For a long time the state of Minnesota was not associated with vineyards because of the short planting seasons but all that has changed in the recent years with the development of grape variety that are hardy and can with stand the cold sessions. The numerous river valleys in the state have also greatly contributed to the establishment of wineries in Minnesota as they are greatly ideal for growing of grapes. The valleys have been formed through the convergence of the Cannon, St. Croix and the Mississippi rivers.

Minnesota boasts of over twenty wineries and it is likely that more will be put up in the future. The Southeastern part of the state which boarders Wisconsin is the home to most grape growing farms as the grape varieties that are tolerant to cold do well there.

The Three Rivers

This wine trail is located on the Eastern part of Minnesota and is not far away from the Twin Cities. It is the oldest wine trail in the state and consists of five wineries. The entire trail measures about 80 miles across from the southern to the northern edge. When visiting the wine trail you will be able to do it in a single day but it is recommended that you make a two day visit so that you are able to spend time in the two river cities that are historic; Red Wing and Stillwater.

Stillwater and Redwing

The two cities have spectacular river sceneries and rich architectural history. There are also several local dining options, galleries and hotels for you to choose from apart from the many shopping opportunities. Stillwater is situated about forty five minutes from St. Paul to the east and has become a popular trip destination.

Redwing on the other hand is located roughly an hour from Minneapolis to the Southeast and is also home to Red Wing Shoes whose factory and shopping mall are located in the towns downtown area

The five wineries in Minnesota produce the same wine and some little that is unique towards the upper Midwest. The local grapes used in the Minnesota wineries are used to make red wine with the most common brands being Marechal Foch and LaCrescent. Most if not all wines made in the wineries located in the three rivers trail are made from grapes that either sourced locally or grown on site. This gives the wines a taste of the region and makes it easy to compare them to wines produced in other regions.

More than just California

Wine has become a big business and there are currently over sixty thousand wineries in the U.S alone. Most American wine lovers are acquainted with vintages from California but it is becoming evident that most of the wine produced in the U.S comes from wineries in the west coast. In the last few years regions that would not have been associated to grape growing have reported a massive blossom of wine trails and have been able to produce award winning wines.