October 23, 2025
A Retrospective of Rolling Forks’ Best New Wines Released from Central Minnesota
We're excited to look back on a remarkable period at Rolling Forks Vineyards, reviewing the bold new releases and standout vintages that have graced our portfolio over the past couple of years. This period has been defined by unprecedented success in major competitions and a continued commitment to showcasing the extraordinary potential of our cold-hardy Minnesota grapes, confirming why we're considered one of the best central Minnesota vineyards.
As one of the premier central Minnesota wineries, we've proven we produce some of the best Mn wine, and we invite you to experience the best wine tasting Minnesota has to offer right here in Pope County.
Sparkling Wine Success
The past two years have been a celebration of effervescence, led by our first foray in sparkling wines with the release of two highly-praised sparkling rosés and a brut-style white. First up was Love Struck, a sparkling rosé that captured hearts with its harmonious blend of cold-hardy varietals. Weaving together notes of ripe raspberries, delicate rose petals, and a whisper of citrus, Love Struck earned the coveted Best of Show award at the Minnesota Food & Wine show, establishing it as a benchmark for local sparkling quality.
Our portfolio's first brut-style white sparkling wine, Levity, also joined the lineup, offering a crisp, refreshing, and dry experience. Perfect for mimosas or simply toasting a celebration, Levity showcases a fine balance of acidity, fruitiness, and effervescence with approachable notes of green apple and citrus. Perfect for mimosas, you can find this delight on tap at Fox Hole Brewing in Wilmar, MN.
Kicking off the holiday season was the introduction of the Merry Berry Rosé in late 2024. This stunning sparkling wine quickly became a festive favorite, known for its beautiful blush hue and delightful hints of strawberry, rose, and melon. Proving it was more than just a seasonal treat, Merry Berry went on to secure a Gold medal in the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Premiers and Triumphs in the White Wine Selection
Our white wine program achieved remarkable recognition this year, anchored by the 2023 vintage of Allegro. This off-dry Brianna wine, part of our Symphony series, was born from the unique challenges of a late summer hailstorm. Our vintners seized the opportunity presented by the early harvest's lower sugar and higher acidity to craft a crisp, refreshing profile with notes of tropical fruit, melon, and green apple. The result was nothing short of spectacular: Allegro was hailed as "Excellent" with a 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast and captured a Double Gold and Best of Class award at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition (ICCWC).
Adding to the excitement, we also released the new 2024 vintages of two new favorites: Lady Slipper and Lady of the Lake who both premiered with the 2023 vintage. The latest Lady Slipper continued its winning streak, securing a Double Gold medal. Known for its off-sweet character and buoyantly ripe flavors of peach, apricot, and honey, it remains a vibrant expression of the La Crescent grape. The new Lady of the Lake is a sweet wine that rounds out our offering with floral and fruity notes.
A Milestone Release: The '5' Commemorative Anniversary Blend
A truly special moment was the exclusive July 2025 release of 5, a small-batch creation marking our five wonderful years of crafting and sharing fine Minnesota wines. This collector’s edition is a clear demonstration of our journey, encased in a sophisticated matte black printed bottle.
The blend is predominantly Marquette, offering expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, wild berries, and subtle cocoa. On the palate, the Marquette’s signature dark fruit character—blackberry, plum, and currant—is perfectly balanced by the structure and smooth tannins contributed by Petite Pearl. The profile is rounded out by a gentle thread of earthiness and vanilla through the mid-palate, adding warmth and complexity. With fresh, integrated acidity and a persistent finish echoing dark cherry, clove, and a whisper of smokiness, 5 is a definitive taste of our history.
Still Rosés and Red Wine Innovation
This year also brought significant accolades to our still rosés and reds. The 2023 Delicato, a dry, oaked rosé that completes our renowned Symphony Series, achieved Double Gold and Best of Class honors. This sophisticated release was actually inspired by one of our team members, who, having lived in California during the great rosé revival, craved a drier, more structured Minnesota rosé. Her curiosity about how time in oak would affect our 2023 rosé blend proved prophetic, as the subsequent awards confirm her exquisite palate. Delicato provides a rich yet refreshing counterpoint with its complex notes of ripe raspberry and delicate florals.
In our growing red portfolio, the 2025 release of Lady of the Prairie added a distinctive and compelling blend to our lineup. This medium-bodied dry wine captivates the palate with its vibrant freshness and enticing fruit-forward profile, presenting a delightful medley of black and red fruits, including juicy blackberries, ripe plum, and subtle hints of cherries. It’s a unique red, harmonizing the structured acidity of Marquette and the plush mouthfeel of Petite Pearl, with an unexpected touch of La Crescent lending a bright, aromatic lift. The smooth tannins and harmonious balance make it a perfect companion for everything from grilled salmon to weeknight pasta.
From the vineyard challenges that shaped the Allegro to the joyous complexity of Love Struck, the curious creativity that led to Delicato, and the milestone release of 5, the past couple of years have emphatically demonstrated the resilience and superb quality of Minnesota wine. The culmination of these past two vintages represents more than just a collection of medals; it tells a profound story of dedication, creativity, and the rising excellence of our region's terroir. Our team has consistently pushed the boundaries of cold-hardy varietals, proving that world-class wines are indeed born right here in Pope County.
Looking Ahead: A Promise from the Barrel & Tank
But the innovation doesn't stop here! We still have one final new release planned for the close of 2025—something so special and rich we believe will surprise and delight our members before the calendar turns. Furthermore, an exceptional reserve vintage is currently resting and gracefully aging in the bottle, scheduled for a grand release sometime in 2026.
The cellar is already holding incredible promise for the near future. Our production area is currently buzzing with activity: we have over 60 barrels patiently holding wine, port, and brandy that are destined to become your next favorite vintage. Beyond the barrels, our tanks are filled with the exciting results of the 2025 harvest. This patient process of winemaking underscores our belief that the finest flavors take time, and these wines are set to continue defining the excellence of Rolling Forks Vineyards. We look forward to many more years of sharing these exceptional wines—and the stories behind them—with you.
Cheers to a fantastic line-up of new releases and exciting things to come!
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