Grapes to Glass

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.

The Waska Wine Club holds the key to the vault. Many of our most anticipated and limited-quantity wines are first allocated to club members—meaning sometimes, the public never even sees them. When you join the club, you guarantee you are always the first to taste, the first to own.

Forget what you know about white wine extremes. In Minnesota, the chill of the Upper Midwest creates a third style: the beautifully bright and zesty cold-climate wine. We’re diving into the difference between buttery oaked Chardonnay and the crisp, high-acid superstars like La Crescent and Brianna that thrive right here at Rolling Forks Vineyards. Discover why our region is rewriting the white wine rulebook!

For many, Chardonnay is the gold standard of white wines. But if you’re looking to expand your palate and explore new and exciting flavors, it might be time to cheat on Chardonnay. We’re not talking about a fleeting affair—we’re talking about a committed relationship with a vibrant and charismatic alternative: La Crescent.

When you’re jotting down notes, try to list the most obvious flavors first. And don’t just say “apple” – is it a “crisp green apple” or a “baked apple pie” kind of apple? Adding those little descriptive words makes a big difference! And remember, these notes are for you, so don’t be shy about writing something that might sound a little quirky – it’s all about your personal experience!

How can a single cold-climate grape offer such a delightful spectrum of flavors? The answer lies in the art of winemaking and the specific conditions of the northern vineyards where these resilient grapes flourish.