Minnesota Viticulture

I know, this really has nothing to do with real estate. But in a way it does, so bear with me. :-)

Viticulture is defined as the "cultivation of the vine; grape growing." In Minnesota it typically has been very dificult to grow grapes that can survive the god awful winters that visit this state each year.

To make a short story long, the University of Minnesota in conjunction with the Minnesota Grapge Growers Assoc. developed some "new" grape varietals that have a much better ability to withstand the cold and snow. Today, grape growing is flourishing in Minnesota!

Anyways, I have an interest in wines and grape growing. Last year, I spent some time in North Carolina looking at a couple of vineyards that were for sale. My knowledge was minimal, my interest relatively small. This year, however, things have changed. My interest in growing grapes and the desire to exchange the office for clean air, no traffic and some dirt -- is very appealing.

To that end, Jen and I headed out to Morgan Creek Vineyards on Saturday. The day was splendid, if not hot! Boy where there a lot of those new beetles out and about, drove me crazy, along with those black, biting knats.

Morgan Creek is located in New Ulm. Basically just hop on 169 going South past Mankato, then go west on 68 about 15-20 miles. If you go into New Ulm you are too far, Morgan Creek Voneyard is about halfway between New Ulm and Mankato. There will be a sign, just take a left off 68 and it's about a mile down the road on your left.

The vineyard is on a 10 acre plot, it is really very quaint. Right now they have 3 acres of grapes planted. They offer a 45 minute tour and tasting. They have a nice tasting room and also an area outside with a firepit, in the event it's a bit chilly.

It's a small operation, but pretty busy and a great way to spend a nice fall afternoon. They contract with a neighbor who has a draft horse named Raleigh, a very amiable Belgian who pulls guests around the vineyard in a cart. That was very nice.

On a sidenote, the guy who has the horse and buggy also offers sleigh rides in the winter. Super, super nice guy, his name is Jim Sutherland and his phone is 507-947-3521. Give him a call if you and your sweetie want your own personal sleigh ride, he even whips up some apple cider and encourages you to bring your own whiskey or whatever you like! Not sure what he charges, I don't think he knows either...I'd probably give him $50 for a 45 minute ride or so...could be a very romantic night. Maybe get a hotel in Mankato or something to cap it off. :-)

Back to Morgan Creek Vineyards, I would suggest trying their Riesling, that's very good. The rest of the whites I was not very impressed with. Jen and I also bought a bottle of Ice Wine or Desert Wine. Ice wine is the perfect way to end a great evening with friends and desert. It's very sweet, and you only sip a small amount of it...but it gives you a great buzz and is a delightful end to the day.

Definitely head on out to Morgan Creek Vineyards, it's about a 100 miles, takes about 1.5 hours driving from Minneapolis, not too bad.

If Jen would ever post, we could all learn about her thoughts on the Morgan's Creek, but she's too busy.
Alrighty then....

Brent