Minnesota Wine and Grape Alliance

09/09/2026

And that’s a wrap! Thank you for visiting (and sipping!) with us during the Minnesota State Fair this year - we can’t wait to be back in 2027!

Did you find a favorite w**e on the fairgrounds this year? Or maybe a new favorite fair food + w**e pairing? Let us know!

09/06/2026

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: Carlos Creek W**ery

This week, we’re heading to Alexandria to spotlight Carlos Creek W**ery—where Minnesota w**e, food, music and memorable experiences come together on a beautiful 190-acre property!

Known as Minnesota’s largest w**ery, Carlos Creek offers an impressive selection of reds, whites, rosés, sparkling w**es and its popular Minnesota Nice collection. Guests can explore the w**es through tastings and flights, tour the w**ery and vineyard, or simply settle in and enjoy the atmosphere with a glass in hand.

And w**e is only the beginning! The property is also home to 22 Northmen Brewing Co., wood-fired pizza from STOKE, seasonal food options, outdoor spaces, live music and special events throughout the year—including the w**ery’s famous annual Grape Stomp.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated w**e getaway, gathering with friends or looking for a destination with a little something for everyone, Carlos Creek makes an excellent addition to your Minnesota w**ery bucket list.

Have you visited Carlos Creek W**ery? Tell us about your favorite w**e, event or memory in the comments!

Alexandria, Minnesota
Learn more: https://carloscreek.com/

09/05/2026

Your long-weekend assignment has arrived:

Visit a Minnesota w**ery
Order a tasting flight
Try at least one w**e made with Minnesota-grown grapes
Bring home a bottle for later
Tell a friend where you found it

Extra credit for vineyard photos, patio snacks and tagging the w**ery so we can see where your Minnesota w**e adventures take you!

Already have a w**ery picked out? Drop it in the comments!

09/04/2026

Your favorite Minnesota w**eries have more than great w**e—they have great swag, too!

From T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats to tumblers, w**e glasses, jewelry, totes and more, w**ery merchandise is a fun way to show off your Minnesota w**e pride wherever you go.

Wear your favorite w**ery shirt to the State Fair. Bring your local w**e tumbler to the cabin. Add a grape-inspired accessory to your outfit—or simply sport your favorite w**ery’s logo while enjoying a glass in the tasting room.

Best of all, purchasing w**ery swag is another way to support the local vineyards, w**emakers and small businesses you love!

What’s the best piece of w**ery merchandise you own? Tag the Minnesota w**ery it came from—or share a photo in the comments!

09/03/2026

How does a Minnesota grape grower know when it’s time to harvest?

It isn’t as simple as waiting for grapes to look ripe! In the weeks leading up to harvest, growers and w**emakers closely monitor several factors:

Sugar levels Acidity and pH
Color and seed maturity
Flavor and aroma Weather conditions
The style of w**e they plan to make

Harvest timing can have a major impact on the finished w**e—and in Minnesota, growers must also work with Mother Nature’s occasionally unpredictable schedule.

It’s part science, part experience and part carefully calculated leap of faith!

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Hello, September!

We may still be soaking up the final days of summer, but Minnesota’s vineyards are already preparing for one of the most exciting times of the year: harvest season!

Over the next several weeks, grapes across the state will be monitored for ripeness, carefully picked, and delivered to the cellar—where Minnesota w**emakers will begin transforming this year’s harvest into w**es we’ll enjoy for seasons to come.

It’s a busy, beautiful and incredibly important time for Minnesota’s w**e and grape industry. Follow along as we celebrate the people, places and grapes behind every locally made bottle!

What are you most excited for this September: vineyard views, harvest season or the return of red w**e weather?

08/31/2026

Visiting the State Fair this week? Make sure to stop by the Minnesota W**e & Grape Alliance booth, inside the horticulture building!

With staff from local w**eries and vineyards on site every day from 10am - 6pm, we invite you to stop in, learn more about the industry, and ask any questions you’d like!

Plus, make sure you check out our Photo Booth - share your photos on your socials and tag us for a chance to win a $25 gift card!

See you at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

08/29/2026

Minnesota W**e Day is August 29. Join us this weekend to celebrate with a glass of our newest w**e cocktail, Aurora Plaid. Aurora Plaid is a blend of our newest w**es, Aurora Black and Aurora Red, the colors of Paul Bunyan.

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