6 Best Wine-Country Towns In Minnesota

Minnesota may not be the first place that comes to mind for wine, but its story of innovation has shaped a growing industry that now includes more than 80 producers across the state. In the 1960s and 70s, the University of Minnesota began developing cold-hardy grape varietals to withstand the Minnesota climate, resulting in signature grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Itasca, which can grow in temperatures as low as -35℉! This research has also played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable vineyard practices, resulting in a lasting impact on the industry nationwide.

Curious to experience this wine scene for yourself? Across Minnesota, you will find a variety of towns and wineries that showcase the state’s wine heritage, some of which date back as far as half a century! Many have also won awards in countrywide wine competitions, which you can taste for yourself on a guided tasting or tour. The following six towns represent Minnesota’s wine scene at its best, giving you the chance to see what makes it so special.

Hastings

Minnesota’s love affair with wine began in Hastings over fifty years ago at the iconic Alexis Bailly Vineyard. This vineyard, which was established in 1973, continues to operate today in town and is a must-visit for wine lovers across the state. Open from Thursday through Saturday, travelers can enjoy a three or six-wine tasting here, choosing any wines on the menu to curate a flight. AB Vineyard also has an exciting event calendar to check out, including its Sunday Music in the Vineyard series and workshops like sourdough baking classes.

In addition to AB Vineyard, Lone Oak Vineyard & Winery is also in the area, an award-winning wine producer that opened its doors back in 2009. A few of the wine varieties travelers can sample at this winery’s tasting room include sparkling wines, sweet reds, dessert wines, and semi-sweet whites.

Stillwater

Located in the St. Croix River Valley, Stillwater is part of the Three Rivers Wine Trail, the oldest in the state. One of the state’s most notable wineries is located in town: Saint Croix Vineyards, which has been producing award-winning wines since 1992. A few of the most recent competitions Saint Croix Vineyards has won medals in include the International Cold Climate Wine Competition in 2025 and 2024, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in 2025, and the San Francisco International Wine Competition in 2023. Travelers interested in exploring this vineyard can visit daily between 10 am and 6 pm or even enjoy a guided tour of the grounds and barrel rooms on Saturday afternoons.

Although not directly in Stillwater city limits, Rustic Roots Winery is just a 20-minute drive from town, overlooking the St. Croix River Valley. The winery’s tasting areas are gorgeous, including expansive patio seating, a heated pergola, and an indoor tasting room. You can also attend one of the Rustic Roots’ special events, including live music performances and trivia nights!

Taylors Falls

Continuing a half hour north from Stillwater, you will hit Taylors Falls, which is home to one of the state’s newer wineries: Wild Mountain Winery. The original owners, Alan and Judy Olson, began growing grapes on this land back in 1992 and formally opened the winery nearly two decades later in 2010 after winning several awards for their wines in previous years. Travelers can sample red, white, and sweet wine flights while enjoying some beautiful vineyard views from the outdoor patio. If you like camping, you are in for a treat at this winery as well! Wild Mountain also has a campground and glamping tents onsite, allowing you to appreciate your wine worry-free.

While technically across the Wisconsin border, Dancing Dragonfly deserves an honorable mention, as it is just an eight-minute drive from Taylors Falls and boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and award-winning wines. Located on a 54-acre estate, this vineyard has both a covered patio and a spacious tasting room available for wine tasting, with the winery serving an extensive wine list.

Waconia

Just 45 minutes from Minneapolis, the small town of Waconia is home to several wineries and an annual wine festival that has helped create a vibrant local wine scene. Parley Lake Winery is a particularly scenic vineyard to visit, sitting on a 125-acre estate in the region’s rolling hills. In addition to being able to sample its award-winning wines, visitors can appreciate an impressive event calendar, sculpture stroll, and art gallery on the premises. Have somebody in your group that isn’t a big wine fan? Schram Vineyards has you covered! This business is a combined winery and brewery, allowing visitors to sample both wines and craft beers in its tasting room that overlooks the estate and lake. If you visit Waconia in the summer, you might be able to attend the annual Waconia Wine Festival, a two-day event hosted by the three vineyards in the area: Parley Lake, Schram, and the Winery at Sovereign Estate, allowing you to taste some of each winery’s best selections!

Chisago City

You’ll only find one vineyard in Chisago City, but the vineyard alone makes the town a must-visit for wine lovers. Established in 1995. Winehaven Winery has consistently ranked among the state’s best vineyards, recognized for its patented grape varieties uniquely bred to withstand Minnesota’s winters, resist disease, and maintain strong growth.

Over the past decade, this winery has won over 200 awards in both California and New York and has been featured in publications like USA Today and Wine Spectator magazine. Visiting the vineyard, travelers can sample a flight of four wines and admire views of the rolling hillside. Winehaven also hosts several notable festivals throughout the year, including Cabin Fever Days in March, New Vintage Days in April, Cheese and Chocolate Weekend in November, and the beloved Holiday Festival in December, allowing you to celebrate alongside the vineyard throughout the year.

Alexandria

Rounding off the list is Alexandria, home to Carlos Creek Winery, the largest winery in the state. Covering 160 acres, there is plenty to do on this estate, including guided tours, wine tastings, and special events. The winery and vineyard tours last for roughly an hour and include a sample of two wines, while a few of the seasonal events include the Annual Grape Stomp, Oktoberfest, and holiday festivities. You’ll find all kinds of varietals at the vineyard to sample, including sparkling, dessert, reds, and whites. In addition to its wine, Alexandria has a rich agritourism and farming scene. To take a little intermission between all of the wine tasting, travelers can head to Country Blossom Farm, where they can enjoy seasonal apple orchards, a farm store and bakery, fall festivities, and fresh apple cider!

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s wine scene has been making a name for itself over the past few decades, and these towns are evidence of that. Some vineyards cover hundreds of acres in the Minnesota countryside, while others have busy event calendars to attract more clientele to the winery. In places like Hastings, you might even be able to learn to make your own bread during your vineyard visit! So get your palate ready and explore the innovative wine scene unfolding right here in your state!