
Aside from their vineyard, they also have a campground on the 15.5 acres of land that the Olson family owns.
There are options for tent camping or ‘glamping’ at one of their In Tents campsites.
Between June and October, enjoy free music by local artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin on the patio at Wild Mountain Winery.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 This private home has a front porch with an indoor fireplace and an outdoor firepit to enjoy after your day at Wild Mountain.
5. Parley Lake Winery
Address: 8280 Parley Lake Road, Waconia, MN
Website
Just 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities area, Parley Lake Winery sits just outside the Carver park Reserve and Lake Waconia.
During their open season, typically between the end of May and October, this beautiful winery showcases a mixture of local art and tasty wines.
This provides a unique experience, as you’re able to stroll through a gallery of art made by Minnesotans when you visit the tasting room.
Out in the garden, you’ll find many sculptures, including the symbol of Parley Lake Winery, the Goddess of the Grapes.
The grapes here have been growing for over a decade and are hand-crafted into tasty bottles of wine.
Take a guided wine-tasting tour, enjoy a glass, or visit their line-up of on-site food trucks during your visit.
On weekends, a variety of local artists perform their music for winery guests, making for the perfect date night with your partner.
Nearby you’ll find their partner store, Deardroff Orchards, which is one of the greatest apple orchards in the state!
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 At the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Chanhassen, you can enjoy a nice place to stay with free breakfast, just 15 minutes from the winery.
6. Chankaska Creek
Address: 1179 East Pearl Street, Kasota, MN
Website
Located in Kasota, a small town just 15 minutes from Mankato, is the Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, and Distillery.
Here at Chankaska Creek, they do it all.
Enjoy their tasting room with some of their best wines, or schedule a private wine tasting to learn from the winemaker.
Test some of their spirits that are created in a 500-liter Pot Still.
They have over 13 acres of vines growing and waiting to be turned into the delicious wine that you find at this Minnesota winery.
As to honor a piece of history, the winery is named after the Chankaska Creek that flows through the property and the Dakota Indian Tribes that once were prevalent here.
Similarly to Parley Lake Winery on this list, you can stroll the grounds here and view sculptures created by local artists every day of the week.
Throughout the summer, you can attend their live music for free at their ‘UnWINEd’ events on certain days.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 Just 20 minutes from Chankaska Creek, stay at this House on Madison Lake, offering a sandy beach, a large yard, and an outdoor fire pit.
7. Salem Glen Vineyard
Address: 5211 60th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Website
If you’re a wine or cider lover, you’ll love visiting Salem Glen Vineyard down in Rochester, Minnesota.
This family-owned boutique winery has been operating since 2006 and is located on rolling hills that produce great wine-making grapes.
If you’re a dog lover like me, then you’ll especially love visiting with their ‘grape-guard dog,’ Haley.
All of the wine that is sold at Salem Glen Vineyard has been produced on-site with a mixture of their cold-hardy grapes and other regional grapes.
They produce a large selection of high-quality wines that will suit all guests that visit.
And if you’re a cider drinker, you’ll be excited to know that they also make ciders, using the apple trees in their front yard.
Each August, Salem Glen Vineyard hosts an art fair, where local artists and makers come and showcase their unique art and handcrafted goods.
Throughout the summer, wood-fired pizzas on homemade dough are available by reservation on Friday nights.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 Just 15 short minutes away, book a stay at the Hotel Indigo Rochester, which features beautiful rooms and a hotel lounge bar.
8. Schram Vineyards
Address: 8785 Airport Road, Waconia, MN
Website
Nearly 10 years ago in 2013, Schram Vineyards Winery was opened up by a couple who were fulfilling their long-term dream of owning a winery.
After just a year, they also opened up their brewery, becoming Minnesota’s first singly owned and operated winery and brewery.
Ever since the Schrams have continued to produce their high-quality, delicious wines from their 4,000 grapes.
Plan a day to visit their tasting room and experience at least 5 of their award-winning wines while being guided by a professional.
The vineyard is open year-round and features beautiful views both inside and out, making it a must-visit.
During the summer months, food trucks are available onsite most weekends.
Yoga in the vineyard and live music are other popular events that take place throughout the week
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 This beautiful waterfront home features an outdoor firepit and fishing dock to relax at the end of your day in Waconia.
9. Alexis Bailly Vineyard
Address: 18200 Kirby Avenue S, Hastings, MN
Website
Back in 1973, the first vineyard in Minnesota was planted in Hastings by the Alexis Bailly family.
