| While you might not associate the state of | | | | Both of these towns have rich architectural |
| Minnesota with wine country, there is a vibrant | | | | history and spectacular river scenery. Galleries, |
| but largely undiscovered wine country in the state. | | | | bed and breakfasts, and local dining options |
| Join us as we explore the Three Rivers Wine Trail | | | | abound, as well as ample opportunities for |
| in southeastern Minnesota... | | | | shopping. Stillwater, located about 45 minutes east |
| Minnesota Wine: An Introduction | | | | of St. Paul, is a popular day trip destination from |
| Even though Minnesota is largely known as a cold | | | | the Twin Cities. |
| climate state, the fact is there are numerous | | | | Red Wing, about an hour southeast of Minneapolis, |
| river valleys formed by the confluence of the St. | | | | is the home of Red Wing Shoes, which has an |
| Croix, Mississippi, and Cannon Rivers. These | | | | outlet mall and factory in the walkable and |
| valleys are ideal for growing grapes, and an | | | | attractive downtown. Two of the trail wineries |
| increasing number of Minnesota vintners are | | | | are in or near Red Wing, making it a perfect |
| turning these local grapes into award winning | | | | overnight stop. |
| wines. | | | | When you visit any of the five locations, expect |
| The state boasts over 20 wineries, with more | | | | to see some familiar wines and a few that are |
| due to open in the near future. Most of the grape | | | | unique to the upper midwest. Riesling is a popular |
| growing areas are located in the southeast part | | | | style, and there are several red wines made from |
| of the state, bordering western Wisconsin. Varietal | | | | local grapes. Among those to check out are full |
| grapes that tolerate colder winters thrive here, | | | | bodied and fruity wines like LaCrescent and |
| like St. Croix, Frontenac, St. Pepin, and several | | | | Marechal Foch. |
| others. | | | | One of the strongest appeals to the wineries on |
| In recent years, Minnesota hopped aboard the | | | | the Three Rivers Wine Trail is that almost all the |
| increasingly popular trend of officially designating | | | | grapes used in wine making are grown on site or |
| wine trails, which helps cross promote the | | | | sourced locally. That means you will get a true |
| wineries and local tourism. The state has two trails | | | | taste of the region, allowing you to compare |
| with wineries exclusively in Minnesota, and one | | | | similar wine styles from different regions. We |
| which included wineries from neighboring Wisconsin. | | | | noticed, for example, the rieslings here are slightly |
| Visiting The Three Rivers Wine Trail | | | | fruitier and somewhat less crisp than those in |
| Located in the eastern part of the state not far | | | | New York's Finger Lakes region. Try them and |
| from the Twin Cities, the Three Rivers Wine Trail | | | | see for yourself! |
| is the oldest in Minnesota. It consists of five | | | | Summary |
| wineries, with the total distance from the northern | | | | If you are planning a visit to the Twin Cities or |
| to southern edge being a manageable 80 miles. | | | | the upper midwest, set aside some time to travel |
| While a visitor can explore the entire trail in a day, | | | | the Three Rivers Wine Trail. You'll experience the |
| we recommend doing it over two days and | | | | relaxing pace of two historic river towns and |
| spending time in two historic river cities, Stillwater | | | | some great wine that will introduce you to this |
| and Red Wing. | | | | emerging American wine region. |