5 Best Wine-Country Towns In South Dakota

While South Dakota does not have any officially designated wine regions, the state’s cold climate and higher-elevation soils produce unique wines that are enjoyed by connoisseurs from across the country. Most of the state’s wineries are scattered in the Black Hills region, where South Dakota’s first winery was established in 1996. The other must-visit destination is the area around Sioux Falls, where several wineries are capitalizing on the fertile soil to produce award-winning grapes. Put these wine country towns on your South Dakota bucket list to try a taste of the state’s best vintages.

Hill City

Nestled deep in the beautiful Black Hills region, Hill City is an outdoor paradise surrounded by timeless beauty. Before you hit the trails, however, take some time to wander through downtown. In the heart of Main Street, you’ll find the With The Wind Vineyard and Winery, a boutique tasting room that serves wines from its local vineyard, the largest in South Dakota, along with a selection of small snacking plates.

A block east of the winery is the South Dakota Railroad Museum, which traces the long and fascinating history of the railroad in South Dakota, where it played a pivotal role in the development of the Black Hills region from the early 1800s onward. Special exhibits include a replica railroad depot office and a miniature model railroad.

You can’t leave Hill City without seeing the scenery up close. Take a trail ride at High Country Guest Ranch, just 4 miles west of town, to see forested hills and wildflower meadows from the back of a well-behaved horse. The ranch is open from May to September, with rides departing every two hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are recommended.

Vermillion

Vermillion is a vibrant college town situated on the banks of the Missouri River. The fertile land around the river is a prime location for grape growing, so it’s no surprise that Vermillion is home to South Dakota’s first winery, Valiant Vineyards.

Founded by the legendary local winemakers of the Nygaard family, Valiant Vineyards has a tasting room on Main Street that has been serving wine for over 20 years. Try a flight to see what takes your fancy, or browse the shop and pick up a rich port, a sharp Chardonnay, or a fruity rhubarb wine.

From the state’s oldest winery to its oldest museum. The W.H. Over Museum was founded in 1888 and has one of the largest natural and cultural history collections in the state. There are over 80,000 objects to browse, including fossils, botanical specimens, and Indigenous items. The gift shop offers a diverse selection of unique souvenirs, ranging from Native American jewelry to handmade quilts and clothing.

Explore more of the area’s cultural heritage at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, a special site for the Sioux, Omaha, and Otoe tribes. The famous explorers Lewis and Clark came here in 1804, and you can retrace their steps along the many walking paths that run through the preserve.

Sturgis

Sturgis, in the Black Hills, was founded in 1878 and has grown from an isolated military outpost to a thriving town that has something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, a wine lover, or a mix of all three.

Your first stop in Sturgis should be the Belle Joli Winery Sparkling House, which specializes in sparkling wines created using traditional champagne methods. The venue features an outdoor patio with breathtaking views of the 5-acre vineyard and surrounding pine-covered hills.

Sturgis isn’t just known for its wine. The town is also home to a former military base, Fort Meade, which was established in 1878 and is the first place in the country where the Star-Spangled Banner was played for military ceremonies, long before it was adopted as the National Anthem. Learn more about this period in Sturgis history at the Fort Meade Museum, which features exhibits on military history, Indigenous history, and mining, as well as a gift shop.

Just south of Sturgis is Bear Butte State Park, a sprawling preserve that protects Bear Butte, a mountain that is sacred to many local American Indian tribes. The park is open year-round for hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The 1.85-mile summit trail will take you to the peak for sweeping 360-degree views of four states — Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Brandon

A charming town east of Sioux Falls, Brandon is a former railroad town with a history dating back to the 1800s, and it is now one of South Dakota’s fastest-growing communities.

Proudly proclaiming itself ‘a sip of the country’, the Wild Prairie Winery just outside Brandon is a family-run farm and winery that offers a variety of wines grown from local fruits and honey. Their first vines were planted in 1997, making them one of South Dakota’s oldest farm wineries. Try their selection of wines and meads at a wine tasting, or buy a bottle to take home. The farm also offers freshly baked pizzas, perfect for a snack with your sip.

For more farm fun, head to the Red Truck Alpaca Farm, where you can meet the herd, learn all about raising alpacas, have a picnic, and shop the farm store. If you’ve more time to spare in Brandon, check out the Big Sioux Recreation Area on the banks of the picturesque Big Sioux River. The park is open year-round and has biking trails, walking paths, disc golf, picnic facilities, and an archery range.

Deadwood

If you fancy a taste of the Wild West in your wines, head to Deadwood, a classic cowboy town in the Black Hills that looks as if it’s barely changed from its 1880s heyday. The city provided the setting for the classic HBO series ‘Deadwood’ and was once a favorite haunt of outlaws like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.

Take a wander down Main Street to feel like you’re stepping back into the past and call into the Sick N Twisted Brewery to sample some vintages from Naughti Wines, which prides itself on its relaxed, informal vibe. Formally known as Naked Winery, the brand is all about serving unpretentious, good quality, enjoyable wines with a saucy, Wild West twist. Also in downtown Deadwood, you’ll find the tasting room of Belle Joli Winery, based in Sturgis.

Dive into the real history of the Wild West with a guided tour from Deadwood Historic Tours, one of the best ways to see the town if you’re short on time. Led by a local historian, tours cover numerous local landmarks, including the historic Days of ’76 rodeo grounds, Mt. Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok is buried, and Cheyenne Crossing, a historic stage stop.

After exploring Deadwood above ground, go below the surface at the Broken Boot Gold Mine, known as the Black Hills’ best mine tour. You can take an eerie candlelight tour of the mine or learn how to pan for gold at this family-friendly attraction, which is open during the summer season.

South Dakota’s wine industry may not have the fame of California’s Napa Valley or the cache of Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. Still, it has a character and quality all of its own. In fact, South Dakota’s wines have a lot in common with South Dakota’s small towns — they’re unpretentious, inviting, and authentically midwestern. Take your time getting to know these wine country communities, and you’ll be rewarded with a laidback vacation sipping fine wines while gazing out at stunning landscapes and chatting with friendly locals. Perfect for a couple’s retreat, a weekend getaway, or a relaxing break, South Dakota’s wine region offers a unique vacation experience.