Fast forward to 1978 and they opened the doors to their tasting room with the first glasses of wine produced entirely of Minnesota-grown grapes.
This is surely something to be celebrated, as it pioneered the opening of several other wineries and vineyards throughout the state.
Today, the Alexis Bailly Vineyard creates and sells several types of wines, including their Voyageur red wine, which has been named the Best Wine in Minnesota.
Visit their tasting room on Saturdays from January to March and weekends from April through December.
Where to Stay
🏩 Book a stay at The Port of Prescott Boutique Hotel which features upscale decor and a place to grab breakfast before the day’s adventures.
10. Carlos Creek Winery
Address: 6693 Country Road 34 NW, Alexandria, MN
Website
Named Minnesota’s best winery and patio in 2021, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Carlos Creek Winery, especially during the summer months.
Grab a glass of wine and one of their wood-fired pizzas and enjoy the views on their patio,
Or, take a tour of their winery and Minnesota vineyard to learn about how their award-winning wines are made.
Also located on the grounds is the 22 Northmen Brewing Company, which offers a variety of Minnesota-made brews and was voted the Bronze winner for Best Brewery in 2021.
In September, a Grape Stomp Festival with over 100 vendors, 15 music acts, and 3 days of fun takes place.
Enjoy live music on select dates throughout the summer as you enjoy your visit.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 This cozy home on Lake Henry has a large yard, and beautiful lake views, and is within just a short distance of many of the shops in downtown Alexandria.
11. Unwined Up North
Address: 304 N Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN
Website
Unwined Up North is a wine bar that focuses on featuring wine from local Minnesota wineries and breweries.
They work almost exclusively with brands and creators from within the state, ensuring that you’ll have a worthwhile visit.
If you’re looking to try out several of the wineries on this list, you can do it all in one place at Unwined!
And along with your drink, grab one of their delicious flatbreads that are named after actors and artists born in Minnesota.
Not all of them serve things to eat, so it’s nice to find a Minnesota winery with food.
In the summer, sit outside on their large patio and enjoy the warm sun, or in the winter, warm up in one of their outdoor bubbles before exploring more of Grand Rapids.
I grew up in Grand Rapids, and going to Unwined for a quick lunch on the patio is one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 Less than 5 minutes away, Hotel Rapids is a newly updated boutique hotel offering a bistro with crepes, coffee, and other delicious foods.
12. Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
Address: 78757 State Highway 16, Spring Valley, MN
Website
Run by a family with four daughters (hence the name!), the Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery has continued their family’s farming traditions.
While they chose to farm grapes rather than vegetables, they’ve sure done well in carrying on the family history!
Winning multiple awards for the best wine and being a provider for many festivals has shown how delicious their selection is.
They’ve even been voted as Reader’s Choice for Best Winery Restaurant in USA Today.
Four Daughters was also the official sponsor of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
Grab a glass (or bottle!) of wine, and a brick-oven pizza, and sit down to enjoy with family and friends at the Four Daughters Winery.
Every Wednesday night, enjoy a movie outdoors in the vineyard with many of them being family-friendly.
And on weekends, order up a delicious brunch board for 2 and have bottomless mimosas, perfect for a brunch date with your partner or friends.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 During your visit to Spring Valley, book a stay at this Rustic Bed and Breakfast which has beautiful rural views and served a delicious breakfast in the morning.
13. Garvin Heights Vineyard
Address: 2255 Garvin Heights Road, Winona, MN
Website
Opening in 2007, this winery is owned by a couple of avid winery visitors, having visited many around the United States, Italy, Germany, Australia, and more.
They sure know how to make wine and started growing grapes 30 years ago on their 20-acre property.
They now have 4 of those acres growing over 20 varieties of grapes, including some of the ones that were planted 30 years ago!
Today, they produce their wines from their own grapes and from other growers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Several of them have received awards from the International Cold Climate Wine Competition and the Mid-American Wine Competition in past years.
They offer wine tasting and flights from April through December.
Find Garvin Heights Winery at the Minnesota State Fair each year and end (or begin) your day with a glass of their wine.
You can also find them at the Clink! Sip & Savor Wine Market in St. Paul each year.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 At the Alexander Mansion Bed and Breakfast, you’ll stay in a historic room and enjoy a delectable 4-course breakfast before you head to the winery.
14. Morgan Creek Vineyards
Address: 23707 478th Avenue, New Ulm, MN
Website
At Morgan Creek Vineyards in New Ulm, there are a variety of ways to experience the beautiful grounds.
