What's Happening
To truly understand a vineyard, you have to taste its history.
In the wine world, a single summer’s weather leaves an indelible mark on every grape harvested. A hot, dry August creates deep concentration and bold tannins, while a cooler, rainier season yields bright acidity and delicate floral aromatics.
To truly understand a vineyard, you have to taste its history.
In the wine world, a single summer’s weather leaves an indelible mark on every grape harvested. A hot, dry August creates deep concentration and bold tannins, while a cooler, rainier season yields bright acidity and delicate floral aromatics.
Is there anything better than a Minnesota summer? We wait all year for these glorious, sun-drenched months, and we are absolutely not letting a single second go to waste. Whether you’re claiming your spot on the dock, watching the sunset over Lake Minnewaska from our tasting room patio, or sitting around a backyard fire pit until the fireflies pop out, you need the perfect local beverage in hand.
Forget the stuffy rules and the intimidating glass-swirling. Hot weather calls for “summer crushers”—wines that are crisp, refreshing, unapologetically fun, and pair perfectly with the casual, delicious chaos of Midwestern summer eating.
Grab your sunglasses and pack your cooler. Here are five of the best award-winning Minnesota wines from Rolling Forks Vineyards that you need to try this season:
At Rolling Forks Vineyards, we have always believed that the unique terroir of Minnesota can produce world-class wines. Today, we are incredibly proud to see that belief validated by one of the most discerning palates in the industry.
We are thrilled to announce a series of outstanding ratings from JamesSuckling.com for our latest releases. From our “plush” reserves to our “racy” whites, these scores represent a monumental milestone for our vineyard and our region.
Why the World is Seeing Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses
There is a common misconception that rosé wine is a modern invention, a “millennial” trend born out of Instagram aesthetics and summer pool parties. In reality, rosé is arguably the oldest type of wine in history. While the deep, dark reds we see today are the result of modern extraction techniques, the very first wines enjoyed by ancient civilizations were light, pale, and decidedly pink.
A wine auction house just sold a single bottle of wine for $812,500. For that price, we’re assuming it tastes like liquid gold, a choir of angels, and a debt-free life.
All jokes aside, this isn’t just a drink; it’s liquid history. The bottle in question—a 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)—recently shattered world records at an Acker auction, surpassing the previous record of $558,000. But what makes a single 750ml bottle worth the price of a luxury home?
It is a heavy, somber piece of viticultural history.
Move over, heavy roasts! This Easter, we’re celebrating with a bright, medium-bodied red blend. Learn why Lady of the Prairie is the versatile star your holiday table needs.
Move over Cabernet and Chardonnay. In the frost-covered vineyards of the American Midwest and beyond, a revolution is chilling. Meet the “iron-clad” grapes like La Crescent and Marquette that aren’t just surviving the northern winters—they are producing world-class, high-acid wines that are outperforming the classics in international competitions. Explore the bold aromatics and resilient spirit of the new northern frontier.
In the North, winter isn’t just a season to endure—it’s a season to embrace. From the dormant vines in our vineyard to the slow pour of a bold red by the fire, discover how “wintering” helps us find restoration in the cold.
The secret behind our award-winning wines lies in our passion for winemaking. Our skilled team is committed to harnessing the unique characteristics of Minnesota’s cold-climate grapes, crafting wines that truly embody the spirit of the region. The combination of traditional techniques and innovative practices ensures that each wine we produce is of the highest quality, offering a distinct flavor profile that sets us apart from other vineyards.
