May 19, 2026
Grape Escape 2026: Why June 6th belongs in your group chat right now
We’re going to ask you to do something very important right now. Take a deep, slow breath.
Do you smell that?
No, it’s not the pile of laundry waiting for you in the hallway, or the leftover coffee you forgot to finish this morning. It’s the crisp, unmistakable breeze coming off Lake Minnewaska. It’s the sweet, refreshing scent of a Ruby Rhubarb Wine Slushy. It is the official, long-awaited arrival of Minnesota summer.
If your group chat has been filled with endless logistics, sighs of exhaustion, or screenshots of gorgeous lake days, consider this your official, high-priority notification: You need an escape.
On Saturday, June 6, it’s time to text the crew, dust off your favorite sunglasses, and set your GPS to Rolling Forks Vineyards for our annual summer kick-off festival: The Grape Escape!
Your Perfect Saturday, Sorted
Whether you're making the scenic drive up from the Twin Cities, cruising down from Fargo, or looking for the perfect excuse to sneak away from Willmar, Glenwood is the place to be. Here is a sneak peek at what we’ve got planned to help you kick off the season in style:
🛍️ The Summer Artisan Fair
Ready to refresh your home decor? We’re hosting a hand-selected collection of local makers and artisans right here on-site. Browse unique, handmade items, find the perfect lake-house accent piece, or treat yourself to beautiful custom jewelry.
🍷 Stock the Cabin Wine Sales
A lake weekend is only as good as your cellar supply. We will be running exclusive, festival-only wine sales all day long so you can load up your trunk with award-winning local bottles, crisp rosés, and refreshing summer blends to keep your cooler stocked all season.
🎵 All-Day Live Music on the Patio
Is there anything better than live music, a lake view, and a glass of wine in hand? We don't think so. Sit back and relax on our expansive patio as local artists set the soundtrack for the perfect summer afternoon and evening.
The Premium Experience: "North Meets South" Guided Tasting
Looking to elevate your festival day? Don't miss this exclusive upgrade! Our head winemaker, Patricio Aravena, is hosting an immersive, side-by-side tasting comparing the bold, cold-climate grapes of Minnesota with the rich, sun-soaked varietals of his Chilean homeland.
Your ticket includes a walk through the vines, a flight of 8 curated wines, a signature Pisco Sour cocktail, and authentic Chilean-inspired light bites (like traditional empanadas and fresh walleye/salmon ceviche!).
Note: Tickets for this guided tasting are limited!
Secure Your Tasting Tickets Here
The Tipsy Trot Costume Fun Run (Free!)
Ready for a little lighthearted silliness? At 3:00 PM, tie up your running shoes (or your costume lace-ups) for The Tipsy Trot! This is our completely free, notoriously fun costume run around the winery grounds. Whether you want to sprint, jog, walk, or skip in your finest, funniest attire, all are welcome. There’s no pressure—just plenty of laughs, great company, and a well-deserved glass of wine waiting for you at the finish line!
🎈 Family Fun: And So Much More!
The Grape Escape is a celebration for everyone—including the kids! We have put together a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities to keep the little ones (and the young at heart) smiling all day. Challenge your friends to a round of giant lawn games, send the kids on an estate-wide vineyard scavenger hunt, or stop by our face painting booth to add some colorful festival flair to your afternoon.
The Details At-A-Glance
- When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 (All Day!)
- Where: Rolling Forks Vineyards (21505 Selnes Road, Glenwood, MN)
- Cost: FREE general admission to the festival grounds, live music, and artisan market! Special ticketed tasting experience is additional.
How to Plan Your Trip
- Send the Text: Copy the link to this post, drop it in your group chat, and say: "We are doing this on June 6th. No excuses!"
- Snag Your Tasting Tickets: If you want to do the guided winery tour and tasting with Patricio, lock in your spots early.
- Pack the Essentials: Bring a light jacket for the evening patio breeze, a camera to capture the gorgeous views of Lake Minnewaska, and plenty of trunk space for your wine haul.
The wine is already chilling, the views are spectacular, and your chair on the patio is waiting. See you at the lake!
Want to add this straight to your schedule? Click here to view the official Grape Escape 2026 Event Page and add it to your calendar!
