You might be surprised to learn that there are a ton of great wineries in southern Minnesota. Many are nestled into the hills and bluffs in the Mississippi River Valley. We’ve defined Southern Minnesota as anything at or below the Twin Cities.
Who do we have to thank for this abundance of grape growers? The University of Minnesota department of Enology, of course! Decades of research has brought popular cold-weather varietals, like Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, and Marquette, to our tables and wine glasses!
So grab a friend and head down south for a fun wine tasting adventure at these southern Minnesota wineries!
Cannon River Winery – Best Wineries in Southern Minnesota
Cannon Falls, MN
Cannon River Winery is one of our favorites. It is located in downtown Cannon Falls, just south of the Twin Cities on Highway 52. They offer an excellent tasting for $25 per person. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on busy weekends.
You can even see some of our sister company, By The Barrel‘s, wine barrels and decor on display!
Read More: 14 Best Breweries in Northfield MN – The Definitive Guide
Alexis Bailly Vineyard
Hastings, MN
Alexis Bailly Vineyard is another favorite among folks living in the Twin Cities. It was founded in 1973 and is on its second generation of grape growers and winemakers. They have Jazz in the Vineyard every Sunday in the summers.
You have to try their Voyageur Red, which was voted Best Wine in MN by MN Monthly.
Four Daughter’s Vineyard and Winery
Spring Valley, MN
Four Daughter’s Vineyard and Winery has it all: Winery, Cidery, Bourbon Distillery, Restaurant, and Event Center. If you are visiting with a picky crowd, I think this would be your place!
It has one of the best atmospheres in the area, and you can let your kids roam free in the expansive vineyard.
Saint Croix Vineyards
Stillwater, MN
St. Croix Vineyards was founded in 1992 and are part of the O.G. MN winemaking crowd. The tasting room is located in a restored old red barn with views of the vineyard.
We recommend their Frontenac Gris, which one a Double Gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Read More: 27 Best Places to Visit in Winter in Minnesota
Garvin Heights Vineyard
Winona, MN
My brother went to Winona State University, and we always needed a fun place to stop on our visits. Garvin Heights Vineyards is the spot. It is located on a bluff above Winona with beautiful views of the surrounding area and excellent wines.
Indian Island Winery
Janesville, MN
Indian Island Winery is located minutes outside of Janesville, MN. They offer excellent wines, a top-notch restaurant, craft beer, and live music. What’s not to like?
Crow River Winery
Hutchinson, MN
Crow River Winery is located on the McBrady family farm in Hutchinson, MN, which is an hour west of the Twin Cities. They offer excellent wines and a bunch of fun events, including Sip & Snuggle with cuddly goats!
Parley Lake Winery
Waconia, MN
Parley Lake Winery is another great choice that is less than a half hour from the Twin Cities. The highlight for us is seeing one of our favorite local bands, G.B. Leighton!
Barn Quilt Red is an excellent choice!
7 Vines Vineyard
Dellwood, MN
7 Vines Vineyard is located on the east side of the Twin Cities. They have a beautiful tasting room that has an upscale feel. They produce a ton of wines from numerous grape varieties, both local and foreign.
Wild Mountain Winery
Taylors Falls, MN
Wild Mountain Winery is run by the Olson family outside of Taylors Falls, MN. The coolest part is that they offer on-site camping, both tent and an on-site glamping experience! They also offer live music and events, pizza and other food, and great wine.
Read More: 21 Incredible Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN
Winehaven Winery
Taylors Falls, MN
Winehaven Winery is an excellent family owned, sustainably farmed winery in the area. They specialize in unique grapes that were developed to thrive in Minnesota’s extreme climate.
Read More: 21 Incredible Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN
Rustic Roots Winery
Taylors Falls, MN
Rustic Roots Winery is another excellent winery in the area. They have an awesome outdoor seating area that overlooks their vineyard. Often there is live local music as well.
Read More: 21 Incredible Things to Do in Taylors Falls, MN
Round Lake Vineyards
Round Lake, MN
Round Lake Vineyards is located on the Minnesota-Iowa border in the western corner of the state. They have an amazing Bistro with a full menu, fun events, and a ton of unique wines from fun varietals like Petite Pearl, Sabrevois, King of the North, and Frontenac Blanc.
