August 25, 2025

Celebrate MN Wine Day with RFV This Labor Day Saturday!

This Labor Day weekend, we're uncorking bottles for a new annual tradition. This Saturday is *the* day to celebrate our state's thriving wine scene: MN Wine Day! It's a special holiday dedicated to the incredible people who pour their hearts into producing wine in this challenging but rewarding climate. We invite you to join us and raise a glass to the passionate wineries and vineyards producing exceptional wines right here. We’re not just celebrating wine; we’re celebrating a whole industry of small, family-owned businesses that have truly pioneered a craft.

Pioneering Our Craft: The Story of Cold-Climate Grapes

We at Rolling Forks Vineyards are proud to be part of a movement that is changing the face of viticulture. For decades, traditional winemakers considered Minnesota's harsh winters a complete barrier. They believed a true wine industry could never exist here. But instead of giving up, dedicated researchers at institutions like the University of Minnesota developed hardy new grape varieties. These grapes are specifically designed to thrive despite our unique northern climate. They cross-bred grapes to produce cold-climate superstars like Marquette, Frontenac, and La Crescent. These remarkable grapes give our wines complex and delicious flavors that compete with those from more traditional wine regions. The Marquette grape, for example, produces a dry red wine with notes of cherry and spice, while the La Crescent gives us a crisp, aromatic white. This innovation has truly opened up a world of possibilities for our industry, allowing us to produce wines that tell the unique story of our land.

Winning Awards, Earning Acclaim

The world is taking notice of our industry, and the accolades keep rolling in. Our Minnesota wines now consistently earn high marks from critics and collect prestigious awards at national and international competitions. This global recognition validates our hard work and proves that exceptional wines come from all corners of the world—even the ones that experience sub-zero temperatures. Rolling Forks Vineyards wines have consistently brought home medals from these contests, showcasing the quality and dedication in every bottle we produce. This consistent success isn't just a fluke; it proves that we have mastered the art and science of cold-climate winemaking. These awards tell our story, building confidence in new customers and giving loyal fans another reason to celebrate the quality of our wines.

Join Us for MN Wine Day!

MN Wine Day offers the perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. We invite you to support your local industry this Saturday of Labor Day weekend.

Here’s what you can enjoy at Rolling Forks Vineyards:

Enter to Win: When you buy four or more bottles, you can enter to win a gift pack of Rolling Forks Vineyards merchandise! We'll be giving away items like branded T-shirts, wine glasses, corkscrews, and other goodies to show our appreciation for your support.
Wine Club Special: We give Wine Club members 30% off two or more cases (mix and match!). Now is the time to stock up on your favorites and get a head start on your fall wine cellar.
Discounts for All: Whether you're a new visitor or a long-time supporter, you receive 5% off when you buy six or more bottles and 10% off when you buy a full case of twelve bottles.
Meet Our Winemaker: Join us for a tour at 12pm or 2 pm* with our very own Patricio, who will personally guide you through our vineyards and winemaking process. This is your chance to go behind the scenes and ask a real expert your most pressing wine questions. *The 2pm tour will be in English & Spanish
First Look: We're giving you a sneak peek at our Corn Maze soft opening! It's a great family-friendly activity that adds even more fun to your visit.