Craig O.
Yelp
Local wine is an interesting thing. Old world "Europe" drinks local varietals and cheap wine. They generally work well with the local foods and they take a bit of time to get used to if you're a traveler coming thru.
Somehow in America, no one has told us that's ok. We're supposed to love all CA wines and now a few from OR and WA. Damn the rest of the country. Well... damn those who push this on the other 47 states.
This family in MN is (all in) on developing cold climate grapes and harvesting and making quality wine from these grapes.
I used to import. I never liked MN wines. Ever... Until now.
The owners son, (an actual vineologist) works the vineyards 12 months a year to harvest. And a very smart winemaker (another son) is crafting really nice wines of many cold climate grape styles. Don't be nervous, these grapes may be (a bit) different than the grapes you drink every day, but, eat them with MN food and you will soon be looking for MN girthed Reds instead of Cab or Zin. And you will turn in your Sweet Whites or Reislings for a number of their beautiful whites that cross the spectrum.
I won't name wine names, but everyone either likes Red,Rose or White. Dry, Sweet, Fruity or Flowery, low or high alcohol I won't pretend to tell you what you like, but every wine I tried was (a real wine), not a fake bunch of juice blended with a lot of sugar. (Which is fine if you love that. Really!:) The staff is friendly, the food is approachable and reasonable for a destination location. The view and vibe.... "The most beautiful in MN". And the music. It's every Sunday afternoon all year indoor our out. Pop, Jazz, Folk, Rock, Gospel, Classical, Euro folk, Americana, Country.
You never know. They have concerts and series from Spring to Fall. Local, Regional and National. Dogs are welcomed, and the light show from fall to new years (sync'd to radio) with a market and carolers and Santa and Lama's? Yes lama's (I'm guessing it's the closest to Reindeer they can get, but everyone wants to pet them, and no, they will not fly if you give them wine.) It's family fun for one and all.
In fact check out all the MN winerys in the area.They are all different. Support local. In my mind, and tastebuds and ears, the Winery at Sovereign Estate is the best winery in MN.
Tasting Sessions with staff and private sessions with winemaker I'm told are available. Exclusive Private Dinners as well. Wedding Receptions in the Pavillion are sold out.
Honestly, I'm an entertainer and a foodie, I've actually entertained in this place for a number of years and that's how I fell in love with it. So much that I'm out of retirement and working with them again.
Come relax, enjoy the best view and the best local wines.
Shop local, Eat local, Drink local !
If you want to talk wine, look me up if I'm on property or entertaining, I'd love to say hello and help you "find your wine":)
My only negative? Not alot of Hotels, B&B community down there yet, so be responsible and bring a D.Driver or Uber it.
Did I say I like this place..