Morgan Creek Vineyards
New Ulm, MN
Morgan Creek Vineyards is located south of the Twin Cities in New Ulm, Minnesota. They offer great wine, tasting events, jazz night, and more. Their Christmas Candlelight Wine Tasting is truly unique and amazing during a snowy southern Minnesota winter.
Read More: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store – The Ultimate Guide
Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery
Stockholm, WI
So, not technically in Southern Minnesota, but it is close enough. Maiden Rock Winery is one of many amazing wineries just across the river in Wisconsin. They also offer cider made from fresh local apples.
Read More: 30 Exciting Things to Do in La Crosse, WI
Next Chapter Winery
New Prague, MN
Next Chapter Winery grew out of a dream that started with the owner’s engagement at a vineyard in Africa. Thirty-one years later, their own winery is producing amazing local wines.
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Salem Glen Winery
Rochester, MN
Salem Glen Winery is a family-owned and operated boutique winery specializing in small batch wine made from regional grapes. It was started on an old dairy farm in the Zumbro River valley outside of Rochester.
It is a great spot to test out wine made from cold-hardy MN grapes.
Read More: 20 Breathtaking State Parks Near Rochester, MN
Whitewater Wines
Plainview, MN
Whitewater Wines is located just outside of Whitewater State Park. I remember visiting that area on field trips back in elementary school!
They have a great patio overlooking their vineyard. There are also walking trails through the hardwoods and prairie that surround the farm.
Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards
Pepin, WI
Villa Bellezza is a Tuscan-inspired winery that is an amazing wedding and event center. It is arguably the most beautiful on this list. Enjoy great wine, a full restaurant, and amazing views.
They also offer tours, Italian cooking lessons, and so much more.
Read More: 12 Perfect Wineries Near Pepin, WI Worth Visiting
Lake Pepin Winery
Lake City, MN
Lake Pepin Winery is located outside of Lake City, MN. It is a smaller operation and does not have a website. The wine gets good reviews and could be a fun stop on a Great River Road Wine Trail tour.
Danzinger Vineyards
Alma, WI
Danzinger Vineyards is another Wisconsin winery on the Great River Road Wine Trail. They serve great wine, pizzas, charcuterie plates, beer, and cider.
Read More: 35 Exciting Things to Do With Kids in La Crosse, WI
Frisky Fox Vineyard and Winery
Riceville, IA
Frisky Fox Vineyard and Winery is the only vineyard in Iowa on our list. It is right across the border, so is close enough!
They decided to start the winery after a tornado struck the family farm back in 2011. The rest is history.
Vintage Escapes Winery & Vineyard
Kilkenny, MN
Vintage Escapes is a Veteran owned, family run winery in southern Minnesota. It sits on a beautiful location with stunning views of rolling hills and their vineyard. IN addition to wine, they also have cheese and charcuterie plates.
River View Vineyard and Winery
La Crescent, MN
River View Vineyard and Winery is located outside of La Crescent, MN at the top of the MIssissippi River bluffs. It has stunning views of the river below.
They do not serve food, however you are welcome to bring your own.
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery
Decorah, IA
Another Iowa mention. Winneshiek Wildberry Winery is located int he beautiful driftless area of Wisconsin. Enjoy wine with a full menu of pizzas, salads, and sandwich plates.
Three Oaks Winery
Albert Lea, MN
Three Oaks Winery is located just outside my hometown, Austin, MN. They have live music on Fridays during the summer and fun events like a Louisiana Shrimp Boil.
Carlos Creek Winery
Alexandria, MN
Carlos Creek Winery is an award-winning winery located in Alexandria, MN. They also have a brewery, wood-fired pizzas, and food truck.
Closed Wineries
Winemaking is a tough business. Below are some great vineyards and wineries that have closed and have been removed/excluded from this list.
- Aspelund Winery
- Falconer Vineyards
- Wild Oaks Ranch Vineyard & Winery