Guide yourself on a tasting with a few types of their delicious wines, or book a private tasting with the winemaker.
The winemaker and owner himself has spent most of his life working at a brewery, in fact, the second oldest family-owned brewery in the United States.
You can find him and his family around the vineyard, always ready to ensure guests are having a good time.
Along with the wine, enjoy their food at the Wine Cafe or from some of their specialty food offerings throughout the week.
Enjoy Saturday brunch on the weekends at Morgan Creek Vineyards.
And every Saturday evening, partake in Jazz night as you enjoy the delightful music.
Several other events such as yoga, art exhibits, and more take place at this beautiful winery.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 The nearby Best Western Plus features a pool, fitness room, and free breakfast and is a nice choice for lodging near Morgan Creek Vineyards.
15. Winehaven Winery
Address: 10020 Deer Garden Ln, Chisago City, MN
Website
Sitting on a hill that overlooks two of the largest lakes in Chisago County’s Chain of Lakes is the beautiful Winehaven Winery.
The vineyards here are at approximately the same latitude as some of the winemaking regions in France.
Father-and-son-duo Kevin and Kyle, the owner and son of Winehaven, have received over 200 awards for winemaking excellence.
The staff and owners of Winehaven are always there to treat their guests like family, so when you visit, you’ll surely feel invited and welcome.
Along with their wine, owner Kevin also produces honey, with 40 years of experience!
October brings the end of the grape harvest and allows guests to taste the liquid when it’s between stages of juice and wine at the Federweisser Festival.
In November, experience the annual Cheese and Chocolate Weekend where you can try the wines with local cheese and chocolates.
I lived just 10 minutes away from Winehaven for 6 months and loved heading in and enjoying their wine tasting. It was such a relaxing way to spend a weekend.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 This adorable lakefront home sits right on South Lindstrom Lake and is stylish, cozy, and has excellent views, not too far from the winery.
16. Willow Brooke Farm
Address: 29212 Orchard Rd, Red Wing, MN
Website
Willow Brooke Farm in Red Wing is primarily an event vineyard, hosting some of the most beautiful weddings in the St. Croix River Valley, along the St. Croix Wine Trail.
On an 80-acre property with the bluffs of Red Wing in the background, this is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in southern Minnesota.
They offer delicious wines that have been handcrafted after being hand-harvested at their peak.
This is definitely the best winery in Minnesota for weddings, so be sure to check them out if you’re tying the knot soon!
On select Wednesdays in the summer, enjoy a slice of pizza and a glass of wine at Willow Brooke Farm.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 At Villa Del Lago in Red Wing, enjoy beautiful views of Lake Pepin and an adorable home with huge windows and an open floor plan.
17. Buffalo Rock Winery
Address: 4527 23rd St SE, Buffalo, MN
Website
At Buffalo Rock Winery, you’ll be supporting one woman’s dream come true– to own her own winery and be able to spend more time with her young kiddos!
The location is beautiful, and you’ll get to experience a smaller, more personal winery.
There are over 20 wines available to try, all produced on-site at the winery.
In October, Buffalo hosts an annual Ladies’ Day Out, where you can support many local businesses, and Buffalo Rock Winery partakes in this day.
Where to Stay Nearby
🏩 This beautifully decorated home is located on Deer Lake in Buffalo and features a dock, a large porch, and incredible lake views.
When Are Wineries in Minnesota Open?
Most of Minnesota’s vineyards and wineries are open for business year-round.
However, the busiest times of year are during the summer and fall, when visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and partake in various activities and events.
Many wineries also offer special events and tastings on weekends, especially during the summer, so be sure to check the schedule before you visit.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine on a sunny patio or sit inside and warm up, you’re sure to find a winery that’s open year-round.
What is the Largest Winery in Minnesota?
There are over 75 wineries in the state of Minnesota, each one owned and operated in its own unique way.
The wines are made with cold-hardy grapes, built to withstand the frigid temperatures that we experience every winter.
With so many beautiful vineyards and wineries, it’s tough to know the largest one.
But Carlos Creek and Four Daughters are two of the largest on this list.
Conclusion: Minnesota Vineyards
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon or evening, check out one of the many Minnesota wineries.
There’s always something going on, whether it’s a wine-tasting event, live music performance, or grape stomping festival.
So gather up your friends and head to your nearest vineyard – you won’t be disappointed!
